March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
I didn't know what to say at the memorial, but it was really nice to hear other peoples' stories and songs! I didn't think of what to say until right now..
When I met Howard, he was in his 70's leading bike rides for Genesis Bicycles. I was in my mid-20's. I was probably the youngest rider, and Howard the ride leader was likely the oldest (except maybe for Earl Wuchter). We were going on bike rides that started in March at about 20 miles, stretching to 50-60 miles by August preparing for the Annual Gap Gallup century bike ride (100 miles) in September.
Howard inspired more people to build their fitness to be able to complete the 100 mile bike ride. People who had never ridden 100 miles before, and probably who would not have done it if not for Howard. Most of the riders were in their 40's, 50's, or 60's and Howard was encouraging them to physically and mentally to go further. He nurtured a gaggle of 20 or so riders each year that became a core group, always growing, always evolving as people could manage with the flow of their lives.
I remember Howard sometimes as a gruff personality; I'm not sure if that came with age, or if he was always like that. Yet, I always knew that his sometimes terse disposition was always based in wanting to help people ride and enjoy their bikes more.
I remember his sailcloth sleeve of fabric with bike tools rolled inside that he kept strapped to his rear rack. I remember catching up to him at about mile 40 of the 100 mile Gap Gallop and he wouldn't look at me because he felt bad being passed. I only wanted to ride next to him for awhile, but he wouldn't say anything, so I kept going. How many times did he ride the Gap Gallop? 25 or 26? His tenacity over the long haul was amazing.
I did also see him perform a piano recital once at Kirkland Village.. a relaxed and proud Howard making sweet music - interesting contrast being with him so often cruising the country roads between Easton and Wind Gap. Ride on Howard!
When I met Howard, he was in his 70's leading bike rides for Genesis Bicycles. I was in my mid-20's. I was probably the youngest rider, and Howard the ride leader was likely the oldest (except maybe for Earl Wuchter). We were going on bike rides that started in March at about 20 miles, stretching to 50-60 miles by August preparing for the Annual Gap Gallup century bike ride (100 miles) in September.
Howard inspired more people to build their fitness to be able to complete the 100 mile bike ride. People who had never ridden 100 miles before, and probably who would not have done it if not for Howard. Most of the riders were in their 40's, 50's, or 60's and Howard was encouraging them to physically and mentally to go further. He nurtured a gaggle of 20 or so riders each year that became a core group, always growing, always evolving as people could manage with the flow of their lives.
I remember Howard sometimes as a gruff personality; I'm not sure if that came with age, or if he was always like that. Yet, I always knew that his sometimes terse disposition was always based in wanting to help people ride and enjoy their bikes more.
I remember his sailcloth sleeve of fabric with bike tools rolled inside that he kept strapped to his rear rack. I remember catching up to him at about mile 40 of the 100 mile Gap Gallop and he wouldn't look at me because he felt bad being passed. I only wanted to ride next to him for awhile, but he wouldn't say anything, so I kept going. How many times did he ride the Gap Gallop? 25 or 26? His tenacity over the long haul was amazing.
I did also see him perform a piano recital once at Kirkland Village.. a relaxed and proud Howard making sweet music - interesting contrast being with him so often cruising the country roads between Easton and Wind Gap. Ride on Howard!