(Photos © J. Maus)
An estimated 150 people showed up to Peninsula Park Saturday morning to show their support for Mark Bosworth, the Metro employee and northeast Portland resident who went missing from a Cycle Oregon campsite in Riddle on September 16th.
At the ride this morning were Mark’s wife and two daughters, along with many friends, co-workers, and others in the community who have followed his search. The ride is just one small part of a vast search effort that has reached from coast to coast in recent days.
The mood at the ride was subdued, but not melancholy. There were lots of hugs being given. Julie and Kelly Bosworth gave several interviews to the media and their faces alternated between smiles and tears.
Mark has been missing for 15 days and his medical condition is very urgent. Despite a growing urgency to find him, there is still a sense that he could turn up any day now. The strategy is simple. Spread the word to as many people as possible as fast as possible.
With that goal in mind, many of the riders taped the missing person flyer onto their backs, which created 100 rolling mini-billboards along the route.
Before the riders rolled out on the 9 mile loop, Julie Bosworth shared a few words from the gazebo overlooking the Peninsula Park rose garden. Mark introduced her to the park, she shared, saying that she’d never even heard of it before Mark brought her here on a bike ride. She also thanked everyone for their support and said Mark would be, “Happy that we are all here.”
Below are a few more photos from the event:
I just cried when I read the story on Mark and the situation on another site and about how they were to be celebrating their anniversary in London this week. I pray God will let Mark be found soon and that he will be just fine. Julie, you hang in there. I’m praying God gives you peace ‘that passeth all understanding’ at this awful time and the love and help of many friends, which you’ve obviously got. Much love, L
I pray everyday for all of you.
Love forever, Kelly Melnick