Meet Tom Gaydos! Its appropriate to focus this Chain Letter Member Spotlight on Tom. He became a member of the Akron Bicycle Club in its early days. As ride chairman at the time he needed a way to relay the ride schedule to the members. This was in the days of no website or email. Thus, his baby, The Chain Letter, came to be the staple of the club for many years.
Tom has returned to the club at the same time that The Chain Letter returns in its digital form. I interviewed Tom to reminisce about the roots of the club, his insights on the future of the club and why he enjoys cycling in Northeast Ohio.
Brenda: Tom, I know that you were a member in the early 70′s. How did you get involved with the club?
Tom: I was a runner and started to have some problems with my knees. My cousin Bill Barry (now a member of ROMEO) was member and suggested that I give it a try. I showed up for a regularly scheduled ride and was hooked.
Brenda: What hooked you?
Tom: The riders were a very personable bunch. I was handed a ride map and took to the road with the group. The ride leader understood that his role was to sweep for new riders and make sure no one fell behind.
Brenda: I know you left the club for a number of years. What did you do during that time?
Tom: I started a horse boarding and breeding farm that took up all of my time. My son was about 10-11 years old at the time. We also raised chickens, guinea hens ad lambs.
Brenda: Definitely a busy life. Now that you have sold the farm, its good to have you back. What has been the biggest challenge for you since returning?
Tom: As I said earlier, I was hooked by the personable welcome of the group. ABC is still known for this. But we are a technology based society now. (As in the new Chain Letter). Instead of being handed a ride map I was asked if I had downloaded the cue sheet. I didn’t know what a cue sheet was a definitely felt challenged that I needed to download one from somewhere. I now know that most ride leaders keep a few ones handy for the riders.
Brenda: We definitely have to contend with all of the technology around us. I think ABC is getting a good grip on how it can make our club more engaged with our members. How would you like to see the club go forward with all of this going on?
Tom: ABC is known as a social club of riders. This social point means that we need to look forward to the social aspects of the ride and the get-together afterwards. Its important that members use the technology we have available but not forget that “Social” means human interaction. A smile and the joy of riding with friends are enough to keep us happy.
Brenda: I think we all agree with this. We have so little time now to find time to relax and unwind. How do you schedule yours?
Tom: I have yoga class one night a week and plan on the regular Wednesday and Thursday evening rides. I join other rides as often as I can.
Brenda: How has the yoga helped your riding?
Tom: Yoga keeps me balanced physically and emotionally. It has also physically made me stronger and more flexible. I know it has helped my core conditioning tremendously.
Brenda: I am sure that conditioning comes in handy in biking around Northeast Ohio. How does riding here compare with other areas?
Tom: The routes are usually not flat, the scenery is beautiful and the weather can be unpredictable. What would be the fun in always riding in 80 degree weather on flat roads?
Brenda: I see what you mean. And do you have plans for biking while on vacation this year?
Tom: I have family who live here in the States but have maintained their homes in Greece. This fall I will be spending some time riding on a Greek Island with them and friends.
Brenda: I look forward to hearing your tales when you return. In the meantime, thank you for sharing with us. Its always nice to learn a little bit more about the people we ride with in the club.
If any of you have questions for Tom or comments about the interview, please submit them in the comments section.
See you on the roads and trails!
