Spike Toler before the Coqui Cyclery opening in April.

Last Wednesday a devoted member of the Richmond cycling community passed away unexpectedly. If you’ve ridden the trails or the roads in Richmond over the past decade, chances are you ran into Spike Toler even if you didn’t know her personally. More recently she and business partner Clint Kronenberger opened Coqui Cyclery on Semmes Avenue near Forest Hill Park and Crossroads Coffee on the South Side.

I didn’t know Spike well, but, as a fellow cyclist, I’d certainly spoken with her often, seen her around and shot the bull with her at Coqui. My encounters were nothing but pleasant ones. It’s a terribly helpless feeling when someone you know dies, and nothing you do will bring them back. But on Wednesday, anyone who’s interested can ride in Spike’s honor. Here are the details from local cyclist Woody Elliott:

Ride for Spike! Wed Oct 17.
For any and all that want to join in a cool ride around the JRPS. Jump in where you want…
5:30 leave from Coqui. Then we continue on to Reedy Creek by 6:00. Continue down Buttermilk to arrive at Tredegar at 6:30. Then on up North Trail to Pumphouse parking lot by 7. Finish at Crossroads and hang out.