Jack Gershon, Berkeley cyclist, RIP: knew him?

[vilebe...@gmail.com]

Does anyone remember this rider?

I never knew him, but he's legendary among a group of non-cyclist
friends. Ex- Lawrence Livermore Lab weapon physicist, got a PhD in
Medical Anthropology from UCB ca. 1978, devoted following years to
introducing various food crops to West African countries. Died of an
ebola-type hemorragic fever maybe a dozen of years ago. I've prob got
the chronology off a bit, my friends know the details.

There's a photo of him on my girl friend's grand piano, TALL guy,
riding a 65cm or so Campy-equipped bike from the 70s or 80s; toe
clips, wool, cycle cap.

I ride into the Oakland hills via Old Tunnel Road. If you know that
route, you've probably stopped at drinking fountain, encased in a
small redwood column, not too far up the hill. About a year ago, I saw
a nearby resident, and asked abt the fountain. She said she
constructed it in memory of a bicyclist. I rode off but moments later
convinced myself Jack was that rider. Yesterday I saw that resident
again, and asked the name of the cyclist, and of course, it was Jack
Gershon. She said that she never got around to making a plaque or
something.

I'm interested in memories about this man,

tom

[shy1....@gmail.com]

I knew a Jack Gershon who rode with the Berkeley Wheelmen in the 60's. I believe he did go to Africa. Saw his picture at the fountain on Old Tunnel today. Was wondering whether it was the one I used to ride with.

[tmcgu...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, December 3, 2013 6:25:46 PM UTC-8, shy1....@gmail.com wrote:
> I knew a Jack Gershon who rode with the Berkeley Wheelmen in the 60's. I believe he did go to Africa. Saw his picture at the fountain on Old Tunnel today. Was wondering whether it was the one I used to ride with.

Yes, I imagine it's the same Jack, or "Wacky Jacky" as some his ardent admirers called him. He seems to have nearly mythic stature among some who knew him?

Any stories?

tom

[cmac...@gmail.com]

Tom,

I knew Jack in Angola and was with him only a few days before he died in early 1995. He took his bike with him to Africa and rode all over; a road bike with drop-down handlebars, toeclips and panniers. Even in 110-degree heat he would take a spin in the small, war-torn town where we lived. He was great with computers and was the first person I knew with Microsoft Windows on his laptop. The last time I saw him he came to my office in Luanda just to chat. The guy was full of life and energy, had a detailed knowledge of international aid work, and had a great sense of humor. I was astounded when I learned a week later that he had died. I remember him with fondness, and regret that I never took his photo.

--Cameron Macauley

[tmcgu...@gmail.com]

Thanks for those touching details Cameron.

I notice the drinking fountain is in disrepair. Does anyone know anything about that?

tom

[Chu Leo]

Hi there,

Doesn't know if anyone still following this conversation... I am an incoming PhD student in History of Science at Cambridge. I am studying the history of gardening research and came across Jack's name in a report he authored in Taiwan (the early 1980s). Jack seems to be an amazing person and it's sad that I cannot interview him for all his wonderful research and experiences. RIP Jack.

-Leo