Bike ride will memorialize Gordy Shields

EL CAJON -- Agustin Albarran, Grossmont College's dean of English and Behavioral/ Social Sciences, and Pat Murray, a health science technician, will lead an 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 25th bicycle ride in memory of Gordy Shields from the front of Building 10 to the Fletcher Hills Library,576 Garfield Ave, El Cajon, a round trip ride of approximately four miles.

Shields, who served as a counseling instructor at Grossmont College from 1965 to 1979, is one of six people honored in the "San Diego Legends" exhibit created by the San Diego County Library and Aging and Independence Services.

An 11:30 a.m. ceremony at the library will celebrate Shields'advocacy and accomplishments for the creation of bike paths throughout San Diego County.



One of the panels in the library exhibit states: "Gordy Shields represented the very best in civic engagement. He kept busy throughout his retirement by setting national bicycle racing records and advocating for local bicyclist's rights. Gordy picked up cycling when he was fifty, and raced against the likes of Lance Armstrong, was a four-time national champion, and earned a total of 36 gold medals. But he was never just in it for the win. Gordy was a leader, advocating tirelessly for bike lanes and the importance of sharing the road. Through his efforts, 14 out of 19 miles of the Bay Shore Bikeway were completed, including the Coronado Bridge. Gordy passed away on June 30, 2013, at the age of 95."

Following the ceremony, the bikers will return at approximately 12:30 to Grossmont College.

Those interested in joining the bike ride and attending the library ceremony are encouraged to contact Pat Murray at 619-644-7316.

-DHH-