About

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Update June 18, 2023

After a year of struggling with cancer, and several weeks on hospice care, Calvin passed peacefully on June 16, 2023. His family and close friends were nearby, and he was at peace with his departure from this life.

Calvin had a retirement party in early May of this year; he had saved up his energy all week to attend and was bathed in the love and admiration of his friends and colleagues. In late June, on the date what would have been his 65th birthday, his annual bike ride celebration (with two other friends who celebrate the same birthday) is dedicated to his memory. No other services are planned. If you would like to share your memories, please do so as comments at the bottom of this page.

My favorite quote from an old friend of Calvin’s: “The only photos of Calvin without a smile are when he’s putting the hurt on the peloton and winning some major race for the 2nd or 3rd time. For all his success as a bike racer his ego should be off the charts, but his enormous talents were only exceeded by his humility.”

It has been a great pleasure to help my brother publish these stories and reflections over the past year. Like all who knew him, I will miss him greatly. – Lee Trampleasure

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In the 1970s and 1980s, a hardy and adventurous small group of bicycle racers were sprinkled around Northern California. From Velo Club-Berkeley and Velo Club-Tamalpais and Peninsula Velo to The Reno Wheelmen and Modesto Wheelmen, groups of athletes pedaled European 10- and 12-speed handmade steel bikes in weekly contests of speed and endurance in the NCNCA (Northern California and Nevada Cycling Association) races.

Olympians, USA national team members, and a three-time Tour de France winner polished racing skills on the slopes of Mt Tamalpais, Mt Diablo, and Mt Hamilton. Free-spirited and fun-loving athletes like Mike Neel, George Mount, Mark Pringle, Greg Lemond, Bob Roll, Heidi Hopkins, and Cindy Olivari, challenged each other in races with small prizes but large competition and often heroic drama. Northern California riders achieved an unprecedented respect on the world stage of bicycle racing.

During the 1986-87 bike racing seasons, I completed a multiple-subjects teaching credential at Cal State University – Hayward (now East Bay). Most of my energy went to completing the credential and searching for my first teaching job. My last race win was the Santa Rosa Criterium in September 1987 where my ABC Avocet-Miyata teammates worked for me to cross the finish line first. It was a send-off gift for 12 seasons of racing. Thanks Gavin, Mark, Bernal, Matt, Dave and all Avocets.

In August of 1987, I was hired to teach in Richmond (now West Contra Costa) Unified School District. For 20 years, I taught elementary physical education where I found a genuine niche. I got paid to encourage positive play and dance to 650 students a year. Building character in children was the central goal.

As a classroom teacher, my favorite grades were fourth-sixth grades. I discovered I have a knack for the little guys too, and I currently teach kindergarten at Madera Elementary in El Cerrito, CA. In addition, I teach Physical Education for Educators at Holy Names University in Oakland.

After 33 years in the teaching world, I take a year at a time. I might keep at it another 5-10 years. As my mom said, before she passed at 91-years old last December, “If you are good at it, and you like it, why stop?”

Each 5 years of teaching in an urban district plagued with many challenging realities must equal a Tour de France win. So, I suppose I am going for a seventh win. I am grateful for getting into such a rewarding and satisfying profession. My wife, Cindy, is also a teacher and she keeps me steady in the teaching world.

The COVID-19 era has brought time to reflect. I have always wanted to write some stories about my cycling days, and now there is more time at home to do it! I plan to keep adding stories to this blog.

Two years ago, I needed radiation treatment for a cancerous throat tumor. I took healing herbs too, and made sure to “humor the tumor,” along with passing out special “bunny money” (copied from the Rosemary Wells book) to all the Kaiser Doctors and treatment techs. That experience motivated me to really think about writing stories.

My parents, Bill and Mary Lee, always encouraged me to follow my heart and take on interesting and unique challenges. My brother, Lee, Mr. Techno-know how, helped me creatively shape these blog pages.

Wide open spaces of the East Bay Regional Parks still call. The SF Bay Trail continues to improve and the waters of the bay are always a treat to ride alongside. I continue to ride my bike about 500-600 miles a month, both commute miles and weekend rides. As always, cycling gives me that sense of freedom and health and has always been priceless.