In 2011, Mark Bosworth, a long-time Cycle Oregon rider and volunteer went missing on the Classic when a swift resurgence of cancer in his brain caused severe disorientation. After a search effort in Oregon and a national media campaign, the mystery surrounding Mark’s disappearance has never been resolved.

To try and make the best of a tragic situation, friends and family wanted to build a lasting tribute to Mark’s love for cycling, the natural beauty of Oregon, and his tireless mentorship of young people. Over the past four Cycle Oregon rides, the Mark Bosworth Fund has sponsored 14 first-time riders who otherwise would not have been able to attend. Scholarship recipients are all first-time Cycle Oregon riders and the scholarship covers registration fees, Tent & Porter service plus $100 for expenses.

Last year, three recipients were selected but due to wildfires and the subsequent cancellation, weren’t able to ride. The good news is, all three riders are back for this year’s Classic and looking forward to the journey!

Mark’s wife Julie Bosworth adds, ““We are thrilled that Keni Bartley, Lisa Anderson, and Margaret Stanny are all able to ride Cycle Oregon this September!  Mark would be so proud of these three women embarking on this challenge of a lifetime. It continues to be important and healing work for us to carry on Mark’s passion for helping people get outside and discover the beauty of Oregon on their bikes.”

The Bosworth Scholarship Fund is supported by individual donations from those who knew Mark, as well as many people in the Cycle Oregon community. The fund is less than $4,000 away from reaching their $30,000 goal, which is the amount they need to make the fund a permanent endowment. If you’d like to donate to the Mark Bosworth Scholarship Fund, you can do so here.