Messenger Memorial - Jay Moglia

Jay Moglia
Washington DC, d.21.June.2021, heart attack

Photo by Andy Zalan

Legendary Washington DC bike messenger, poet, and musician Jay Moglia passed away on June 21, 2021after suffering a heart attack while leading a ride from his famous mountain training facility in Lost River, WV, also known as Raw Talent Ranch.

We lost a legend yesterday. Jay Moglia passed away after suffering a heart attack while leading a ride from his famous mountain training lodge in Lost River, WV and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Besides being a longtime DC messenger, Jay became a prolific figure in the mid-Atlantic road racing scene, first as a fierce and extremely capable competitor despite not ever having raced a bike before his early 30s, then founding and operating the Raw Talent Ranch as a way to develop the sport and the people in it that he loved so much. He made it his mission to unlock potential in others and share the deep joy he found in his beloved sport.
In addition to his extensive and enviable accomplishments in cycling, which already bridged worlds between the street and the road, he was also a gifted musician whose band Crippled Pilgrims produced a landmark collection of early 80s work which is still being sought out by collectors and DC music aficionados decades later. He continued making music with the Pilgrims as well as in solo and group projects throughout his life.
All of us who knew Jay loved him a lot and his death comes as a profound and grievous loss. The passion that drove him in his different pursuits was an extremely generous one, more outward-bound than inward-directed, and interested most of all in sharing his gifts and helping his very large circle of friends unlock their own raw talents. If you knew Jay, he was a fan of yours and a believer in your potential to do great things.
It is safe to say that we'll never know another quite like him. The overwhelming sadness I feel is only tempered by the knowledge that it's shared by hundreds of others whose lives were also changed for the better by knowing him. Ride In Peace, Jay.
A tribute ride in the DC area will be organized and more information on memorials to Jay will be forthcoming. - John Whittington

Jay Moglia. 1960-2021. Ride In Power, Rest In Peace my brother. You will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. – Any Zalan

Rip Man 🙏🏽 Me and so many people looked up to him ❤️ and please disregard if I’m wrong but he passed on the 1st day of the Tour. And I believe he’s riding it rt now with the greats in heaven 🙏🏽 - Marlon Prather

WHAT!!?? Man that is not fair! Jay was a man that I considered myself lucky to know. This upsets me to the point of tears. It's just not computing in my head. I always loved Jay and how he lived his life. One of the toughest people I ever knew. He always had a kind word for me. I looked up to Jay so much. – Little John Fuller

Former DC messengers gathered in honor of Jay Moglia on Saturday in West Virginia. Jay taught me so many things, especially the importance of staying connected, and he always remained so loyal. How lucky I was to know him and call him my friend. Rest in peace, we love you Jay. ❤ - Heidi Woolever

Aw man. That’s a big loss for the community. - Eric Gilliland

Wow, this is surprising. When we least expect it another soldier bikes into the next neighborhood. All the years on the streets, I did not introduce myself to Jay until near the end of my tenure. I always mistook his serious looking disposition as a deterrent. That interpretation changed especial- ly after exploring the link he shared. From then on we always had a word or two, a slight smile, or at least a nod upon each encounter.
PS. Upon reading other posts I’m reminded that Jay’s girlfriend, Audrey, is a special acquaintance of 20 years. My heartfelt condolences are especially extended to her. I had not previously connected these two, image wise, although Audrey frequently referenced Jay during our encounters. I was under the impression that her Jay had retired from messenger work only now to discover that this special dude was her man! Tears.
Ride and explore in peace, brother. - Charles Walter Donaldson Jr

It's devastating. *his mission to unlock potential in others* i felt that... that's what I admired bout him most. 💔💔💔 - Lyndsey Pheister

My condolences to everyone affected by the passing of a great, and truly special person. Jay constantly inspired with his quiet, yet deliberate manner that he faced so many incredible challenges in his life………..and rode through to the other side and inspired us all!! Ride In Peace Jay!! - Shawn Goodwin

The first time I ever met Jay, we were both outside waiting for the returns of a roundtrip late one afternoon. We chatted a little and he said, "can I read you a poem I just wrote?" and it's one of the best memories of my life; listening to unexpected (very good) poetry, resting after a long day, looking at the pink and blue early Autumn sunset. What a gift he was. May we all strive to be so loving and inspiring. - Dayna Heater

As a younger, green rider back in the early 2000s, this is one of the dudes I looked up to. Kind. Quiet. Fast. Clearly a history in cool shit. Never knew him that well but did definitely “see” him. – Jesse Hinson

Never forget he raced at USA championships in Jackson he was forty and still racing pro what a good guy was there when he got hit at poolsville race and tour his leg up lots of memories true Champ for cycling ride in peace – Johnny Vick

Cyclist, poet, musician. - Stephen Gibson

My heart goes out to Jay Moglia's family and friends this the Wingmaster and he was a great guy I love that man so much I miss that man right now my condolences go to his family and friends oh I'm lost for words right now so everybody keep me informed what's going on in about his memorial rest in peace – Eric Barnes

I have so many great stories about this man. He saw me in many of my different phases of being, and was cool with all of it. This man was one of a kind. Til we meet again, Mogs, ride on. - Barry McMenamin

I loved him so much. What a true friend he always has been to me. Hard to find people like him on this Earth. He will always be a part of who I am. I will always remember him and miss our times together. ❤ - Adam Paul Pheister Sr.

