On Wednesday 20 May 2026, cyclists across six continents will clip in and ride — not for time, not for podiums, but for those who never made it home. The annual Ride of Silence, now in its 24th year, takes place every third Wednesday of May and remains one of cycling’s most powerful civic traditions.
The event spans 239 locations worldwide across 40 states, 16 countries and six continents.
Founded in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, following the death of cyclist Larry Schwartz, the ride has grown from a local memorial into a global statement. Riders move at a slow pace and remain silent throughout, honouring those injured or killed on public roadways and reminding motorists that cyclists have a legal right to share the road.
Nowhere will this year’s ride carry more weight than in Nolensville, Tennessee, where participants will pedal 12 miles in memory of local racer Blaise Schaeffer. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday 10 December 2025, a blue Honda Civic struck Schaeffer, 31, as he rode northbound on Nolensville Pike just south of Burkitt Road. He was transported to TriStar Nolensville, where he was declared dead. The driver fled on foot after the car became disabled nearby.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has since added suspect Allen Bautista Milla to its Most Wanted list. Milla is wanted for vehicular homicide by reckless conduct, false imprisonment, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and failure to render aid. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Nashville Police at 615-862-8600 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. As of publication, Milla remains at large.
Schaeffer had achieved a personal milestone the day before his death, completing a goal of cycling 12,000 miles. A veteran road racer who competed in more than 100 events, including the Tour of the Gila and Tour of North Georgia, he was remembered by teammates and coaches as someone who brought energy, humour and warmth to everyone around him.
The Nolensville ride will cover exactly 12 miles — one for each thousand Blaise logged — at a maximum pace of 12 mph, with helmets required and riders maintaining complete silence. Red armbands will be worn by cyclists who have themselves been struck while riding; black armbands by those riding in memory of someone lost.
To find a Ride of Silence near you, visit rideofsilence.org.
Photo Credit: provided
© 2026 Copyright Gran Fondo Daily News – All Rights Reserved