Jym Clendenin’s spirit will be present in this year’s Tour de Menlo

This year’s Tour de Menlo, which takes place on Saturday, September 13, comes without the presence of one its most stalwart participants, Jym Clenendin, a long time Menlo Park resident who passed away last November at the age of 85.

But his legacy continues what with a Gold Sponsorship organized by friends and family along with his widow Judy and daughter Anne Coughlin planning to be on hand to greet finishers at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Valparaiso.

Reports Don Landwith, a rider who participated in the fundraising efforts that will benefit the Menlo Rotary Community Foundation:

“We were part of the group that rode out of Woodside on Monday mornings.

“Jym would also frequently organize Friday rides from Zott’s. We would gather at Zott’s at 12:30 on Fridays, ride for 90 minutes, and reconvene at Zott’s for beer at 2:00. Other’s who were unable to ride would join up at 2:00 as well.

“These rides continue to date. I had the good fortune to purchase Jym’s brand new bike from Anne and think of him every time I ride.”

Jym participated in every Tour de Menlo from its inception to the 2024 August ride.

Recalls Ken Lorell who rode with Jym last year: “Jym was an enthusiastic and avid supporter of ‘all things Menlo Park’ and had been a member of the Menlo Park Historical Association. He was quite knowledgeable about the history of Menlo Park and the Peninsula. He and I had many discussions about the development of Menlo Park, Stanford University, San Mateo County, and Silicon Valley — favorite topics of his.”

Daughter Anne says it succinctly: “A tour de force, bon vivant, renaissance man, gentle spirit, shining beacon, bold inspiration, remarkable athlete and passionate cyclist, Jym Clendenin was loved and admired by many.” 

Get information about this year’s Tour de Menlo, including distances, and how to sign up.

Photo courtesy of Clendenin family