Leland Sheppard’s Motorcycle Legacy

The patriarch of the Honda Pacific Coast PC800 community passed away this morning and is now on his last ride. This page is a collection of our memories of Leland.

Leland’s final message:

Dear Riders,

This morning I started a new “iron butt” journey from which I shall not return to this earth. Unfortunately you will not be able to follow me on my GPS tracker for this journey. You all are in my eternal memory of the many rides we shared and the adventures we went on together. I’ll be a silent partner on your future journeys with you. Take a ride for me and remember the fun times we had.

Wishing you all safe travels and smooth journeys.

Leland Sheppard

Placerville, California, USA

….Life is good on the Pacific Coast…

’96 Pacific Coast, “Last Chance”, 62,672 miles

’89 Pacific Coast, “Wind Walker”, 90,110 miles

’89 Pacific Coast, “Fancy Pants”, 41,528 miles

’96 Pacific Coast, “Hawaiian Sunset”, 110,356 miles

’89 Pacific Coast, “Shadow Dancer”, 177,422 miles

’94 Pacific Coast, “Black Beauty”, 211,520 miles – semi-retired

’90 Pacific Coast, “Red Baron”, 128,072 miles – semi-retired

’02 GL1800, “Copper”, 84,320,

’07 Aspen Classic, “Copper’s Camper”, 3,207 miles

iPCRC #72; IBA #10582; AMA #481368

Mother of all PC800 Web Site Lists: http://www.pc800links.net

I first virtually met Leland in the fall of 2009 when I purchased my 1989 Honda Pacific Coast and found the IPCRC. My PC800 was the second bike I ever owned, after learning how to ride the previous year on a Honda VT700 Shadow. I immediately fell in love with my beloved PC and worked to sponge up as much knowledge as possible from Leland’s websites and his forum postings. The PC800 community has consistently been one of the kindest and most inviting communities that I have ever been a part of. Much of that is because of Leland’s patience, kindness, and generosity. His annual organized rides up and down the Pacific Coast Highway inspired me to think bigger than just riding around my town.

I can’t remember if I met Leland in person in 2010 on the northern version of the TGPCHPCMY2KMR+10 ride (nicknamed the POPCORN Ride and nominally organized on the IPCRC) or in 2013 on the RAMROD ride around Mount Rainier put on by the NW Upcoast group. My memory says it was 2013 but I’m not positive. I do remember that he was on his copper colored Goldwing and wearing loafers, khaki slacks, a dark windbreaker, and a big smile.

Over the years Leland and I exchanged many emails about our PC800s. I really respected his wisdom and knowledge of motorcycling and of our bikes. Observing how he interacted with people on the IPCRC helped to shape how I interact with people on a daily basis. I always try to be kind, compassionate, patient, and helpful. I try to explain technical subjects in simple terms that anyone can understand. And I try to make sure that everyone is having fun.

Leland, your presence will be sorely missed on the TGPCHPCMY2KMR+20 ride and on every ride after. We will miss your presence on the IPCRC and in our email inboxes. While you may be on your final and longest ride, you will always be riding with us in our memories. I look forward to riding with you again some day.

Your PC800 friend,

Douglas Van Bossuyt

Godspeed, Leland. May you be riding a pristine PC800 wherever you find yourself… 😢

Juan Antonio Goula

I never met or communicated with him but his legacy has helped me numerous times on my own PC800 journey and for that I, and I’m sure many other, will always be in his debt. Ride on and keep smiling 😊

Darren Hopkins

I will watch the skys to see if i can catch a glimpse of him riding the celestial highways.

Chris Lowery

I didn’t want to add another name to my bike 😢 Rest in peace Leland.

Wayne Doenges

I had the privilege of riding with Leland on two of his Pacific Coast Highway rides. The 2005 ride, my first year of retirement, was named in my honor “Tim’s Pacific Coast Odyssey”. 

I had the pleasure of riding with him two more times, once in Texas (Revill Dunn’s Ride) and once more when he came to North Carolina for the ride I have been organizing there since 2001.

He was truly a kind and generous man, willing to help anyone who needed it. He will be missed beyond measure.

Tim Davies
Seneca Falls, NY
Yankee Smuggler II 1998 (258,000+ mi)

IPCRC #4
AMA #688662

“The ride is the objective, the destination is the excuse!”

So sad, I had planned to meet Leland on the his 20th anniversary ride in September 2020, ride safely and keep the throttle open my friend 🏍

Jason Mullaley

I’ll never forget how active he was back in the day on this page in fact when I mentioned that I had what we thought was the last known mudflap for the PC 800 he asked me if I would send it to him so he could copy it and make his own. So I did and I believe he might have made some for other people as well. Godspeed Leland.

