Hey Everyone,

Last week we did a story about a lady who's husband was hit and killed while riding his bicycle.  She was working hard to get some legislation, etc, passed.  Then on Thursday we did a story on the rules of the road for bikers as many people are turning from four wheels to two in this time of high gas prices.

That makes twice in a period of just a couple of weeks that I've been reminded of a subject near and dear to my heart.  So I wanted to write today and ask each and everyone of you to really take those stories and the tips we brought you to heart ... bikers and motorists alike. 

My grandfather was in his early 80's and had probably had a healthier heart than me!! He retired in the 80's from TVA to take on a new career ... golfing five days a week, haha!!  He hardly became lazy in his retirement years, he walked instead of taking a golf cart 9 times out of 10 when he played a round or two of golf each day and rode his bike for fun.  He enjoyed being outside and he was certainly in exceptional shape for his age.  We lost my grandfather a few years ago .. but it's the way he died that really makes my heart break .. because he died while doing one of those things he loved so much ... riding his bike.

In 2005 my papaw was at his winter hide-a-way in Florida with my grandmother.  They had gone to Florida from October till March for as long as I can remember.  My grandmother hates the cold and that gave him the opportunity to get outside year round.  One "winter" afternoon  ... he left for his second bike ride of the day ... but never returned home. He was hit by a motorist while riding his bike. He was flown to the nearest trauma hospital and spent a couple of weeks there, however, in the end we lost him due to his extensive injuries.

Every time I see a biker I think of him.  I hope that maybe if you have never taken biking safety seriously (as a biker or a motorist) that you maybe take a little time to learn the rules of the road.  Bikers, you have to do your part to make sure we take better care of you.  I can't tell you  how many times I see people riding, oblivious to the cars passing by.  Many darting out in front of you, not riding on the correct side of the road, riding in areas where they could easily be hit.  Then motorists oftentimes forget  that bikers have rights to the roads as well .. so we must always keep our eyes open.  So just take a few moments and educate yourself on what to do.

Monday would have been my papaws birthday.  I miss him dearly.  By the way ... the title of my blog ... Papaw "Cloud" .... that is what I called my Papaw McCloud when I was little ....   speaking of .... this is a picture of us when I was probably about 2 or 3 :)

 RIP Papaw "Cloud" :)

Have a safe weekend everyone ..
Stacy :)