Ride for Jake to honour Legge’s memory

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 14, 2022.

The first annual Ride for Jake will be taking place this weekend honouring the memory of Jake Legge who suffered a fatal accident when riding his motorcycle on October 4 in Lethbridge.

Legge, 25, collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Mayor Magrath Drive and Scenic Drive South, and was transported to Chinook Regional Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Taking place on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., Ride for Jake will be a memorial ride and motorcycle awareness event, being held at the Montana’s parking lot along Mayor Magrath Drive. The ride intends to honour the life lost and help spread awareness about safety while preventing these accidents from happening in the future.

“The event is two parts. It’s a memorial for Jake, but also to serve as a reminder for biker awareness on the road,” said Chris Jochem, who organized the event. “With the help of local organizations, Broken Biker, Southern Alberta Bike, and Ride for Dad, we will give more awareness and resources to safety.”

With speeches from friends and family, the memorial will start at 12:30 p.m. followed by a group drive around the city at 1 p.m.

“A common theme about Jake was he was always somebody that pushed life and lived it to its fullest,” said Jochem. “He enjoyed working on anything that had an engine or a motor. You were always going to find Jake working on something that was loud or fast. He was a hardworking guy, by age 25 he had his Red Seal mechanic’s license and his own mechanic shop, No Problem Automotive here in Lethbridge. He was a hands-on guy.”

Jochem was a friend of Legge’s, meeting him three years ago when Legge and his fiancé rented his property.

“That’s how we ended up becoming friends, and my involvement in being a part of the biker community. I felt a responsibility to stand up and bring something together to honour Jake and bring awareness to the biking community,” said Jochem. “These accidents are unfortunately common. We want to make sure drivers on the road are giving bikers some extra space, and keeping their eyes open. Because even a small accident can lead to a lot more serious injuries or even death for a motorcyclist.”

Those attending the event are asked to wear orange, Legge’s favourite colour, as they honour his memory.

“We want bikers and non-bikers, friends and family, out there to support the cause. To remember Jake as the event caps off the motorcycle season,” said Jochem. “Making sure people are being aware and cautious on the road.”