This is so sad.
I’ve seen Jay a couple times in the past year. He’s been buying kegs of the beer I brew in Nokesville to keep his kegerator stocked for his guests out at the Barn. I loved sharing something I’m passionate about with him and the folks who ride out there with him. So sad - Matthew James Ryan

Jay was an absolute legend in the cycling community. I remember working with him at WEX and he approached me and told me I should train more because I had a smooth pedal stroke. He was always kind and positive on every single encounter I had with him. I was honored to be a guest at the ranch. I’m glad he died doing what he loved on his mission. What a surreal character of a person. - Salim Riley

I was just sharing memories with my husband of the time some of us went out to RTR for a weekend away from the city. It even triggered a "we gotta get back to DC soon" conversation. Jay was a backbone in the community and is already missed. – Meredith Begin

A true DC legend. I felt I had so many wonderful conversations with this kind, insightful and loving man. Ride in peace man. – Rebecca Reilly

hey all -- as we mourn the passing of Chris Soda, please keep this man in your thoughts as well. Jay Moglia and his gf Audrey were incredibly supportive of Chris both during his recent illness, his previous TBI, and beyond that just helping Chris experience the street/roadie hybrid culture that Jay's Raw Talent Ranch exemplifies. They both spent a *lot* of time helping Chris throughout his ordeal, getting him all the way from a WV emergency room to U-MD Baltimore, dealing with his doctors, looking out for him when he couldn't look out for himself. Jay was on the phone with Chris multiple times a day right up until the end.
Jay is not on FB (though there is an RTR page) and I hope I'm not overstepping by telling this story here. But everyone who was friends with Chris should know that Jay & Audrey showed him a ton of love. Hard-times love -- driving hundreds of miles love -- staying up all night with a sick man love. If you see Jay on the street please let him know you appreciate him for the unsung hero he is. -- John Whittington

Photo by Kevin Dillard

Jay’s Obituary:
Jay Moglia 6/14/1960 - 6/26/2021

Jay Moglia passed away after suffering a heart attack while leading a ride from his famous mountain training facility in Lost River, WV, also known as Raw Talent Ranch.

Besides being a long time DC messenger, Jay became a prolific figure in the mid-Atlantic road racing scene, first as a fierce and extremely capable competitor despite not ever having raced a bike before his early 30s. He quickly rose in the ranks earning his Category 1 USCF ranking less than two years after completing his first race.

He would later survive a horrific accident during a race in Jackson, Mississippi, nearly losing his leg and then his life due to trauma-related kidney failure. Not only would he survive, his determination to rehab and push his body defied all odds and he was back on that very same course a few years later. At age 40 and post-accident he qualified for the 2000 Olympic trials in Jackson. Competitive spirit and love of the sport took over any potential trepidation. He was young beyond his chronological years as evidenced by his athletic successes and infinite energy and enthusiasm.

Having travelled across the US training, competing in USA Cycling National Race Calendar (NRC) events, and staying in seedy but functional and affordable motels, Jay wanted to establish a place for cyclists that was both homey and inspiring. With his partner Audrey, they bought a partially renovated barn on top of Branch Mountain in Mathias, WV. After two years of a lot of sweat and elbow grease and support from his family, especially his brother Stephen and sister Robin, Jay’s vision was realized. He started hosting cycling teams. Jay made it his mission to unlock potential in others and share the deep joy he found in his beloved sport. He provided coaching, adventure, a good time, and a lot of entertaining stories.

In addition to his extensive and enviable accomplishments in cycling, which already bridged worlds between the street and road, he was also a gifted song writer and musician whose band Crippled Pilgrims produced a landmark collection of early 80s work, which is still being sought out by collectors and DC music aficionados decades later. He continued making music with some of his Pilgrims band mates in a new incarnation, the Rambling Shadows, as well as engaging in solo song writing projects throughout his life. Music was just as important to him as cycling. The two were imperative in spiritual balance.
All of us who knew Jay loved him a lot and his death comes as a profound and grievous loss. The passion that drove him in his different pursuits was an extremely generous one more outward-bound than inward-directed . He we most of all interested in sharing his gifts and helping his very large circle of friends unlock their own raw talents. If you knew Jay, he was a fan of yours and believer in your potential to do great things.

Jay’s survivors include his partner of more than 20 years Audrey Taucher; his brother Stephen Moglia and wife Yolanda; his sister Robin Moglia, her husband Bob Clancy and their two children; sister Marise Galgano, her husband George and their two daughters; his mother Barbara Moglia; his favorite Aunt Jo; cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Jay was preceded in death by his father and role model Joseph “Buddy” Moglia.