Baja Legend Ron Bishop Passes

Cycle News Staff | September 22, 2014
RIP Ron Bishop

Photo Courtesy of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Baja 1000 legend Ron Bishop passed away over the weekend from what has initially been reported as natural causes. Bishop was 71. According to a release from the Trailblazers organization, Bishop was found at home by friends.

While Bishop raced many different off-road disciplines, his greatest achievement was his 40-plus years of racing the Baja 1000. His best effort in the prestigious race came in 1972 as the overall runner-up with co-rider Don Bohannon.

Bishop was inducted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001 and has recently been elected to the 2015 Trailblazers Hall of Fame.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of Ron’s passing,” Trailblazer president Don Emde said. “He had a great and full life in motorcycling. He was recently elected to the 2015 Trailblazers Hall of Fame and, speaking for the Board of Directors, we want everyone to know that we are moving ahead full speed with his induction at the Carson Center on April 11th. We send our condolences to his family and friends. A great loss. Godspeed.”

Bishop was also a long time motorcycle dealer in Escondido, California (north of San Diego) and had created many useful motorcycle products through the years.