Bike in Philly

Photo from Philadelphia’s annual Ride of Silence

Philadelphia’s bicycling community learned the tragic news that young cyclist Samuel Ozer had passed away on Sunday, June 21st. Though just 17, he left a strong legacy and will be remembered as the “outstanding young man he had become” by his cycling coach Anne Rock, his friends, work colleagues, and family.

Sam’s grandfather and father were founding members of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia.

Having just graduated from AIM Academy, he was the captain of the school’s Mountain Biking Team this past year and a volunteer at the Scenic Schuylkill Century for the past two years.  He also worked at the Trek store in Manayunk.

According to his mom, he had an amazing life highlighted by this capstone year. Sam graduated from AIM Academy, a school for bright kids with dyslexia and other processing issues. “When Samuel entered AIM in the second grade he didn’t know the sounds of all of his letters,” she said. “AIM changed the trajectory of his life. Co-captain of the school’s mt. bike team and on his robotics’ drive team, Sam also had a passion for fresh powder ski touring. Sam had become strong, balanced, and an excellent team player, undaunted by challenges and noted for his grit.”

There will be a ride in Sam’s honor on Tuesday, June 23 at 6pm. See below for details.

Bike in Philly

Samuel Ozer on a recent mountain biking trip

SILENT SLOW ROLL RIDE 
Samuel Ozer
Tuesday, June 23
Gather at 5:45pm / Roll at 6:00pm
Meet at Cadence, 3740 Main St (next to movie theatre)
We will ride out and back on MLK drive
Contact Anne Rock for more information arock@aimpa.org

IMPORTANT: COVID-19 Precautions/Safety Measures in Effect:
KEEP AWAY
Symptomatic? Stay away and send your love via social media.
KEEP IT CHILL
Our pace will be snail like. This is not the ride to “send it.”
KEEP COVERED
It they ask, wear a mask. When gathered before the ride, please wear a mask. Up to you in your group of 10 if you want to wear it while riding.
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF
Be prepared! Please use your own equipment. Do not share pumps, tubes, water, snacks with others. This ride is self-supported so make sure your bike is in good condition and working order.
KEEP IT SMALL
We will stay in groups of 10 and remain as separate as can be.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Bring hand sanitizer, wipes and avoid touching your face.
KEEP IT QUIET
Once the ride begins, keep it quiet. This ride is a time for silent contemplation in the company of others who loved Sam. We can talk and remember Sam at the end when we regroup at Cadence.

Sam’s family has told us there will be a graveside funeral for immediate family on  Wednesday June 24th, 10am at Har Yehuda Cemetery, 8400 Lansdowne Avenue Upper Darby, PA 19082

Funeral will be broadcast live at this link. 

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