Mark Fellure

Rest In Peace and ride the skies. 
I remember when the yahoo group was started and he was on that a lot. I still have my pc and will never sell it. The knowledgeable people on the yahoo group helped me keep my bike running good on the cheap. And introduced me to the throttlemiester which saved my wrists on two cross country outings.
Leland will be missed greatly.

Michael Conner

Here’s wishing Leland’s golden ride is even better than an adventure on a motorcycle. 

Anita Rocha

Very sad news to hear of his passing. I never met him, but like others have said, I learned a lot from all his knowledge of PC800’s. I feel this is all the more reason that the 2020 ride will go on in his honor. Such an incredibly nice man who had helped a lot of people. Really wished to have been able to meet you on the 2020 ride.

Certainly in our prayers Leland. Today I was cleaning the trunk in my PC800 and my two boys aged 5 and 7 walked by and were amazed at how much stuff it could hold. Figured you’d get a kick out of that. 

I hope to someday put on all the miles you have been able to do on the PC800 family you have. 

I hope to see you in 2020!

Chuck Holzerland

Very sorry to hear that Leland has passed away.  Condolence to his family!!!  I never met Leland, but I truly enjoyed his post regarding PC800 information.  He will be missed.  

Mac Hancock

God Bless you Leland and see you on the other side.  You will remain in my prayers.

Craig Maefs

My thoughts and prayers are also with Lealand — truly a wonderful person!

Wade B

He comes for us all in time.  Just hoped Leland would be around awhile.  Gawd, what a great guy.  I hope I’m so brave.  We’ve enjoyed his leadership and company for so long,  Going to be a sadder 20th Anniversary Ride next year.

God Speed Leland

Gary Mick

I am a PC800 rider in the shadows of this group.  I bought my 1989 a few years ago (2014)  and I had the guy I bought it from load it on my trailer as I did not know how to ride a motorcycle very well..  I took the rider class here in Wisconsin and have put about 26,000 mile on my PC800 since.  

If not for this group:
– I would not have bought the PC800.  
-If not for all the information collected from this group I was able to learn about the bikes history, trips to take , how to fix, how to tune   repair short cuts, proper oil, finding parts and the list goes on
-If not for this group of people and the love for the PC800 I would not have learned about the culture and had so much fun .

It’s been on the Dragon Tail, it’s been in the Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s been something my wife and I have totally enjoyed.

Leland just so you know you have had a huge impact on a 60 year old guy here in Wisconsin.   Thank you for all you have done for the world and sharing your love for the PC800.

 I wish I could find a note in the PC800 files to fix your current predicament………….. but I can pay it forward!!!

Thank you Leland!

Dave Broadfoot

The below was written by Arvid shortly before Leland left us.

Sorry to hear about Leland..Sending Our best wishes for a speedy recovery to a very good friend. If anyone have the chance to visit him..Please relay our best wishes to him from Torill & Arvid and Vidar ( now residing in Irving, TX and have his 5th wedding anniversary with Sandra today.

Arvid Løvik

It was Leland’s Sierra Nevada in 2008 that got me in to long distance riding. Went back 4 more times including bringing the wife once. Seen so much of Canada and America because of that first ride. His loss will be felt.
Many thanks Leland. RIP.

Malcolm Cook

Godspeed Leland

Gibb Reffitt

Godspeed

Bob Krenzke

Sorry to hear of Leland’s passing. I met him on one of my first PC rides to Deal’s Gap. RIP, my friend.

Peter Teague

A Founding father…

Michael A Thomas

My heart is broken. 

I met Leland on the inaugural Y2K PCH ride. Since then, can’t count how many miles I’ve ridden just off of his taillight.

He was a hard-headed, stubborn, curmudgeon who was a great friend and loyal to the core. He is already missed.

Dean Williams

This man was / is a class act!

Ed Burdsall

What wonderful Legacy he leaves.

Jim Sherburne

Nancy Lorntson

God Bless Leland, his family, and loved ones. Thanks Philicia for sending out the notice and being a faithful friend.

Paul Dominy

I remember reading all the wisdom he had to share back when I bought my first PC in the early 2000’s.
He was a font of knowledge. He will be missed. 😥

Rob Webb

Ride on.

Thomas Johnson

I met him at that deals gap event. It was also my only time meeting him. Although we conversed many times over the years on the web. Rest in peace my friend.

Ed DeMik

After 20 years (first PCH ride) was hoping to reunite again September 2020 for the PCH anniversary ride. RIP my friend.

