Honoring One of Our Own, Mike Dillon

With a heavy heart, we share that Adventure Cycling board member Mike Dillon passed away on December 2, 2020.

In his five years with Adventure Cycling, Mike set the stage for what this organization can and will become. Our 2021 plans are bold, decisive, and challenging. The plans’ DNA is Mike’s, and his legacy will be borne out through our ability to achieve the desired outcomes.

He put people at ease and then pushed them at the same time; he asked insightful questions and then didn’t hesitate to put his own proposal on the table. His motto was “Get stuff done.”

His approach is summed up well in the last line of his book:

“If I learned anything from my ride, it is that when we let fear limit us, we miss the best of each other, our country, and ourselves. So, be not afraid.”
 

Our hearts go out to Mike’s family and friends. He will be missed tremendously.

 If you would like to make a gift to Adventure Cycling in Mike's honor, please click here. 

Mike focused Adventure Cycling where we had control and positive influence. During my first interview in Denver last August, Mike asked first about my bees. This was indicative of Mike: his approach was disarming, caring, and curious. He was a steady hand, and a mentor for me throughout this difficult year. 

-Scott Pankratz, Adventure Cycling’s Executive Director

Mike, your legacy will live on at Adobe forever. Your ‘Get stuff done’ motto and innovative, can-do energy drove tremendous impact on our legal and government relations initiatives. Above all, we will always remember your good humor, tremendous warmth and unwavering dedication to always doing things right.

We will miss you tremendously.

-Your Adobe family

Honoring Mike, his spirit, love of adventure, commitment to climate justice and all around great fella.

-Karla Albright

Mike, You were and are an inspiration to us all and you will continue to inspire us.  Keep on pedaling.

-Anonymous

Mike was a generous mentor, our meetings filled me with energy. The joy he brought to his work and his personal projects, and the encouragement he gave to others, are things I will do my best to carry forward in his honor.

-Clint Smith

Thanks Mike for inspiring us and for being one of the nicest guys I'll ever meet.

-Scott MacKinlay

With gratitude for having had the chance to turn the pedals alongside Mike.

-Jodee and Ed Novak

Our most heartfelt condolences to the Dillon family.  We are all so sad to hear about Mike.

-Mike & Letitia Davis

We will miss his fellowship on and off the bike.

-Greg and Madeline Lee

Mike will be sorely missed.  He was an amazing human being, in every way!

-Sachin Mehta

I thoroughly  enjoyed cycling with Mike in the Dolomites and in California. He was an outstanding ambassador for cycling. Even more he was a role model and an inspiration for human endeavor. A gentle soul taken from this earth way too soon.

-Rick Shypit

Cycling with Mike was one of my favorite things in the world. He never stopped pushing me to experience the world on a bike and to support/get involved with Adventure Cycling.  I hope this small gift in his name can support Adventure Cycling to keep up the great work that Mike wants you to continue.

-Sean Vidal

So honored to have worked with Mike on the Adventure Cycling Association Board. So grateful that he had so many great adventures and wish he could have had more.

-Jeffrey Miller

I never got to meet Mike but wish I had the chance because every member of the Dillon family has been so inspirational it would've been an honor to meet the source.

-Philip Tieu

Mike was super smart, thoughtful, and kind.

-Topiary Capital,  Alex Won

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. While I never met Mike, he sure has shaped a phenomenal daughter in Emily. I know you all will keep his spirit alive every day. Sending a big hug.

-Natalie Sandman

I had not seen Mike for many years, but he was amazing then and seems to have just gotten better with age. His life and writings are inspirational. I am honored to have witnessed a gorilla suit encounter on the Upper Missouri years ago. Your family is in my thoughts.

-Todd Bille

In memory of Mike Dillon-he loved life, his family and adventure. He lived life to the fullest, and was always such a great inspiration to me.

-Joan Pinder

For Mike Dillon, a great leader and person!

-Hylan Fenster

In memory of a wonderful man - Mike Dillon.

-Nancy Ramirez