“Bike Bob” – Join Me in the Fight Against Cancer!

On Sunday, May 18th, I’ll be riding in the Tour de Pier at the Manhattan Beach Pier in honor of my dear friend, Bob Saunders, and I need your support!

Bob was passionate about this event. Every year, he sponsored a team of bikes, and even in 2021, just 15 days before he passed away, he showed up—wheelchair and all—because he wouldn’t miss it. His unwavering spirit continues to inspire us.

Why This Ride Matters

Now in its 13th year, the Tour de Pier raises critical funds for three outstanding organizations:

-The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

-The Uncle Kory Foundation

-The Cancer Support Community South Bay

These organizations provide lifesaving resources for patients and families while advancing cancer research toward a cure. I’m riding and fundraising so that no one has to face this disease alone.

Bob Saunders: A Legacy of Strength & Teamwork

Bob fought a courageous four-year battle with appendiceal cancer before passing peacefully on September 27, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

Bob and I coached Manhattan Beach Little League together for seven seasons. He was a man of unshakable positivity, generosity, and wisdom—a coach who believed in every player, respected the game, and inspired confidence in others. Bob was all about the team effort.

Even after Bob’s son, Ryan, had aged out of MBLL, Bob continued coaching, helping my sons, Cole and Cade, grow as athletes and individuals. I miss spending time with Bob and coaching alongside him.

Through four of those seven seasons, Bob was battling cancer—but you’d never know it. He was on the field, in the dugout, and making a positive impact with the same passion. Together, we had fun, won multiple championships, Beach Cups, TOC’s, and All-Star games—but most of all, we built incredible memories.

Bob loved every moment—coaching, mentoring kids, and hanging out after the games.

Honoring Bob: “Bike Bob”

In 2024, we secured a dedicated bike at Tour de Pier in Bob’s name—“Bike Bob.”

Thanks to incredible generosity, Bike Bob raised $23,100 last year to fund cancer research and support families facing this disease.

This year in 2025, we’re setting the bar even higher—with a fundraising goal of $25,000.

“I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to ride for my friend, to carry forward his incredible spirit, and to “Live Like Bob.”

How You Can Help

It would mean the world to me—and to the Saunders family—if you’d support my fundraising efforts. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference for those battling cancer.

Let’s come together to honor Bob, support cancer research, and help those in need.

I hope you’ll join me for an unforgettable day of doing good and feeling great!

To make a donation for Bike Bob please copy and paste the following link into a browser:

http://support.pancreatic.org/goto/JBBikeBob

Watch the video, copy and paste into a browser: 

https://vimeo.com/tourdepier/bikebob

Much appreciated and thank you for your support! -Jeff & Diane & Team Bike Bob