GREAT HANG UP: Distracted driver kills Grass Valley cyclist | News

NEVADA COUNTY, CA - A local teen is speaking out against distracted driving in memory of his father.

Grass Valley area cyclist Jim Rogers was killed while cycling last year by a distracted driver.

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Nate Rogers said he wants his peers to know how deadly texting and driving distracted can be. He said his dad lost his life in just seconds of inattention by a distracted driver along Highway 174 in January, 2010.

Rogers has been speaking at assemblies against distracted driving, including at Nevada Union High School in May. He said his dad was his best friend and he hopes speaking out will honor his memory and spare someone else the same pain.

During the Nevada City Bicycle Classic on Sunday, June 19, a bike ride race is being held in Jim Rogers' honor.

The 51st Annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic includes:

• Kids Bike Parade kicks off at 12:45 p.m.
• Rom Miller Jr. Grand Prix from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
• Jimmy Rogers Master Men's Race (35+/45+ years old) from 2 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Rogers race will include many of the same Pro men racers from the Amgen Tour of California last month.

The best places to watch the race, according to organizers is on Broad Street at the start/finish line.

Spectators can line up to see the top racers at the start and finish of each event, then spread out walking around the course for a location in the shade for the middle two/thirds of each race.

Another spot is the back side of the course near Nevada City Elementary School and the boardwalk on Cottage and Upper Main Street.

Team tactics will be evident at that stretch.

For more information on the Nevada City Bicycle Classic, call (530) 265-2692.