Captain was killed in hit-run accident
By Michael StetzUNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
August 28, 2005
It was no joy ride. It was a ride to remember Patrick Klokow, the bicyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday morning.
More than 100 riders took part in the ceremonial ride yesterday, and they were trying to burn off their anger and sorrow.
Those were the two most prevalent emotions.
Klokow was 29. He was a Marine. And he was an Iraq war veteran.
"He could survive Iraq, but he couldn't survive San Diego traffic," said Cassandra Killion, noting the tragic irony. "This guy spent time under fire and someone hit him and left him to die."
The bicyclists rode from Encinitas to Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Klokow was killed near the base as he was riding on Kearny Villa Road, near the state Route 163 ramp.
Police arrested Jose Luis Cifuentes, 58, later in the week in connection with Klokow's death.
The biking community is close-knit, said riders. When they heard the news, they were stunned.
"It hits close to home. It touches you. I got this sinking feeling," said Harold Katkov, a member of the Swami's Cycling Club.
It was that group and Tri Club San Diego that organized the memorial ride. Klokow was a triathlete and belonged to the Tri Club.
Klokow's wife is a Marine (helicopter pilot) as well and another hearty athlete.
"It's heart-wrenching. They were one brave couple. They're a super couple," said Sumi Gross. She was busy snipping red ribbon into little pieces for riders to wear.
Klokow, of Santa Clara, was a captain and was stationed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot as the commanding officer of the instructional training company.
A Naval Academy graduate, he served in Kuwait from January through March 2003 and was then sent to Iraq, where he served until July 2003.
"Everybody's upset," said Robert "Doc" Burke, of La Jolla, a member of the Tri Club who had ridden with Klokow.
"He was a nice guy. A nice guy minding his own business."
Most bicyclists interviewed said the streets are hardly safe for bike riders these days. Traffic is worsening and many motorists are unwilling to share the road.
Most said they have had close calls.
Phil Paris, a Tri Club member, had spent Friday evening hanging out with friends who are surfers. They do dangerous stuff, he noted.
"And they all think I'm the crazy one because I ride a bike five days a week," he said.