The Joe Shami Ride

Published Cycle California, June 2023

Joe shami — photo: california state parks foundation

Joe Shami began biking at age 57 in 1992. In July 2008, he started weekly Sunday rides up Mt. Diablo, regardless of weather. Accounts vary but at least 600 weeks is agreed upon and up to 615 consecutive weeks. Allowing for 52.14 weeks per year, the streak covered 11 years and 9 months.

On April 13, 2021, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Joe, a resident of Lafayette, was hit and killed by an SUV in a roundabout at Pleasant Hill Drive and Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette. Joe was 86 years old. Roundabouts for bikes are dangerous because cars are always in motion, unlike with stop signs. I don’t know any details about the accident but sunrise was at 6:43 that day and perhaps the sun was still behind Mt. Diablo. Joe was beloved. Both his 500th and 600th Mt. Diablo climbs were well attended by other bikers. Videos show him to be good humored and likable. His death is a shame.

A newspaper article relating the death of “the Legend of Mt. Diablo,” also stated he was working on another streak, namely closing on 100,000 career miles as early as June 2021. That caught my attention as, adding up then year to date, I had a career total of 97,472 miles, short of Joe’s goal by about 2,500 miles. By the end of July, I was at 98,761 miles and easily within range of 100,000 in a few more.

That’s only comparing mileage. But com’on, 615 weeks means 615 ascents of Mt. Diablo, 3,800 feet above Lafayette, elevation 49. Driving to Danville, I’ve only biked Mt. Diablo 20 times since 1991 (and from my home in Palo Alto twice). and I’m 16 years younger than Joe. I’ve done Mt. Hamilton 36 times, and even with a few other random mountains, I’m around 100 mountain tops, far short of 615 Mt. Diablos.

My first purchase of a road bike was in 1988, which I did in order to do triathlons, tracking the race day mileage. Then I joined a couple buddies in 1989 wanting to do the Death Ride, introducing me to Old La Honda and Kings Mountain Roads. Tagging along in Markleeville for a couple of passes over two years, I began noting my mileage and never stopped, doing my own five-pass Death Ride in 1991. Once 2,000 miles a year was a big deal for me, then 4,000, finally up to 9,000 upon retirement (2013). Off years were 182 miles (1996) and 704 miles (2009). Ride by ride, the mileage accumulated.

I don’t think doing a career 100,000 biking miles is that rarified as I’m sure many have piled up 10,000-mile year rides over 10 years. But who keeps records over 30 years (besides Joe and myself)? Breaking my collarbone and scapula in 2007 ended just under nine years of minimum 100-mile months for me. That’s some 460 weeks, far short of Joe’s different streak of 615 weeks.

A medical treatment program beginning in September 2021 diminished my four-month mileage total to a mere 141 miles. When side effects diminished at the start of January 2022, I suddenly had biking energy back, 555 miles short of 100,000. I went for it before something else got in the way. I got 100,000 miles with a modest 23-mile ride on January 24, 2022.

What’s special about a mileage target is that every mile counts, even pushing extra loops on the way home. Now, having exceeded the goal, not so much. But I’m still keeping track.

So what is a Joe Shami Ride? I offer that it’s any ride that completes a streak: a repeat climb every Sunday, 100-mile months, repeating annual organized rides (no doubt Covid interrupted), and so on.

None of us bike in a vacuum. Joe Shami set an example for all serious bicyclists, especially those toiling up Mount Diablo, though it’ll take a plaque of some sort to memorialize his amazing accomplishment. Meanwhile, those who continue toward 100,000 miles close a gap where Joe Shami will always reside.