Cyclists urged to #RideForWade on Wednesday

An Ankeny bike shop is urging central Iowa cyclists to gather for their own memorial rides Wednesday night to remember Gregary “Wade” Franck, a biker who died after a driver crashed into him Sunday.

Franck, 41, who went by his middle name, was a sales manager at Kyle’s Bikes. The shop hosts a regular Wednesday ride from its Ankeny shop at 5:30 p.m.

A post on the shop’s Facebook page said many people planned to attend the ride in Franck’s honor. But the shop is asking riders to organize their own ventures instead for safety reasons.

“We know that many of you want to come ride tomorrow in honor of Wade,” the Tuesday post said. “We feel that love. However, we want everyone to be safe and we cannot keep a crowd that large safe on the roads and trails near the store. We ask at this time everyone please organize smaller rides Wednesday night. Take your favorite route. Take photos and please post them on this thread.”

West Des Moines’ Rasmussen Bike Shop, 301 Grand Ave., announced it would hold a “Ride for Wade” at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Riders are being encouraged to share their own photos and memories on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #RideForWade.

Police say Franck was hit in Des Moines while on the Urban Assault Ride on Sunday by Jonathan Leyva Rodriguez, 31, of Urbandale. Franck died from his injuries on Tuesday.

Rodriguez has been charged with homicide by operating while intoxicated, homicide by reckless driving, failure to render aid resulting in death, as well as operating while intoxicated.