Kasle Gr

Sorry to hear of his passing, but grateful to have made his acquaintance. He was a great guy and he will be missed.

Jeff McGill

A great guy with a lot of PC knowledge has graduated to Heaven. We will miss you greatly.

Michael W. Miller

Sensei.

Glenn Meharg

It took me a while but I finally found my photos of the one time I got to ride with Leland Sheppard. It was August 2005 and Leland had bought sight unseen a ’96 PC with a sidecar located in Maryland. (Later he added this bike to his signature ” ’96 Pacific Coast w/Super Sport sidecar, “Hannigan”.)

The bike and sidecar were an absolute mess! The sidecar was described as filled with a rotting moldy smell and the PC wasn’t much better. Israel Engle made arrangements to get the bike to his house and proceeded to perform an exorcism on everything offensive in the bike and sidecar followed by a cosmetic, mechanical and spiritual restoration.

Leland flew in and was picked up by E-Buzz (early 2000’s era Coaster) and transported to Israel’s house. He was amazed at the transformation Israel had achieved. This moldering hulk was completely ready for the epic continental crossing back to California (planned for 4 days as Leland was still working then!)

Leland set out from the Eastern shore of Maryland escorted by longtime Coasters: Israel, Willie Seay, Sandie Rosenthal, two more friends of Iz’s and E-Buzz in his car.

They stopped for gas in Mt Airy, MD were I met up with the group and picked up the escort duty as far as the western Maryland border.

I had emailed Leland a couple times and conversed on the IPCRC forum but never had a sit down face to face conversation to really get a sense of his personality and this briskly paced trip didn’t offer any opportunities. I am saddened by his passing but appreciate the brief time I got to ride with him and of course all of his support for the Pacific Coast community.

For those Coasters who use the IPCRC Yahoo page his account of his trip picking up the bike and his adventures getting it home are Message #58037. Otherwise you can read it on the PC800 Archives here http://www.lcsheppard.net/pc800archive/message.php?message_id=58037. [Editor’s note: this is moving to http://pc800archive.douglasvanbossuyt.com/message.php?message_id=58037 as I transition Leland’s websites over to my servers]

His personality comes through as if he just posted it.

Ride on Leland, ride on.

Terran Sin
aka Steve Johnsen
IPCRC# 2391
’94 “Baiku” (sold 11/2012)

I did not meet the man, but like many of you, I viewed him as a mentor from afar. Never too busy to answer questions (even the ones that had been asked countless times before) from this PC newby. A servant’s heart…. Interesting, isn’t it, how the passing of a man not met……. can cause such an unsettling feeling in one’s heart. Rest in peace, Mr Leland Sheppard. You will be missed…..

Shane Leiser

Ride toward the light Leland, There are many friends waiting for you; and the next adventure.

Art Steinbach

God be with you Leland – like many I never had the pleasure of meeting him – but we shared many an email to which he typically would respond to a question or with direction in never more than a few minutes…

When you see God Leland – let us know what year and color PC he’s riding!

You’ll be dearly missed my friend!

Bill Mael

Rest In Peace Sir.

Pete Rona

I’m still new to this group but sounds like a guy I really wished I could have met and learned from. He was a local to me living just across the river. 
Rest In Peace Mr. Sheppard.

Scott Swartz

A Founder and Leader in every way.

Jeff Krause

So sorry and sad to hear of Lelands passing. Ride in Glory, Leland.

Harold Nelson

I had many conversations with Leland. Never met the man. He was always so helpful. A super guy. I will miss him.

Jim Streeter

Very sad for the PC800 community, I am impressed by the amount of information he organized for PC owners, my condolences to his family

Timothy Work

An amazing and generous soul. He helped everyone no matter who you were. He touched many many lives. Bon Voyage.

Todd Ensign

I only had a few communications with Leland during my short years of PC800 ownership but they were always useful and as a novice, his websites, knowledge, history and experiences were both part of the reason for me buying one (then another) and enjoying them despite the electrical problems caused by the UK seaside salty air.


I only wish I’d posted this before he went so that he could read it.  DouglasVanB and Tim Davies, I also put you on that pedestal.  A few others as well but you two stick out for me.  I may not own a PC800 anymore but if I get another, then I’ll still be back here. I hope that you’ll all still be here by the time I shuffle off this mortal coil.

