How long have you been cycling? For about 8 years.
What’s your favorite thing about riding? You get to escape from your busy life, relax, and rediscover the beauty of nature. I love riding on country roads and taking in the sites.
How many miles a year do you typically ride? 3,000–4,000.
What is your greatest cycling accomplishment? I have many and it’s hard to choose which one is my greatest. Probably surviving The Ride for Missing Children’s “Monsoon Ride”—there was a cold, heavy downpour with sleet at times for 37 miles. When we got to the first stop in Rome, the organizers canceled the rest of the ride and asked if we wanted bused to the New Hartford Recreation Center. Everyone chose to ride to the finish instead.
Why did you join MVBC, and what have you enjoyed most? I joined MVBC to develop my cycling skills and participate in group rides. I really enjoy the social aspect of the group rides and going out to eat afterward.
What’s your favorite road to ride on? Stokes-Westernville Road from the junction of Route 26 to Westernville. It’s a fun road with a lot of rolling hills and views of Delta Lake.
What is your favorite route*? My favorite long route is riding around Oneida Lake from Verona Beach State Park. My favorite short route is riding from Griffiss around Delta Lake.
What’s the best advice you have for a new rider? Join the group rides. You can learn so much from other riders. Don’t get discouraged if you are slower or if you struggle with hills.
*Bill’s favorite long route: 61 miles; short route: 20 miles.