Grandson Nathaniel Smith, Nancy Smith, and daughter Deborah Smith, pictured at last year's PMC.

Where are you from originally?
Though my family moved quite a lot when I was a kid (during WWII and post-war), I’ve lived in the Boston area since the mid-1950s. I have been at Brookhaven, a retirement community in Lexington, for the past six years - only 15 minutes from my former home in West Newton. My three daughters and six grandchildren (ages 18-28) are more spread out geographically.

When did you start cycling, and what got you into it?
As soon as I graduated from my tricycle to a two-wheeler! I loved the freedom that came from riding my bike. Only later on did biking become ”cycling.” In 1976, my (then) husband and I drove to Louisville KY for the U.S. National Cycling Championships; he competed and I was a groupie. (In those days the bike shorts were made of wool and had a real leather chamois!) This event inspired me to be a more active cyclist; I’ve been doing it for over 50 years!

When did you join CRW, and what brought you to the club?
I became a CRW member in 1991, the year I was divorced, moved from my home of 27 years, and did my first PMC (Pan-Mass Challenge). A memorable year! I wanted to learn new bike routes and enjoy the camaraderie.

Do you volunteer for CRW, and if so, in what way(s)?
I am not a volunteer. Am leaving that to the younger members!

What type of cycling do you enjoy the most?
Exploring the world on two wheels - though that phase of my life is now in the rear-view mirror. I did my first bike trip in 1992, in Italy, and was hooked. I did 27 bike trips - in Europe, the UK, Central America and the American West. For me, that was the only way to travel –  it was total immersion in another culture.

What’s your favorite ride or route?
That’s a hard one, as I’ve had many favorites over the years. Back in the ‘70s, I rode the Allis Loop regularly; it was developed by Olympian John Allis for his training rides. I did the 20-mile segment from Weston, out to Lincoln and Concord. My current “regular” ride starts in Concord, a 20-mile route that includes Strawberry Hill. I also like the Maggie Simpson ride out of Verrill Farm.

What advice would you give a new CRW member?
Try different routes, and do let folks know that you’re a new member – we were all there once, and are happy to answer any questions.

What’s a fun fact about you (cycling or non-cycling)?
Four years ago I found that keeping up on group rides was getting harder, so I got an e-bike – a Specialized Turbo Vado. It is a pedal-assist bike, so helps only when you are pedaling. It has put the fun back in cycling! I still miss my Seven road bike, but love the boost that is now available when I need it. At 87, I’ll take it!

What do you enjoy most about being part of CRW?
The Bike Thursday rides! I did the Wednesday Wheeler rides starting in 2003, when I retired. But I got older and slower, and the rides got faster. The Bike Thursday rides are perfect, with 3-4 small groups that ride at varying paces. And it is a great group of people.

Anything else you’d like the club to know?
That I am an avid supporter of the PMC. I rode from 1991 to 2010, then came out of “retirement” last year when a grandson (who started doing the PMC Kids Ride at age 4) suggested that he, his mom (also a retired PMC-er) and I should do a three-generation PMC ride. We did, and it was wonderful, so we are going to do it again this year. Last year, PMC riders raised $78 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; this year the goal is $79 million. It is an extraordinary event that we are proud to be a part of.