Sunday, February 13th, marks the twelfth annual Jim Rogers Memorial Ride/Run, which begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop at 457 Sacramento St. in Nevada City. We invite RUNNERS AND WALKERS to join us as well !
Due to the current Covid situation, masks will be required by participants before and after they embark on the ride/run. In place of refreshments this year, we will be holding a raffle to benefit YBONC (Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County with prizes donated by Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, Body Logic Physical Therapy and Radius Physical and Sports Rehab.
Jim Rogers was killed on January 31, 2010. He was riding his bicycle on Highway 174 when he was struck from behind and killed by a distracted driver as he was ascending the climb out of Bear River Canyon. He was in her line of vision for over 6 seconds, but she never saw him because she was distracted, allegedly using her cell phone.
The event is held every year in an effort to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving. We’ll have hundreds of “Jim Rogers stickers” available that are designed to place on cell phones, dashboards, etc., to remind folks to “Save Lives – Drive Safely – Remember Jim Rogers”. We encourage folks to place them on their dashboard and/or steering wheel as a reminder BEFORE they reach for their phone. Put them anywhere other folks will ask “what is the sticker for?” AND EDUCATE your friends and family! And REMEMBER, even “hands-free” on your phone while driving is still distracted driving.
Jim Rogers, along with his cycling buddy Ron Miller, created Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop in Nevada City when they were only teenagers. Jim was an avid cyclist and rode throughout Nevada County since the early 1970’s.
In addition to reminding folks of the dangers of distracted driving, the event focuses on the joys of bike riding. Jim was a mentor to many young cyclists and a supporter of youth cycling in Nevada County. Jim was an “ambassador of cycling” according to all who knew him. He welcomed even the most novice riders to join a ride and saw to it that they finished the ride with a smile on their face. To honor Jim’s generous spirit, during the Memorial Ride advanced riders assist the less experienced riders and see that they have a safe and enjoyable time; and in like spirit, there will be “no runner or walker left behind”.
Interest in the sport of cycling continues to build. The Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County, the Nevada Union Mountain Bike team, and the junior Sierra Express team gain members each year, as well as many middle school bike clubs – which is something Jim would have loved.
Anywhere from 100-300 cyclists have participated in past Memorial Rides. The ride follows the LeMond Loop, which is about 14 miles. There is also a shorter 6 mile route that stays mostly in town. We invite the runners & walkers to travel this 6-mile loop which starts at the bike shop and goes out Old Downieville Hwy and back. A 3 mile loop is also possible. All are welcome!
The raffle will be held after the ride at about 12:30 with prizes donated by Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop, Body Logic Physical Therapy and Radius Physical and Sports Rehab. (need not be present to win) Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.
The proceeds from the raffle will go to support scholarships given through Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC). Jim’s passion for riding and his influence on young cyclists led to the creation of the Jim Rogers Inspiration Award, which the NU MTB team awards to the team member who exhibits the most “Jim-like” characteristics throughout the year. Check out more information about the YBONC Scholarship Fund at ybonc.org.
Remember Jim Rogers, Save lives, Drive safely!!!