Neil

I’m so sad to read that Leland “Mister Pacific Coast” is not among us any more!
We knew each other since almost 20 years from this Yahoo group, the former mailing list and many e-mails, and I also had the pleasure to meet him in person at a PC800 meeting in Germany, around ten years ago.
Thank you, Leland, for all of what you have done for the PC800 community and for the knowledge about the PC800 you have accumulated, hopefully we will be able to keep this knowledge alive!
Fare well, my friend – until we will meet again for another great ride in that other world…

Wolfgang Kaufmann

In honor and respect to the passing of Leland, I would like to submit the following for your remembrance of Leland Sheppard.  It always brings tears to my eyes.  I hope that you will find it fitting.

bornin38

As with many on this list, I had the pleasure of making friends with Leland through this group.  

He once entrusted me to pick up a bike for him, his sidecar PC rig, in which I had the honor of getting it to my house, cleaning it up, and prepping it for a right-to-left coast ride home.  He flew over to my coast and I got to meet him in person; icing on the cake of a memory that will stay with me long into the future.

Ride safe, Leland!

israel_96gtp

Leland, Thank you for all the information, knowledge, websites, the passion.  I have learned so much from you and many other contributors.  Again, thank you.

Michael Da Grace

Sure sorry to see Leland pass.  He gave us a great gift in this community.  Hope we can keep it going in his absence, and as more of us age out of this riding pastime. 

Jim Russell

Very sad to hear of his passing. I can see Leland and so many others of this group compiled a lot of information over the years. I did not know him but he was very nice in responding to me when I bought my PC last year as others have been as well!

I may of been a little late in getting into PC ownership as the bikes are not getting any newer, and I am not getting any younger either. I have yet to see another one since I bought this one. I have enjoyed it so far but have not gone any big distance as of yet.

He will be missed by everyone! 

Steve Starfield

I’ve been limited to a cell phone for a bit, so my posts have used as few
words as possible. Now, finally I have a keyboard and all ten fingers, so
I can actually talk.

I’d made a last visit with Leland a priority. I’ve had an issue with
mobility for a couple of years now. I wasn’t sure that I could do it but I
did it anyway, a triumph of grit and medical marijuana over neuralgia.

It’s very nice to spend time in free states.

Leland went dark the afternoon before we were to arrive in Placerville. No
response to phone, text, email… It was late when we got in, so the next
morning we went to his place, where he was not. A call to 911 got the
correct medical facility, and twenty minutes later I was treated to that
bullfrog grin behind an oxygen mask.

This time, for the first time I can remember, he didn’t open the
conversation with “You look familiar.” No beating around the bush.. We had
a very nice fifteen minutes, with nurses interrupting to demand he put the
oxygen mask back on. I had to get on him myself. I’ve had a collapsed
lung. I know what those numbers mean. “But, I can’t hear them with the
mask on”.

Those fifteen minutes meant a lot to me. I hope they did to him. You rode
your own ride, Leland, while leading the group. The challenge was keeping
up with Leland. Don’t brake. Downshift and LEAN to the apex! As whatever
color PC he’s riding today vanishes around then next hairpin,

Gonna miss you, Leland.

Revill Dunn

Your timing was impeccable, Revill.  I’m pleased, and suspect Leland is too, that one of his last visitors was from among the PC brethren that meant so much to him.

I am SO familiar with your recap of his riding style.  If you could hang with Leland on the Lost Coast, you had accomplished something!  I had the pleasure of hanging on as his #2, right off his taillight, for an awful lot of trips.  I can testify that if you watched Leland’s taillight to gauge when YOU needed to brake, you were in for a lot of surprises.

I will be in Placerville on July 13th for his memorial.  Brother Kel will be coming along as well.

I believe Doug VanB will be cloning and maintaining Leland’s PCH ride signup website at least until after the 2020 Anniversary / Memorial ride has come to pass.

Looking forward to seeing as many of you PC folks who were blessed by Leland’s friendship as can attend.

Dean Williams

So sad to hear of Leland’s passing. We’ve been up to our cabin and we don’t have internet access there so I’m very late sending my hugs to his friends and family. I’ve learned a lot from each of you fine gentlemen and feel blessed to have known you.

PJ Sunshine

May we all contribute to the degree that Leland has. Ride well and far Leland.

“Nein Name”

That is very sad. Leland was a great person and a wonderful member of the PC800 community.

Richard Miller

I never met Leland personally, but I feel like I’ve known him for years through the PC Forum, and his High Sierra passes ride encouraged me to do all five on my own a few years back. 

Because I’ve been living overseas, I’ve only been lurking for the past few years, but wanted to finally meet Leland when I could hopefully return home in 2021. Unfortunately, that won’t happen, but his legacy will live on forever, in the minds and hearts of those who knew him, even if only through the printed page.

Karen Boehler
Roswell, NM (Currently in Goa, India)

Bye Leland. You were a great guy.

