The first time I meet Jeff Archer was about 6 years ago.  I was new to mountain biking and I would go do trail work in order to scout out trails I had not rode before.  This week was slightly different then usual because I was heading out to Lake Norman St. Park and we were working on brand new trails, not just the usual maintenance.  When finished they would be called Wildlife, Fox, and Fallstown.  When I made it that Saturday morning I met Jeff.  He got us organized into groups, told use what we would be working on that day, made sure everyone had what they needed, and made me feel welcome like I was part of the crew.  Mostly what we did was turn machined trail into finished singletrack.  Of coarse this did not happen over 1 weekend and I returned many times to lend a hand and hangout.

Fast forward a few months later and me and The Mutt (Chris M) were in Statesville doing some riding @ Signal Hill.  After checking out the trails and thinking about where to get some lunch Chris says " Hey, have you ever seen the Museum at First Flight".  Having no idea what he was talking about but having learned to trust Chris when he said "check this out" we agree to head that way.  Roll in to the parking lot behind the store, follow Chris through the backdoor of the shop (case of beverages under his arm), and turned the corner right into Jeff and his crew.   

The first thing you notice about being there is just how friendly and inviting it is.  It is just like being in the garage with a bunch of friends, working on, talking about, and enjoying Bikes.  It even has a gazebo in the back to add to the mood along with a Nintendo ES.  Add to that all the Dirt Rag Magazines (which Jeff wrote for every Issue), up the staircase(which was decorated with Beer labels in strategic order of Best to less best) and into the MOMBAT (Museum of Mountain Bike Art & Technology).   
I always enjoyed hanging out there.  Jeff always made you feel so welcomed.  On top of that, you would always learn a few things too.

No one knew more about the History of Mountain biking then Jeff. He was truly an expert on the subject and if you spent some time with him he would always be glad to share. When asked if he ever had trouble coming up with articles for Dirt Rag he responded "As long as they keep asking me to write I will have something to write about".  He used his great knowledge and abilities to write to not only educate the public but also to advocate for Mountain biking.  It was his vision to bring Mountain biking to our State park system and through his hard work not only is there 32 miles of trail at Lake Norman but other NC parks around the state now have MTBing or are working on it.   

He had a big impact on my own life and I only knew him for 6 years. I can't imagine all the other lives he must have touched and influenced.  This is all I know for sure, the World is a better place because he was in it! I was very luck to have known him,  He will be missed very Much.  Sometimes words just are not enough


Tom Ambrozevitch
President Tarheel Trailblazers

I also first met Jeff doing Trailwork on Monbo at LNSP.  (Don't remember how long ago that was!).   

The more tributes I read, the more amazed & saddened I am.   

I hope all the happy memories & kind words bring some comfort to his family.

I remember meeting him and bOB Karriker on one Fall Saturday clearing corridor for Hawk Loop. That was the Fall of 2002. He always liked to give me a hard time but knew it was his way of including and liking you.  He's made a big impact on local cycling over the past 14 years and his energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed.

I never got the chance to meet this fine fellow cyclist and really missed out according to his obituary! What a GREAT REPRESENTATIVE for Statesville and LKNSP! Here ia a link to his obit..........

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)