The Casey Saunders Foundation supports youth interested in cycling who show a commitment to characteristics that Casey was known for: humility, hard work, and helpfulness – all with a sense of humor.
Be Like Casey-find small ways, every day, to leave the world a better place.
- Be kind
- Be present
- Be passionate
- Be helpful
The Casey Saunders Foundation is committed to Casey’s legacy by paying is forward, lifting up all youth, and helping young cyclists learn about who they are, what they love, and how to make contributions to our world.
Casey Saunders
Casey was known as a compassionate, generous, and humble friend–although he raced with fire and tenacity rarely seen. He was a great advocate for the sport of cycling. Not only did he live, love, and breathe it himself, but he also encouraged others to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.
As a longtime member of the Dogfish Racing team, and through his work as a mechanic at Big Shark Bicycle Company, Casey had a passion for all types of cycling. He showed up at many events not only to race, but also to encourage others to ride and participate. He believed that cycling was one of the best paths to life-long health and well-being. In Casey’s view, every person–regardless of background, age, gender, or race–should be able to experience the joy and freedom that comes from riding a bike.
Sadly, Casey passed away in 2017. The Casey Saunders Foundation was founded in January 2018 by the Saunders Family to honor his memory and legacy.
Casey grew up in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. He tried many sports growing up: soccer, football, basketball, but nothing really excited him. He discovered his love for bikes at the age of twelve, when he was able to ride the roads of Door County, Wisconsin during a family trip. He realized how fun and freeing it felt to be on two wheels; he continued that fun-loving attitude about cycling for the rest of his life.
As an Eagle Scout who loved helping people, he quietly encouraged those around him to ride any bike they could get their hands on. He offered to fix up bikes for friends and family so that more people could experience the joy of riding a bicycle. In high school, he began mountain biking and, within a few years, he won the mountain bike state championship. When Casey went to college, and found that there was no collegiate team at Southeast Missouri State University, he started one.
After returning to St. Louis, he was mentored by staff at REI who taught him how to build a bike from the ground up. He took that knowledge with him to bike shops around town–Southside Cyclery, The Hub Bicycle Company, and others–where he worked as a mechanic. This experience led to Casey joining the Big Shark Bicycle Company for a number of years. Working with the great staff at Big Shark, led by shop owner, Mike Weiss, Casey became well-known for his bike mechanic skills and his love of all things cycling.
Casey offered to fix bikes for friends and family so that more people could experience the joy of riding a bicycle.
Getting more youth on bikes – a goal of the Casey Saunders Foundation
