Inaugural Gordy Shields Memorial Ride a Success!

More than 45 cyclists from all over San Diego came together at Grossmont College on Sunday, April 20, for the Inaugural Gordy Shields Memorial Ride organized by SDBC's Pat Murray and CycloVets' Darryl MacKenzie. A short convocation was offered by Pat Murray who recounted a personal story about Gordy Shields and his family. She also related that "He had a delight in everything he did and that joy transferred onto every person whose life he touched." Darryl MacKenzie then encouraged the sharing of Gordy stories during the ride and when the group stopped for lunch.
The ride departed at 8 a.m. with members of local cycling organizations, including CycloVets, of which Gordy was a member, San Diego Bicycle Club, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, and others in attendance. The route westward encompassed Navajo Rd, Waring Rd, Zion Ave, en route to Fiesta Island, with a stop at Silver Terrace Park on Friars Rd for a group photo along the way. Continuing on Friars eventually brought the group to Fiesta Island by 9:30 for a lively long loop lap as a tribute to Gordy's time-trial prowess.
The return trip offered a pleasant lunch stop at Rubios on Mission Gorge Rd with stories and remembrances of Gordy recounted by many. Upon leaving, riders chose to go at their own pace, and there were several groups arriving back at the college at different times, approximately around noon. The 34 mile ride included a 1,200' elevation total for the round trip.
Gordy's influence continues to inspire others and bring the cycling community together. April 20 was declared "Gordy Shields Day" by former city council woman Donna Frye, for his work advocating for safe cycling in San Diego, including the Bayshore Bikeway, and the resurfacing of Fiesta Island. He would have been 96 on April 20. This year, April 20 fell on Easter, and with minimal getting the word out, there was a fine showing regardless. The turnout is only expected to increase in the coming years as it is a perfect vehicle to unite the various cycling clubs of the San Diego community by coming together to celebrate this outstanding individual with a ride in his honor.
Mark your calendars and try to join us in 2015.

Gordy Shields, San Diego Cycling Legend, Passes

By Kathy Keehan, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Board Member

Gordy Shields, San Diego cycling legend, passed away yesterday from complications from open heart surgery. 

Opening of the H Street to Palomar Street Segment
 of the Bayshore Bikeway (2012)

Cycling record holder (national time trial record holder for the 80, 85, 90 and 95 age groups) and passionate cycling advocate, Gordy was a personal hero to me. We attended many meetings together, most of which were about the Bayshore Bikeway, the regional treasure he championed from the 1970s onward. What struck me most about Gordy was his ability to be a strong advocate for cycling, while still being a warm compassionate person. He was kind to me when I was a new advocate still struggling to find my footing in a confusing bike world. He didn’t care how far I rode or how fast, so long as I spoke up for cyclists. He understood that advocacy took a long time, and  he always said that he hoped the Bayshore Bikeway would be finished before he passed. He never gave up, even during the dark days when it seemed the bikeway would never get started, let alone finished. The legacy of his perseverance lives on in the Bayshore Bikeway, along with other bicycling improvements all throughout the county. In his later years, Gordy was also an inspiring advocate for aging with grace and style, and was recently honored as one of San Diego County’s “San Diego Legends.” 

What made Gordy special to so many was his warmth and kindness. He had a delight in everything he did, and that transferred onto every person whose life he touched. Gordy, we will miss your strength, your spirit, and your joy. Godspeed. 

Groundbreaking for the H to Palomar section (2011)

Opening of the Gordy Shields Bridge on the Bayshore Bikeway (2004)