Family and friends remember Trainer, others through memorial ride

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SPRINGFIELD – It has been 15 years, but family and friends of Bobby Trainer of Urbana still remember him through an annual motorcycle ride.

Trainer died a few days after a motorcycle crash in front of Urbana Local Intermediate on Oct. 15, 2001, his sister Sharon Meyers said. The hit and run remains unsolved. Trainer, who lived not far from the spot, was on his way home from work.

“I remember my mom was coming home from work and had to detour around it. She was saying, ‘that’s my son,’” Meyers said.

Trainer died at the hospital a few days later, Meyers said. He was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred, and she said she thinks that played a part.

“Anybody who knew him knew how he was. He was just fun to hang out with and easy going. He liked to ride bikes with friends,” Meyers said.

The 15th annual Bobby Trainer Day will be Saturday, Oct. 8. It is not a poker run; there’s no charge to participate. Though the event is named after Trainer, the ride is in remembrance of all local motorcyclists who died in accidents.

Many of the same 30-40 people attend every year, Meyers said. The group will gather at noon at Jimmy T’s Saloon, 1922 Lagonda Ave., in Springfield, and the ride begins at 1 p.m. The ride ends at Ferncliff Cemetery where Trainer is buried.

“We have a really good time. We talk about everybody we’ve lost. I’m really impressed the same amount of people go every year,” she said.

Meyers added she thinks some people may have a negative view of motorcyclists, but she said they do a lot of good in the community, such as toy runs for kids around Christmas.

“They’re just like everyone else. They just enjoy riding motorcycles,” she said.

The 15th annual Bobby Trainer Day memorial ride will be Saturday, Oct. 8. This is a photo from last year’s ride. Attendees meet at noon at Jimmy T’s Saloon in Springfield and drive to Ferncliff Cemetery where Trainer is buried. The ride celebrates Trainer, but also others who have lost their lives in motorcycle crashes.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/10/web1_Trainer-ride-1.jpegThe 15th annual Bobby Trainer Day memorial ride will be Saturday, Oct. 8. This is a photo from last year’s ride. Attendees meet at noon at Jimmy T’s Saloon in Springfield and drive to Ferncliff Cemetery where Trainer is buried. The ride celebrates Trainer, but also others who have lost their lives in motorcycle crashes. Submitted photo

By Casey S. Elliott

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Casey S. Elliott may be reached at 937-652-1331 ext. 1772 or on Twitter @UDCElliott.

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