Benefit Ride for Injured Cyclist, Friday 11/23

Mark Ortiz is a local auto racing engineer and hard-core bicyclist whose 2007 cycling goal was 10,000 miles. Mark was cut down 15 miles from that goal on Nov. 6 in Harrisburg when a hit-and-run driver left him lying beside the road with 4 broken ribs, 3 broken vertebrae, and a broken pelvis. He survived only because a passerby happend to find him and got him to the hospital.

Needless to say, Mark will have a tough time recovering — without even thinking of the medical bills. His friends have organized a fundraiser ride out of Concord on Friday, Nov. 23 at 10 AM. Please come and give Mark a hand with those last 15 miles and a pile of medical bills!

Mark's name may ring a bell. He was a progressive peace candidate in the 2006 Democratic Primary for Robin Hayes' 8th District seat in Congress. Mark lost the primary to Larry Kissel, but Larry will be riding on Friday for Mark. Whatever your politics, this hard-working, hard-riding guy needs your help, too.