Kyle George Beardshear

February 15, 1994 – March 8, 2011

Seventeen-year-old Kyle Beardshear of Salinas died from injuries sustained in a bicycle crash.  Read Kyle’s story as shared in the Monterey County Weekly on March 17, 2011, “Gifts of Life:  Salinas teen’s death prompts organ, tissue donations helping dozens,” by Joel Ede. How did it happen?

“According to a report from an unidentified bystander, Kyle swerved, over corrected and was thrown headfirst from his bicycle after colliding with a parked car. Paramedics arrived on scene, finding him unconscious and unresponsive due to acute head trauma….

“Though his friends say Kyle regularly wore a helmet while riding, the officer on scene reported the helmet was fastened to his mountain bike’s handlebars.”

Kyle 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).

In memory of Kyle, MORCA purchased a memorial bench, which was dedicated on July 9, 2011.  The bench was 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.

“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.

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.

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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Spring 2015 update:

Visit the “In Memory of Kyle Beardshear” page on Facebook for details.

Vandalism is not only a crime, it is an especially grievous one in a case like this.

Kyle’s bench was tossed over the cliff by vandals three times since March 2015.

On May 1, 2015, Bob Shaw anchored Kyle’s bench back in place, facilitated by Kenny of the Bureau of Land Management.

Unthinkably, vandals returned again. In May, vandals used bolt cutters to cut the chain that held the bench down. The bench was not located until about June 6, 2015. It was found by John and Kimberly Beardshear.

Kyle’s bench is a meaningful monument to a beloved son and it has also become a favorite meeting place for the hikers, bicyclists, trail runners, and others who enjoy Fort Ord National Monument trails and want to rest awhile while they enjoy the view and have a moment of quiet contemplation.

If you have information about this vandalism, please contact the Bureau of Land Management or the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.