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Local Cycling Icon Passes Away

A local cycling icon passed away unexpectedly last week, just days before the 53rd Annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic. At the race on Sunday, Race Director Duane Strawser paid tribute to Don Drageset who was instrumental in developing and supporting competitive and recreational cycling in Nevada County.

Click here to listen to Duane Strawser
dondrageset

In honor of Don Drageset the crowd generated donations and created a premium award for a racer in the Pro Women’s and Pro Men’s Categories where a racer in each event won a 60 dollar premium for winning a specific lap during the race.

In an ongoing effort to support the Nevada City Classic, Don Drageset was the person responsible for establishing the water station on the back side of the Classic course. He recruited volunteers and provided cold water for riders as they reached the top of the grueling climb each time around the circuit.
Don enjoyed all aspects of cycling and  was a co-owner of the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop in the 1980s.

4 Comments

June 18, 2013

colleen crane

i need to tell the world about this wonderful man...1. He gave me his son, as my forever best friend(itruelymeansthis).2. They used to live on my street as a kid, he always treated me like his own, when my own father didnt know how to be a dad to me, for this im truely greatful, my heart is utterly broken...3.Mr D, i truely will miss you and will forever love you sir...ty!...Love You Colleen Crane...Rest In Peace Dear Man!

June 19, 2013

Katherine Schad

Oh no! Don was such a special man! Always there with a supportive smile and hug. So very genuine. He will be greatly missed by many in our community.
Rest in Peace and blessings to his family.
Kath

June 27, 2013

Lisa Drageset

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 5 pm. This is a potluck event at 12960 Foster Rd. in Grass Valley. Please bring an easy to carry chair and wear sensible shoes. Park at Union Hill School and look for the provided shuttle.

January 21, 2015

bobby kemp

I was just trying to find out about Don. I tried his phone number and it was disconnected. I'm sorry to the family for his passing. Don and I spent many years together in the bike business. I owned Village Cycles in North Hollywood. We spent a lot of time racing each other in roller races. I would never let him beat me. He always remembered that. Loved him, Norm and Barb. Great years.

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