Cyclist perishes in charity bike race

A bike rider died this morning of a head injury in the Levi’s GranFondo charity bike race in Sonoma County, officials with the California Highway Patrol and Sonoma County coroner’s office said.

Edward Lund, 54, of Fresno died at about 10:40 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve on King Ridge Road in unincorporated Sonoma County, north of Cazadero, CHP officials and coroner’s officials said.

Lund was traveling on a steep grade on King Ridge Road near the Hauser Bridge over the Gualala River at about 35 mph, CHP officials said.

As he took the curve, he left the road’s north side, struck a temporary sign, left the bike and landed in a dry creek, according to CHP officials.

Timber Cove Fire Department medics immediately rendered aid and an ambulance arrived in minutes, but Lund succumbed to his injury, CHP officials said.

Lund was wearing a bike helmet, according to CHP officials.

By all indications, no other riders interfered with Lund and authorities do not suspect foul play, coroner’s officials said.