SLT bike park to be dedicated for Wendell
Tom Wendell
By Kathryn Reed
Tom Wendell left an indelible mark when it came to cycling on the South Shore.
To honor this man who died two years ago at the age of 62 the city of South Lake Tahoe is dedicating the Bijou Bike Park in his name. A sign will be unveiled when the park opens Sept. 19. The top will say the park is dedicated to Wendell, followed by a tribute written by his brother, Ted.
In the middle will be a list of people who helped bring the park to fruition, with the donor list next to it.
Wendell promoted recreation when no one was listening. He was relentless with his passion and desire to get the powers that be to understand this area was an outdoor playground that needed to be promoted, developed – in the sense of trails, appreciated and maintained.
The following activities are planned for Sept. 19: 10am Parade starts at the Y; 11:30am Parade ends at Bijou Community Park; 12:30pm Ribbon cutting for bike park; 1pm Bijou bike course open to public; 1:30pm Bike rodeo for kids; 2-3pm Jump Jam on slopestyle line with world-class athletes; 3:30pm BMX race starts; All day 4th annual Deep Blue Derby Tournament hosted by the Sierra Regional Roller Derby.
“We know this would have been important to him. He talked about more bike parks all the time,” City Manager Nancy Kerry told Lake Tahoe News. “When you have people who are true advocates for a cause, they champion it. They make sure city officials are listening. Tom did that for biking.”
After Wendell died in August 2013 there was much talk by people of wanting to name something for him. The park dedication is the city’s way of recognizing Wendell’s contributions through the years to the cycling community.
In 2001 he helped form Tahoe Region Advocates for Cycling with Bob Kingman, Karen Fink, Pete Fink, Jeff Miner and Gary Bell. That was the predecessor to the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, of which Wendell was part.
Wendell was seldom seen in his car – even in the winter. His hybrid bike was like an extension of him. The trails around Cold Creek and Powerline were his regular stomping grounds when he was mountain biking.
Wendell has many people who are carrying his torch for him now. Ben Fish spent hours to make the bike park a reality. Then there is Ty Polastri, Curtis Fong, Pete Fink and Gary Bell – just to name a few – who walked alongside Wendell in his endeavors and today do more than their share to make road and mountain biking a reason to live at and visit Lake Tahoe.
Great gesture to a great guy
Herr Wendell, as I used to call him ( for his German heritage), was a passionate guy who left us far too early. So very glad that his name is connected to things he found important. Miss you Tom.
Tom Wendell was one of the most self-less, caring people I have ever met. He was always thinking of others and had a rare determination to do the right thing. He is greatly missed and it is very heartwarming that the new bike park will bear his name. A great tribute to a wonderful man.
you da man, TW. i’ll go ‘oxford english dictionary’ for $800…
Fantastic Choice!!!!
I miss him. He brought so much positive energy with him everywhere he went.
Miss ya Tom
So glad to read this, Tom was such a great person.
Although I agree with most of the sentiments here, I have only one point to make: TRAC [Tahoe Region Advocates for Cycling] (Bob Kingman was adamant in not calling another entity ‘Regional’) included me, not Gary Bell, as he is always present in any bicycle conversation. . . [1998, not 2001]. . .
The 6 of us planted the needed seeds for conversations about cycling’s role as healthful, part of any walkable/bikable community building, all including an idea of getting people out-of-their-cars to bring Tahoe’s true character to fruition. . .
Just glad (as I know he would’ve been) to see that fruition!
Grateful to be a part. . .
Tom, will be smiling about this.
The “tall one” is well deserved of this honor!!!!
It makes me smile to know that Tom’s visions for the area will continue to be realized. His contributions to the cycling, recreation, and transportation amenities in Tahoe will be enjoyed for generations. It was an honor to work with Tom and I miss his laughter, smiles, and dedication!
Tom was a great advocate for every aspect of sustainable living from healthy food to bicycling to energy conservation. South Lake Tahoe is a better place because he lived here. He was such a mentor to me and so many others – it’s a fitting tribute that the park created by grass roots efforts will bear the name of such a champion.
Tom and I grew up one town apart in Southern California and I thoroughly enjoyed and miss the lengthy conversations in my office on topics that were wide ranging and spirited. The dedication of the new bike park in his honor is a fitting tribute to his spirit and dedication to this community. Well done City of SLT.