Cyclist dies from injuries at RAMROD bike ride

A Tacoma cyclist has died from injuries he suffered when he crashed on a downhill stretch of the 152-mile Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day (RAMROD) bike ride last week.

Steve Albers

The cyclist, Steve Albers, 60, owned an insurance company and was active in many civic organizations, such as Tacoma Goodwill, the Tacoma Library Association, United Way and more. Our condolences to his family and friends.

News reports say Albers crashed on a downhill section between Inspiration Point and Box Canyon. He was alone at the time of the crash, but an emergency room doctor and nurse on the ride helped him at the scene.

The Tacoma News Tribune reported he received serious head trauma in Thursday’s crash and was transported from the scene by ambulance, then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He died on Friday.

This is the 29th anniversary of the ride presented by the Redmond Cycling Club. It is limited to 800 cyclists, but there is such a high demand that spots are awarded by lottery.

Chief ranger at Mount Rainier National Park Chuck Young told the News Tribune that park officials will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash. “But we certainly are not talking about cancelling the ride in the future. I have to compliment the organizers. They always do a good job of preparing the riders but this happened anyway.”

At his company website:

It is with great sadness we announce that Steve has gone on the ultimate adventure without us.  He was our leader, motivator, and mentor and will truly be missed.

A Celebration of Life service will begin Tuesday the 31st of July at 3:00 pm at the Fircrest Golf Club.  All who love Steve are welcome to come and celebrate his life and share their stories.