The sport of trials recently lost a true legend with the passing of Lane Leavitt. He was 74.
Leavitt was a three-time AMA National Trials Champion, a five-time California State Champion and a two-time Oregon State Champion. He was also a four-time competitor in the Scottish Six-Days Trials and a former member of the U.S. ISDE team. He was an AMA Sportsman of the Year and was inducted into the AMA’s Trials Hall of Fame in 2006.
Leavitt was married to famed trials rider Debbie Evans, and both worked in the film industry as stunt performers.
“[Lane was] a unique individual in his own way, but a true friend who always brought his honest opinions on all topics,” said America’s only Trials World Champion (1979), Bernie Schreiber, on social media. “He was innovative, passionate and constantly in search of a better motorcycle, better trials events and better results. His opinions on trials events, motorcycles and riders’ development were direct and honest. He enjoyed pushing the envelope in trials and all facets of his stunt work in an industry he loved so much.
“Lane was always a supportive Bultaco teammate who provided me vital lessons, assistance and even bike parts at a National Championship that helped secure my first AMA/NATC Championship in 1978. Always a supportive and understanding friend over so many years.” CN
The Debbie Evans issued the following statement:
The Leavitt family is deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Lane (May 16, 2025) — Husband, Father, Grandfather, Mentor, Innovator, Stuntman, Champion.
Lane was diagnosed with an extremely rare sarcoma cancer in June 2017, after surgery and radiation it was four years before it came back, and then two, and then one year, and then five months… By then it had metastasized.
Lane and I have been together for almost 50 years, 46 years married… 2 1/2 years dating. We met through Trials Competition. He rode for Bultaco and I rode for Yamaha. I used to always say we rode off into the sunset together.
Together, we raised three amazing children, and we’re blessed with two wonderful grandchildren. He was my best friend: we rode together, traveled the world together, worked on movies together… and then there were the long philosophical talks… (which I’m sure many of you are acquainted with). We had so many things in common. He supported me and everything I did. He was my Champion.
The last year has been very difficult with surgeries, blood transfusions, and treatments. Lane fought extremely hard, never lost his faith and just believed that we would go on forever, because we had things to do and people to help.
In 2017, we had a six day trip planned to Austria and Italy to ride motorcycles in the Alps and the Dolomites. When we found out about the cancer we discussed with the doctor if that would even be a possibility to travel right after the radiation and he said “Go for it!” It was the trip of a lifetime! More than we could’ve ever asked for a dream of. We actually got to race through 26 mountain passes in six days through the some of the most beautiful country that God has given us.
I am grateful for that time and that trip, and I knew it was a very unique and special gift.
There were only three of us and a guide which allowed us so much more freedom than a normal tour. It was called the “Alps Extreme Tour”. No guardrails, no sag wagon, just the way we liked it. We had really looked forward to going back and kept talking about it while he was going through everything the last year and a half. We kept thinking of all the people who would want to go with us on the next trip. Unfortunately, we never got to go back.
He didn’t tell most people about the cancer because he believed that he was going to beat it.
And in a way…maybe he did.
Because even in his final hours, he was still training others, still solving problems, still mentoring. I like to say, He held the throttle wide open until he hit the jump into heaven!
I appreciate all the love and support that has been poured out by so many, and I see how much of an impact he had on more people than I can count… which really brings joy to my heart.
In lieu of flowers, we’ll soon be setting up a way to donate (via GiveSendGo go or similar) to help us raise funds for a Celebration of Life where everyone is welcome. We would like to be able to feed everyone as well. We are just not sure what that would look like financially yet. We want to honor Lane and the way he lived— with generosity, openness, and unending energy. We don’t want to turn anyone away.
I may not be able to respond to every message right now, but please know — We feel the love you’re sending. We are grieving as a family, and I know this loss is being felt by many. Just know, the waves of your kindness, care, and prayers are reaching us and giving us strength. We are so grateful and appreciative to you all. We as a family are very aware that so many of you are grieving with us. So we are sending love and prayers to you as well.Thank you to all who sent flowers and food, that helped so much and brought joy and comfort to us all.
We will share the details about the memorial and celebration as soon as we can. It will probably take us a bit of time to get it all planned.
With love, and God’s abundant peace and blessings to all he touched,
The Leavitt Family
Click here for all the latest motorcycle Industry News on Cycle News.
