events: 06/06/2009
6 Jun 2009 Durham, NC
Cyclists Celebrate Clive Sweeney with Memorial Ride“I think of myself as a bicyclist. I almost always ride alone. I ride hard and feel good about it afterwards.”
-Clive Sweeney, May 19, 2008
The first line of his last blog post says it best: Clive Sweeney was intensely passionate about cycling.
And although he could not make it physically, the Canadian-born Sweeney rode the American Tobacco Trail in spirit this past Saturday, June 6.
In addition, 115 friends and fellow cyclists – 35 more than expected – hopped on their bikes as well for the Ride for Clive – a memorial bike ride honoring Sweeney, a flash programmer at McKinney who was tragically killed in a cycling accident one year ago.
“It was a goose-bump moment to see a row of cyclists standing in a line from the Durham Bull’s Ballpark up the street to the East Parking deck,” chief operating officer Joni Madison said. “I have to say that in that moment, the world felt smaller, more thoughtful and it was so nice.”
The 12-mile stint on Durham’s American Tobacco Trail would have been a breeze to Sweeney, 59, an avid cycler who often logged over 40 miles daily. Even still, all 115 participants completed the ride safely, although some were more weary than others.
As a final send-off, each rider honored Sweeney by placing a single flower blossom over a chalk outline in the shape of a bicycle. The final product was a tangible echo of the design found on flyers and posters for the event, created by art director John Hagerty.
“We wanted to end the ride with a fitting tribute to Clive,” studio manager Wade Lewis said. “Clive was never flashy, but he appreciated simplicity and beauty. And the image of a bicycle composed of flowers seemed to strike the perfect closing note.”
One theme was additionally true throughout – every rider, young and old, pushed him or herself, emulating Sweeney’s characteristic verve for intense physical rigor.
“He was one of the most dedicated exercise enthusiasts I’ve seen,” senior account planner Walt Barron said in a blog post. “I always saw him at the gym – not chatting or staring at the TV (as I’m want to do), but pushing himself.”
The free event, coordinated by McKinney, included a Web site (www.rideforclive.com) where participants and volunteers were updated on details of the ride. Friends and loved ones also maintained a blog (www.clivesweeney.com) dedicated to “Clivers,” decorated with photos, remembrances and anecdotes ranging from Sweeney’s sweet tooth, to his quirky ringtone of “Hockey Night in Canada,” to a running dialog of his tweets.
Those who could not participate in the ride were asked to honor Sweeney by simply remembering bike safety tips, posted on the Web sites created in his memory.
However , the Ride for Clive is not the only way Sweeney’s memory is being preserved.
Friends and bike safety advocates succeeded in persuading Orange County to erect multiple “share the road” signs on Pleasant Green Road where Sweeney’s accident occurred. Additionally, efforts are still being made to create bike lanes near the crash site. Further, funds initially collected for the signs are now being transferred to a college fund for Sweeney’s grandson, Clarke Adams.
To remember Clive or to participate in the dialogue on bike safety, please visit www.rideforclive.com or www.clivesweeney.com for more information.
