Riders Honor Alex Pretti with Fat Bike Event in Hayward

Approximately 40 fat bike enthusiasts gathered on Saturday, January 31, 2024, in Hayward, Wisconsin, to honor the memory of fellow cyclist Alex Pretti. Pretti, aged 37, was tragically shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24. The event in Hayward was one of several held across Wisconsin and part of a broader movement throughout the United States to commemorate Pretti and advocate for community unity.

Organizer Ian Fitch, who owns Whistlepunk Coffee Shop in Stone Lake, noted that the gathering was inspired by the Angry Catfish Bicycle shop in Minneapolis, where Pretti was a regular. Fitch emphasized the role of biking in fostering community connections, stating, “This is what biking is very good at doing, bringing people together of all different types.” He highlighted the importance of such gatherings in the current climate, where people seek common ground.

Among the attendees was David Schlabowske, a former president of the Wisconsin Bike Fed, who expressed his concerns regarding national immigration enforcement practices. “I’m here because I want to protest how immigration enforcement is being handled across the country and specifically in Minneapolis,” Schlabowske explained. He reflected on the impact of Pretti’s death on his friends, particularly one who had shared a deep bond with Pretti since college.

Attendees shared a collective concern about the violence and governmental actions they perceive as unjust. Susan Bauer, a nurse from Hayward, articulated her dismay over the recent killings, stating, “I never thought I would ever see this kind of action of our own government, hurting and murdering our own people.” She emphasized the importance of standing up against what she described as governmental overreach.

Many participants also expressed their solidarity with Pretti’s legacy as a dedicated nurse at the Veterans Administration hospital in Minneapolis. Ann Pollock, a winter resident of Hayward, pointed out her personal connections to the issues at hand. She recounted a story of a family member with legal immigration status who was detained, raising questions about government practices that can lead to unnecessary suffering. “It’s just wrong what the government is doing,” she said, highlighting the need for compassionate governance.

The emotional weight of the gathering resonated with participants, including Linda Shydlowski, who had recently joined a large protest in Minneapolis. “It was devastating. Horrific,” she said, reflecting on the events surrounding Pretti’s death. Shydlowski noted the powerful sense of community at the memorial site and the shared grief among attendees, regardless of their personal connections to Pretti.

Witnessing the outpouring of support, Shydlowski remarked, “It’s hard to know, really, what a group ride really accomplishes in light of everything going on. It’s such a small thing. But I think it’s powerful for people to come together and bear witness to what’s happened and ride with some hope, too, for things to get better.”

The fat bike ride served not only as a tribute to Alex Pretti but also as a platform for participants to voice their concerns about broader societal issues. Each rider pedaled not just in memory of a friend but in solidarity against the backdrop of violence and divisive policies, making a statement through their collective action.