At 7.45am outside Dickson Pool, there was only a small group of cyclists gathered. But within minutes, the scene changed drastically as riders kept rolling in. Soon, there were hundreds.
The turnout was a testimony to an outpouring of support from the Canberra cycling community, who gathered on a misty Saturday morning to ride in tribute to fellow cyclists Bridie Lee, 32, and Ryan Riethmuller, 39. Both tragically died following a crash on Gungahlin Drive on August 27.
Led by ACT Policing, the nearly 300-strong peloton set off through Dickson towards Black Mountain Peninsula.
Canberrans lined the streets to applaud the cyclists on the memorial ride, which was organised by the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club, where Ms Lee and Mr Riethmuller were long-time members.
Noah, Mr Riethmuller's 10-year-old son, rode alongside the peloton for the duration of the 8-kilometre route in a touching tribute to his father and Ms Lee.
Family members of both the cyclists were at Black Mountain Peninsula to welcome the group as they completed the ride.
Bilbys coordinator Joe Walshe said the support from the cycling scene and the broader Canberra community "had made such a big difference".
"Thank you for coming into our lives," Mr Walshe said during a public address.
"Both of them had a massive impact on us."
Kaleen couple Tom Sloan and Hayley Achurch took part in the ride with their 14-month-old son, Lucas, riding in a child seat for his very first cycling trip.
"Ryan and Bridie were beautiful people," Mr Sloan said, remembering Mr Riethmuller's generous nature.
"I knew Ryan really well and he was such an amazing guy. There's a cafe near our home where he used to casually help the owner with his accounts."
The day also marked Ryan Riethmuller's birthday. He would have turned 40.
