This is a tough post to write.

Last night we lost a brother. Dr. Edwin Hudson passed away after crashing during a group ride. It’s a shocking, unthinkable, and frankly, a baffling tragedy.

Dr. Ed was riding with a large, organized group on a particularly fast section of the course. For whatever reason, there was an accident within the peleton. These things happen from time to time, although usually the worst of it is a broken collar bone. Ed was not so fortunate. He and another rider went down. He suffered severe head trauma, and passed a short while later in the hospital.

This morning I consoled an eyewitness at the scene, who described the incident in graphic detail, fighting to keep the tears at bay. I will not repeat those details out of respect for the family. Rest assured, it was a horrific accident.

Ed and I never met in person, but we were connected in a lot of ways. He was a member of the Haute Route team, recruited by his good friend and co-worker, Chris. He had not been riding for some time, yet decided to register for the event just to give himself motivation to get back on the bike. That’s the kind of attitude I love. What else can motivate you more than the highest and perhaps toughest cyclosportive in the world?

My injuries prevented me from continuing with the Haute Route team, but the Vicious Cycle members will ride in Ed’s memory. I will be following closely, rooting for them along the way, hoping that they will be able to celebrate the spirit of Ed when they reach the French coast.

This incident hurts in another way, as it took place on the Tri-City ride — my favorite group ride in the Columbia area. I am usually there religiously every Tuesday and Thursday, and have blogged about it before. To me, this ride is pure fun. We get outside with friends, stretch our legs, challenge each other, and most importantly, we talk and socialize. We have a true sense of community. It is devastating that something like this can happen during what is normally a source of great pleasure for many of us.

I cannot express enough my condolences to Dr. Hudson’s friends and family. The same goes to our local cycling community, and those who participated in the ride that encountered this horrific tragedy directly.

Please be careful out there. This is a dangerous sport. We need to be attentive when riding at high speeds, especially when working with a large group.

Dr. Hudson, rest in peace. You will be missed.