SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- It was a support system of cyclists outside a local bike shop Wednesday. More than 50 riders gathered to remember Natalia Hogan.

"She had a really, really great, fun spirit," recalled Tracey Miller.

"If you didn't know her, you missed out," added Saratoga Cycling Club founder Terry Briscoe.

The 40-year-old English teacher died Sunday when she collapsed during a city bike race. The loss has left a hole in the tight knit community, one that can't be repaired.

"She seemed like a really great person. Like I said, I only met her once but she had a great spirit and I was really looking forward to riding with her this year," said Miller.

Cyclists who didn't even know her showed up for a 22 mile ride. It wrapped around the Spa City and out toward Greenwich. Along the way, they stopped for a moment of silence outside the school where she taught.

"Hopefully we're going turn this into an annual event where we raise money to contribute to the memorial fund that's been established in her name," said Briscoe.

It's a name that's touched so many lives and one that has inspired perfect strangers to peddle towards a dream.

"It'll make me appreciate every moment I'm on my bike and every moment that I'm living more. It'll make me appreciate being around such a great big biking family like this," said Miller.

Calling hours begin at 4 p.m. on Friday. They'll be held here in Saratoga Springs at Burke and Son's Funeral Home.