Megan's Legacy Foundation 501(c)(3) started out as a small memorial ride to honor Megan Marie Lopez. Hence, the 1st Annual Megan's Legacy Memorial Ride for Offroad Safety Awareness was formed.
January 29th, 2022, Megan was killed at the young age of 25 while riding her motorcycle in Ocotillo Wells, SVRA when she was hit head-on by the driver of a SxS offroad vehicle.
In our group of family and friends, Megan was know as "our safe rider". She was taught from a very young age by her Papa that safety was key while enjoying the sport of offroading. Not only did she understand that operating a vehicle within her means was important for her own safety, but it was also important for the safety of those around her.
The traumatic loss of our daughter has been devastating to say the least. To lose a child because of someone else's carelessness, and disregard for the safety of others is extremely difficult to recover from.
Because of the very specific details that were witnessed the day our daughter was killed, I wanted desperately to honor Megan and make sure she is not forgotten like so many others that have lost their lives while enjoying the sport. Even if only 1 life is saved, I want more than ever to bring awareness to offroad safety in her honor.
As a grieving mother, I did not know how to deal or cope with the loss of my only daughter. I became very vocal on social media (mainly Facebook) as I was angry. I did not realize how many people in the desert community actually knew about or heard about or were there the day Megan was killed until I started receiving so many comments on my posts.
Through social media, I met some amazing people. One person in particular who was a complete stranger to our family reached out to me. We met Memorial weekend 2022 in Ocotillo Wells. As we talked about our children and the tragic loss of Megan, I shared with him how I wanted to bring awareness to safety in Megan's honor. I wanted to open the eyes of anyone and everyone that I could and make them realize this could happen to their child, their family member, their friend......it could happen to anyone if we do not ALL take responsibility and become more aware of the importance of safety. Not only safety for yourself but for the safety of others around you.
The conversation I had with my now lifelong friend that Memorial weekend turned into what we have achieved to date. As he "threw his wife under the bus" and said she would be the perfect one to help me. We are now preparing for Megan's Legacy 4th Annual Memorial Ride for Offroad Safety Awareness in Ocotillo Wells, SVRA. With the support of family, friends, strangers, the offroad community and so many others, we are bringing awareness to safety.
As we continue to grow and become more visible in the offroad community, we plan to continue our relationship with American Sand Association, CORVA, Cal 4Wheel Drive Association and California State Parks, SVRA. We took a small Memorial Ride honoring Megan and became a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit promoting Offroad Safety Awareness in the OHV community. With the help of our associates, we are working together to promote more education for offroad safety awareness and becoming more diligent at opening the eyes of others.
Thanks to the support of many volunteers, friends, family, ASA, CORVA, Cal4Wheel Drive Association, California State Parks, Boy Scouts of America Lakeside Troop #3, KUSI, Dave Stahl, Carl DeMaio, SxS Offroad Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, Baja Designs San Marcos, Fun Bike Center, Cycle Gear, CVUSD print shop we look forward to continuing Megan's Legacy through Megan's Legacy Foundation outreach and the annual Megan's Legacy Memorial Ride for many years to come.
#SafetyMatters
