July 9 Dedication of Memorial Bench

Kyle Beardshear is sorely missed on the Monterey County bikeways, and beyond.  From road riding in his Salinas neighborhood to mountain biking on the former Ft Ord,  Kyle was often in the saddle.  And many of those hours were spent riding and doing trail work with Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA).

Kyle George Beardshear

February 15, 1994 – March 8, 2011

In memory of Kyle, MORCA has purchased a memorial bench, which will be dedicated on July 9.  The bench will be installed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at the end of “Burm-ese,” overlooking the expansive view near Trail 50.

To learn more, visit the MORCA website, MORCAmtb.org.  Also visit the In Memory of Kyle Beardshear page on Facebook, which includes carpooling info for the July 9 dedication.

June 25, 2011 Neighborhood Event

Do you live in the Olivos-Riker neighborhood of Salinas?  This neighborhood was Kyle’s home.  And the Los Olivos-Riker Neighborhood Association‘s annual yard sale and bbq, Saturday, June 25, will include a bicycling component. The activities are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the bbq at 11 a.m.

Information about Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA), which Kyle was a member of, will be shared by Kyle’s parents, Kimberly & John Beardshear, and others.  You can also learn about the annual International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) ‘s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, which is sponsored locally by MORCA.  Additional bike-related info will be available too.

For the children of this South Salinas neighborhood, Bobcat Bicycles will be giving away helmets donated by Specialized.  The free helmets will be provided on on as-fit / as-available basis.

Even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, you are invited to enjoy this mega yard sale, bbq, and bike info-sharing.  For details and directions, visit http://www.LORNeighborhood.com.  If you have questions, contact Steve McShane at steve@mcshanesnursery.com or (831) 970-4141.

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“Remembering Kyle”  was first published in March 2011.

Remembering Kyle

Kyle Beardshear, a Monterey County cyclist, lived an all too short 17 years.  We of the local bike community mourn Kyle’s early death and extend our deepest sympathy to Kyle’s parents and sister, John, Kimberly, and Kaitlyn Beardshear, and to all of his relatives and friends.

Kyle passed away March 8, 2011 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident on March 6.  His life on earth continues through the gift of life he gave to more than 50 people.  Read Kyle’s story as shared by the Monterey County Weekly.

Born February 15, 1994 in Riverside, California, Kyle attended First Presbyterian Church, was a member of the Future Farmers of America, and Monterey Off Road Cycling Association (MORCA).   He was a Junior at Salinas High School.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association National Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.

A memorial service on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at First Presyterian Church, 830 Padre Drive, Salinas was filled to capacity.   Kyle’s middle school pastor, Cris Rury; Kyle’s Sunday small group leader, Albert Lopez; a member of his high school ministry, Brittney Horner; and Kyle’s aunt, Dina MaAgma all shared memories of Kyle.  A video of memories shared images of Kyle from his babyhood to the present year; you may view it via Youtube (below).  The FPC High School Worship Team led those gathered in worship in songs such as “Cry Out to Jesus” by Third Day, and the pastor’s message of comfort was on life after death.

Clearly Kyle is very much loved and will be dearly missed.

If you might like to visit Kyle’s church, First Presbyterian Church of Salinas, refer to Bike to Worship.