Ignacio Viana was an 81-old cyclist who went missing on Sept 17, 2021, after going out for his usual 50 km bike ride. The family was desperate to find him, establishing a Facebook page when there wasn’t immediate attention paid in the media. Unfortunately, his body was found on Sept 23 by another cyclist on Lower Base Line Rd in Milton. Today, ARC installed a ghost bike in his memory.
The ride started at the Oakville GO station. Here Joey is talking to members of the family. We also had a brief chat with the person who came across the body. She said that it was helpful that the media mentioned that he was wearing a bright orange jersey.
Geoffrey talking to the CBC.
The usual suspects were joined by Sarah, a cyclist from the area who had been in touch with the family.
Here we go.
Riding up Sixth line, just north of the underpass under the QEW.
Geoffrey took this much better picture which I am stealing from Facebook.
Riding north, we see the steady march of more and more development. McMansions spaced very close together, and not a tree in sight.
Arriving at the intersection of Sixth Line and Lower Base Line.
We decide to install the ghost bike close to the actual crash site, a little east of the intersection.
You can see from where Joey is standing that the ditch by the side of the road is surprisingly deep.
Ignacio’s niece Nancy inscribing the sign.
Calling for a minute of silence in Ignacio’s memory.
Nancy making a statement to the CBC. She said that everyone called her uncle superman as he was phenomenally active, having a morning routine of walking the dog and then going for a 50K bike ride.
Decorating the bike. This is the first time I can recall that friends and family had the foresight to bring plastic flowers.
Mission accomplished.
Deepest condolences to Ignacio’s family and friends. He was obviously well loved and respected. He was also a sterling member of the cycling community.
A go fund me page has been established to help the family defray funeral expenses.
Updates:
Joey’s pictures
It was a privilege to ride with you three and the ghost bike. Thank you for doing what you do.
thanks for riding along, Sarah!