From Karen,

Services for Jerry will be held 10:30, Friday, Sept 8, at the Veterans Administration Chapel. The VA is near the intersection of Highways 89 and 69. The chapel is the first building on the right as you enter the hospital facility. Parking may be at a premium. There is a paved lot near the chapel. If that is full there is a gravel area for parking that I’ve been told is around back of the chapel.

There will be a marine color guard as Jerry requested. No viewing. All friends of Jerry’s who would like to share a memory are invited to speak for a few minutes. His daughter, Sylvia, and son, Derk, want this to be a casual environment.

After the service anyone who would like to join the family for lunch is welcome. Arrangements are still being made and will be announced or posted tomorrow. (Please plan to pay for your own meal)

If anyone would like to send flowers, they should be sent to the Sunrise Funeral Home in Prescott Valley.

The family has asked me to share one addition bit of information with the bike club. Jerry had several very nice bikes. Mountain, road, recumbents, and also a Burley Nomad Trailer (not sure about spelling). The family has placed all bikes and the trailer on consignment at Bikesmith. If you are interested please talk to John or Roy.

From Tom,

In the latest "Tailwind Times" Bob Beane wrote  "It may just be that the real hero is the club rider next to us ... Helmets off to our local heroes..."   Well, my helmet is off to our local Prescott hero, Jerry Doss, who died doing what he loved on Saturday 9/2/06.

Jerry planned, organized and led the 3-day Route 66 ride over Labor Day weekend.  He had thought about this ride for years, but was inspired to do it when he rode with us to Tucson last January.  Jerry is front and center in the group photo of the 20 riders who were with him at the start in Ash Fork.  Jerry got sick at the top of the last hill of the day, just one mile from Saturday's finish at Grand Canyon Caverns.  He died of a heart attack a few minutes later on the way to the hospital.  When we learned of his death, we decided to continue the ride in his honor as the Jerry Doss Memorial Ride. I caught a photo of Jerry riding his Tour Easy, cresting his next-to-last hill, doing what he loved to do.

Jerry was a BRAG 'bent rider and was very active in the Prescott Cycling Club, where he was contact for the Prescott Loop ride on Sep 24.  That ride will continue, for more information contact PCC President Karen Warrick kwarrick[at]cableone.net.

Jerry was a local hero who will be missed.

From Karen,

Tom summed up my feelings perfectly. Wanted to share his message with all members of the Prescott Cycling Club. Jerry will be missed greatly. I met his daughter, Sylvia, and son, Derk, yesterday when the tour arrived back in Prescott. They were very glad that Jerry was with friends and doing what he loved when he died. They are working on plans for a service and memorial. Sylvia will let me know once something is planned and I will get the information out to the club.

It has been suggested that anyone who would like to make a contribution in Jerry’s memory send checks made payable to the Heritage Park Zoo & Wildlife Sanctuary. Checks can be mailed to Prescott Cycling Club, P. O. Box 3570, Prescott, AZ 86302. We will collect all donations and add to funds raised by the Skull Valley Loop Challenge that Jerry has worked to hard on. We’ll organize a special ceremony to present the contribution to the Zoo.

Photos from the Jerry Doss Memorial Route 66 Tour

Please submit your photos to Mark Luffman by email to be included in this online photo collection. 800x600 sized images are best and will transfer by email more quickly.

Mark's Photos:     Day One     Day Two     Day Three

Greta's Photos    

• What: 3 Day 166 mile Bicycle Tour from Ashfork to Topock on Old Historic Route 66.

• When: Labor Day weekend Sept 2, 3, 4, 2006. Start time: Saturday Sept 2 at 8:00 AM
  from Convenience Store on East end of Ashfork.

Day One we ride 50 miles to Grand Canyon Caverns Inn where we will stay in the Motel or at their Campground. Reservations, 928-422-3223. Mention "Senior Riders" for special rate of $55 plus tax. Buffet available.

Day Two is almost all downhill for 60 miles to Kingman. We will stop for lunch at the "Frontier Motel" in Truxton for the best meal on Route 66. (so they say) Our second night will be at the: Rodeway Inn. Call 928-753-9555 to get a room ASAP due to Holiday. Rates from, $44.96. Circle S Campground: 928-757-3235 - KOA Campground: 800-562-3991 or 928-757-4397.

Day Three's adventure will start with a long 16 mile swoop followed by an 8 mile grind up to Sitgraves Pass that will make you appreciate the rest stop at the summit and the extraordinary views. After a brief rest, get ready for a decent that will surely take your breath away as you literally drop 1000' into Oatman, an old 1900's mining town still crowded with Burro's roaming the streets, and only 4 miles from the summit. From Oatman, Route 66 will continue to be mostly downhill, dropping another 2200' into Topock, just 26 miles away. Once you've arrived and are off your bicycle, find a shady spot as it may be hot at this 500' elevation.

Congratulations!!! You have finished a most historic ride through such famous locations as Ashfork, Seligman, Calvary Hogan Mission, Grand Canyon Caverns, Truxton, Hackberry, Kingman, and Oatman that will live long in your memory.

This Bicycle Tour is not a race and is open to anyone that can ride 60 mile days. A Mini Van will be along for support. It's expected we all take turns at the wheel and share expenses.

Space is limited so if seriously interested contact: Jerry Doss - Email: gcdoss@cableone.net or 928-776-0663

Jerry's 66 Profile

Ashfork to Topock PDF

Day One Profile JPG

Day Two Profile JPG

Day Three Profile JPG

Jerry's Tour Flyer PDF

KOA Motel Kingman Detail PDF