Mark Henry Hendershot

Mark Hendershot was born to ride, make music, and create enduring friendships. That is how he is lovingly remembered by his spouse Roberta Virva; sister Mary (Dave) Zeppenfeld Jennings; nieces, Katie and Courtney Zeppenfeld; nephew Kyle Zeppenfeld, and a host of friends all over the world.  Mark’s parents, Tom and Jane Hendershot, preceded him in death.

As a student-athlete at Kenowa Hills High School, Mark earned   letters in hockey, track, and football, before graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in Public Relations. After college he lived in Venice Beach, working, surfing, and dreaming of becoming a rock star. With friends who had ridden the “short bus” as kids, he formed the first of two punk rock bands “Retardbus” and then “Calling All Destroyers.”

Mark discovered his passion for racing mountain bikes professionally and rode for Santa Cruz Bicycles from 2002-2008. With Roberta as his crew, they traveled across the US and Canada specializing in 24-hour solo races with Mark ranking in the top 5 in the world for several years. He found beauty, joy and peace in his riding. He would dig deep, go to his “happy place” and pour every ounce of himself into every race. A true endurance athlete he embraced the cycle of “race, rest, rebuild, race” with stamina, success and satisfaction. He also found time to mentor young aspiring riders as a coach, introducing them to what it took to ride skillfully and safely.

When he retired from bike racing, Mark started Green Machine Pedicabs. Combining his cycling skills with his natural talent as a performer, he treated riders to his unique brand of “transportainment” as he pedaled around downtown Grand Rapids. His satisfied customers ranged from those with mobility limitations to dudes who’d had one too many.

An ethical vegetarian, Mark had a life-long love and respect for nature and animals. He became a certified dog handler and with Walter, the Rehab dog, volunteered at rehabilitation facilities, encouraging interaction and therapeutic engagement with patients always glad to see this man and dog duo.  He always had canine companions and in his final months appreciated the constant presence of Peanut and Ellie.

When diagnosed with brain cancer at age 49 in 2013, Mark faced his future with the grit and determination that had always served him, finding adaptive ways to maintain activities that he enjoyed for a number of years. When he faced the tough realization that he could no longer cycle in his last year, Roberta continued to serve as his crew, providing what he needed to navigate uncertain terrain, ensuring his safety and comfort to the end.

To celebrate Mark’s life, you are invited to participate in a “transportainment” in his honor on Sunday August 10, 2025 at Kosciuszko Hall. 935 Park St SW Grand Rapids MI.

For biker friends there will be a ten-mile urban bike ride from 2pm-4pm, starting and ending at Kosciuszko Hall. More info on FB page: Mark Hendershot Memorial Bicycle Ride, https://facebook.com/events/s/mark-hendershot-memorial-bicyc/860347009639830/

A gathering for riders and non-riders alike will begin at Kosciuszko Hall at 4 pm with beverages, food, music and a chance to share Mark- stories with family and friends. Photos from Mark’s wondrous life are at https://photos.app.goo.gl/aPJcf9FBUqfjNo3LA

Cancer sucks but Mark Hendershot rides on in our rich memories of him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Henry Hendershot, please visit our floral store.