I met him once purely by chance I was returning home from WetFest and bumped into Leland, and bunch of other PC’ers on a tour of the Redwood forest in Nor Cal.
I was on a Venture at the time and pulled into a rest stop and recognized him sp we had a little chat and went on our ways.
I’ve traded emails with him over the years too, and he was always a stand up guy.

The PC community will certainly miss him.

RedRocket

At least he’ll never have to remove the bodywork from a PC again, we hope.

Thumpism

Well, it depends on the desination. If it’s HIGH, the body panels will never have to come off and oil changes are automatic. However, if our friend is destined for a lower level, he will have to take all the panels off every day and chase down leaks. With worn out tools. 

Seriously, anybody who loves the PC800 has got some grit. Leland will be fine.

IMaScot

Knew it was coming, but it’s still difficult. 
Great man, and I’ll miss him. 

Formerly PaleHorse89PC on the list.

RustyJ

I’m sorry to hear about Leland. May God’s grace be with him. 

Todd Heming

I am sorry that I never got to meet Leland in person, but the few conversations shared on the phone and emails we traded made me really
admire him.  Every trip I made out to Washington and Oregon seemed to be ill timed on my part and never got to meet Leland or you.   
The yearly trips were in different places and at different times.

I am sorry I won’t be able to physically be there on the 13th, but I will be there in heart and spirit. 

Steven Edwards

I had some wonderful conversations with Leland over the years. A great 
person and credit to our small PC800 Community. 

Rick Miller

I’ve been on two of Leland’s runs and was honored to run down to Placerville from my home near Roseburg, Oregon to take him out to lunch this last April 7th. I admonished him to hang in there as we had a date for the PC2020. He laughed as he boxed up the uneaten salad he had ordered, knowing as he did the challenges of making that date. A cherished memory is the email he sent by way of thanks for lunch and the conversation which included PC’s, trains and planes.

Joe Laurance

I am truly sorry to hear of his loss. I hope that his service today helped those who knew him to find some peace, and that his last ride surpasses the many that came before it.

Tray Torrance

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Desde Venezuela, lamento mucho enterarme de la muerte del sr Lelland, quien desde hace varios años, desde que adquirí mi PC800 del 89, me facilitó varios consejos y tips para el cuidado de la moto. Mi mas sentido pesame a sus familiares y especialmente a loa colegas de Bikers de las PC800 que le acompañaron en sus viajes.

(Editor’s Note: Translated via Facebook Translate.) From Venezuela, I am very sorry to hear about the death of Mr Leland, who for several years, since I acquired my pc 800 of 89, provided me with several tips and tips for the care of the bike. My deepest condolences to your family and especially to the colleagues of bikers of the pc 800 who accompanied you in your travels.

Renny Leonardo Cruces Laya

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At Leland’s funeral, Dean Williams recorded 10 PCers present including: Dean Williams, Kel Williams, Art Steinbach, Douglas Van Bossuyt, Ed Wahl, Juan Goula, Ralph McComb, Dave Misunas, Joyce Calvert and Julia Coss.  Kel, Art, Douglas, and Dean were able to serve as pallbearers, so Leland had a fitting escort on his final “ride”.

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Steve Edwards from Weaverville, NC sent out some wonderful koozies in memory of Leland to the funeral. We all got a kick out of them and now I’m using my koozie to keep my drinks cold. The koozies will be making an appearance at future PC800 group rides on the east and west coasts so be sure to attend if you would like a koozie to help remember Leland.

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Leland’s many webpages are in the process of being moved over to this website for long-term preservation. Likely by the time you read this, the work will have been completed. Always one to plan ahead, Leland paid his server bills for three years in advance before his passing which has enabled the PC800 community to preserve his knowledge and legacy. Below are links to specific pages that otherwise would be orphans.

• Eight Mountain Pass/Summit Loop Trip Report – One of Leland’s favorite rides near his house in Placerville.
• 42 Mile Loop Trip Report – A short ride that Leland loved.
• Bodie, Tioga Pass, Yosemite Loop Trip Report – One of Leland’s favorite rides further afield.
• This page is an online resume for Leland C. Sheppard, AMSP, AALP, ACDR, ASD, ARD – Leland’s resume and a lot of his life story.
• Leland Sheppard’s Homepage – Some of Leland’s other motorcycles and toys.
• Spring Mountain Motorcycle Camping Trip Report – Another one of Leland’s favorite rides.
• Map Case Instructions – How Leland carried a map on his PC.
• Honda Pacific Coast (PC800) Mud Flap Installation and Specifications – Instructions on how to install a mud flap on a PC800.
• Trunk Carpet Patterns for Honda Pacific Coast PC800 Motorcycles – DIY trunk carpets