The Monarch Strong Corporation (MSC) will celebrate its 3rd annual Bike-Run-Walk on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Participants can choose their challenge: bike, run, or walk at JC Britton Park. This year’s event will honor Michael Shipp, 53, a cyclist from Norfolk, VA who was fatally struck on US-521 in
Clarendon County, Thursday, February 16, around 1:50 p.m. The second honoree, James “Tracey” Davis, 58, resident of Columbia, SC, was forced off the road when a driver fatally struck him in North Carolina on Wednesday, June 7, around 8:30 a.m.
When a cyclist is fatally struck, lives are shattered. Realize, they are more than just cyclists. These men were real people, real leaders...making real impact in the lives of those around them, on and off of their bikes. Michael and James did not know each other, but they had lots in common. They both unexpectantly left this earth doing what they love...CYCLING. They were both loving husbands to their wives, loyal friends to many, amazing fathers, and James was a doting grandfather of three.
MSC will not only use this event to celebrate these two men’s lives and honor their families and loved ones but also bring bicycle awareness to Clarendon County with one clear message to drivers who share the road with cyclists: Give Us 3 Feet! Give Us 3 Feet means that drivers should give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance, and then pull out away from them to maintain a 3 feet gap. Three feet gives cyclists just enough distance to adjust in case of an emergency while riding and it also gives drivers a chance to make quick and safe reactions during emergencies when approaching cyclist(s). Give Us a few seconds of your attention as you navigate around us, and most importantly, please don’t text while driving. The life you save may be a father, a mother, a grandmother, a grandfather, someone’s husband or wife, a student, a mother’s baby, a father’s child, a sister, brother, or somebody who just wants to de-stress, exercise, enjoy the great outdoors and take life by the handle-bars.
MSC expects to see hundreds of friends and family members of James and Michael geared up in solidarity to bike the Dam from JC Britton Park to the 3rd water and back. James and Michael, this Ride is for you!
This event is not just for cyclists. Start training now. Go ahead and lace up those running shoes and sneakers to run or power walk. All participants must submit a completed registration form online. Go to:
monarchstrong.com. Donations welcome: https://monarchstrong.com/msdonations/
Saturday, October 7, check in starts at 8 AM. The Bike-Run-Walk challenges start at 9 AM. See you there!
