As far as crime statistics are concerned, Lompoc ranks a little below average for both the state of California as well as the nation, but don’t try to tell that to San Marino jeweler Steve Gilmore.
“Someone stole my helmet,” Gilmore reported shortly after finishing his recent 470-mile bicycle ride down the Pacific coast.
Gilmore explained his end-of-the-workday routine and mentioned that he rinsed his helmet and set it out to dry. The next morning, Gilmore was the one left hanging.
Luckily, Gilmore had someone driving his chase car who happened to have an extra helmet, saving time and some money, which can rightfully be added to his charitable contribution.
Gilmore was riding on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of his sister, Gail Zotovich, who lost her life to a brain tumor. Gilmore gas so far received and donations adding up to $17,000 and is, of course, still accepting donations.
While his ride from San Francisco to San Marino had exactly one more theft than his 2017 cross-country trek that went from Santa Monica to New York City, there was another data point that was quite welcome: “I had zero flat tires,” he said. “Zero.” He accumulated 13 flats during his 25-day, 2,900-mile effort but none during his recent 7-day, 470-mile foray.
There is no reason to think that Gilmore—who completed the transcontinental ride at the age of 60—is even close to being finished.
“It will have to be something epic, to top the cross-country ride,” Gilmore said. “Not sure what, but there will be something.”
Gilmore has created a special commemorative sterling silver charm which he will give to those who make a tax-deductible donation of at least $200.
Gilmore’s online donation link can be found at http://bit.ly/stevegilmore or he can be reached by calling (626) 482-0495.
