1. Where are you from originally?
Born and raised in Pennsylvania. My earliest years were spent in the central part of the Commonwealth (Lewisburg and Reading), which I recall only through family photos. My family then moved to the Wilkes-Barre area, where I grew up and started school.
2. When did you start cycling, and what got you into it?
My entire family developed an interest in cycling in the late 1960s while I was in high school. We took part in club rides organized by the Wyoming Valley Bicycle Club and Sickler’s Bike Shop. In 1972, the Wyoming Valley Bicycle Club sponsored a century ride that was hoped to become an annual tradition. The Great 100 Bicycle Rally was widely promoted and attracted riders from all over the Northeast. At the age of 19, I had become addicted to cycling and was the proud owner of a Peugeot PX-10, which I rode as often as possible. That same year, I participated in the 10th running of the Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) in Ohio. Along with three friends, I obtained my ABLA race license and participated in criterium racing. I didn't achieve much on the racetrack, but one of the guys I trained with went on to race for the Hills Cycle Team in Germantown, PA.
3. When did you join CRW, and what brought you to the club?
I joined the CRW in 2022 to take part in group rides.
4. Do you volunteer for CRW, and if so, in what way(s)?
Not as yet.
5. What type of cycling do you enjoy the most?
I own two gravel bikes and a hardtail mountain bike. I love all of them, but I must admit that 90% of my riding is on the road. I’m not fit enough for competition, but I do enjoy watching professional cyclists on TV. I also enjoy participating in organized rides, fondos, and sportives. CRW hosts some great events; I have participated in both the North to NH ride in the spring and the Cranberry Festival ride in the fall.
6. What’s your favorite ride or route?
There are some great routes on the South Shore where I live. It’s always a struggle to decide which one I’ll be doing today. The Hanson 32 (CRW library) is a ride that I’ve done on my own several times over the years. I recently did the Sunday morning ride led by Mike Togo. This is a great route on roads with minimal traffic.
7. What has been your favorite moment or experience with CRW?
I really enjoyed this year’s Cranberry Harvest ride. As you may recall, the forecast predicted a nor'easter, so the 100-mile ride was canceled. I opted for the metric century instead and joined a small group of about six or seven riders. We covered the miles at a record pace for me! I’ve met some great people on these rides. It’s always a blast.
8. What advice would you give a new CRW member?
Get involved. The calendar is loaded with opportunities to ride.
9. What’s a fun fact about you (cycling or non-cycling)?
I was hospitalized at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in January 2020 with symptoms of a rapid heart rate. I had been under the care of the cardiology department for several years due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition. My medical history was on file, giving the doctors an early understanding of my condition. The hospitalization lasted five months during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospitals were in turmoil. At this point, I was on two pumps that assisted my dying heart and was listed for a transplant. Finally, in May of that year, the transplant took place. Three months later, I bought my first gravel bike and started my recovery. Then in June of the following year, 12 months after the transplant I pedaled that bike from Weymouth, MA to Rye Beach, NH. A 100-mile journey done at a party pace. I am forever grateful to the wonderful care I received at the Brigham and the donor's family for this incredible gift.
10. What do you enjoy most about being part of CRW?
I believe the club has an excellent reputation. When I was considering becoming involved with an organized group, this name kept coming up, and the reputation is well-deserved.
11. Anything else you'd like the club to know?
Exercise is widely recognized as one of the best actions you can take for your heart, even for those who have undergone a heart transplant. The vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body, plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion. During the transplant procedure, the vagus nerve is severed, and it rarely regrows. I was informed after my procedure that my heart rate would never exceed 130 beats per minute because of this. However, I often see my heart rate nearing 150 bpm during my rides, likely due to various hormones compensating for this limitation. My doctors have approved my cycling activities, and the only caution I receive is to be sure to wear a helmet!
