Home of the Harvest Homecoming Bicycle Tour!

Steve Merker
(1941 -- 2023)


Steve Merker, a long-time SIW member, died locally on May 2, 2023.

Steve and his wife, Sharon, were well-known for their annual Chili Ride, and for their cycling trips to Europe. Steve also served as President of the Louisville Bicycle Club. Steve completed the Register's Annual Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) 25 times, and ran in the first annual Louisville Mini Marathon.

Steve and Sharon tandemed with SIW, often on the Charlestown Loop on Tuesday nights. They loved to end the ride with food and fellowship. Along with other tandem couples (Riegers, Bakers, Martins), they would meet at local restaurants for pizza and beer. These after-ride meals evolved into the Chili Ride.

The Merkers also liked to trek to far-off destinations. Some were as close as St. Meinrad for an overnight ride. Others were as distant as Europe. The two common elements were SIW clubmates and food. Roben Rosenberger fondly remembers a trip to France: "Castles, amazing sites, crazy seven course meals, and champagne! Something I'll never forget."

Steve was a research physicist and an inventor, and contributed to numerous patents. He was also an educator, serving at the University of Louisville, and later as a consultant in Distance Learning. He had a large collection of religious artifacs.

Steve served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician at a station near Fort Knox, KY.

To read Steve's complete obituary, click here.
Click here for more information about Steve's remarkable life.

Photos courtesy of Ron McKim and Father Mike
Thanks to Ron and Malvery McKim, and Roben Rosenberger for many of the memories.

Steve and his wife Sharon hosted the Chili Ride for many years.
First came the Ride . . .





. . . then came the Chili.




In later years, the Chili Ride moved to the Greenway after the Big Four bridge opened.

Steve and Sharon often rode tandem.




They were sometimes accompanied by Father Mike.




Steve on the Egg Ride.