This month we are featuring Butch Pemstein, who has been a CRW volunteer in many capacities over the years. His knowledge and insight are a treasured resource for the club. Take it away, Butch!

I am privileged to have been a CRW member, and officer, over the past several years. I’m not at all sure that my contributions to the Club are worthy of the spotlight, but here goes:

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I grew up Worcester, and now live in Newton.

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport?

I suppose that I began cycling when everyone else started, grade school, or perhaps before. My sister held the bike up, yelling “Pedal, Pedal” and after a few falls, I was a fan. Gave it up, too juvenile, when I became “worldly” in high school! I got my first 10 speed in 1984 and have been hooked since. I don’t remember what it was, but I got a brown Fuji and cycled into town as often as possible, even in the winter.

How long have you been a CRW member? 

I think I joined CRW sometime around 2003-4.

How many miles do you typically ride per year? 

I used to do 5-6,000 miles a year, but lately, having aged, if I can do a 15-20 mile ride once or twice a week, I am pleased.

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment?

None of my cycling has been worthy of public memory: I rode the PMC 23 times, the first time in 2000, when I was almost 62. I’ve done Washusett, with the Club, but that was really a long time ago.

What is your favorite route to ride?

There’s a Wednesday Wheelers (WW) route on the North Shore, that goes from Gordon College all the way around Gloucester and Rockport that I managed to do pretty much every year. Easy hills, lots of ocean, interesting towns, good food.

What is your favorite post-ride food or drink?

I look forward to a glass of beer (maybe two) after a ride but always fill up on water first. No coffee!

What is your best advice for a new club member?

Best advice, get active, say hello to your fellow riders, volunteer to lead or otherwise to participate. We are an all-volunteer group; there is something for everyone to do to help the Club, and that’s one of its great benefits.

In what capacities have you volunteered for the club?

I was on several “committees” for lack of a better word, that set up some standards for Wednesday Wheeler rides, including the helmet rules. While VP for legal affairs, in addition to garden variety legal matters, I participated in some decision making regarding cyclists’ inappropriate behavior on rides. I was also involved in our insurance program. I participated in the distribution of charitable gifts to other cycling organizations. That was, and is, one of the truly gratifying parts of my time with the Club.

I started as VP when Eli Post was president, several years ago, and was fortunate to stay through each succeeding presidential term.

What rides did you lead?

I liked several WW rides, had a terrific time scouting and leading and sweeping from time to time.

Anything else you want to share about yourself or cycling journey?

One great thing about the Club is that the folks you meet become friends, on and off the bike, both while you are actively riding and when riding becomes less likely.