THIS SEASONED CYCLIST HAS A“ SWEET SPOT” FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Bob Geller and the Berkshire 32
" The Sweet Spot," where riders and road meet under Bob Geller’ s lead. Petersburgh Pass.( Bob Geller)
THIS SEASONED CYCLIST HAS A“ SWEET SPOT” FOR BERKSHIRE COUNTY
FOR CYCLING ENTHUSIAST BOB GELLER, staying in motion has always been the key to life. A retired middle school science teacher, Geller has worn many hats: high school soccer official, alpine and youth ski coach, and, for the past 48 years, a certified ski instructor.“ To me, movement is the essence of life,” he says.“ To keep moving, I always want to do something fun for me and the people I’ m with.”
Geller joined the Berkshire Velo Association— a volunteer-run, nonprofit cycling club— in 1976 and began competing in cycling races all over New England. In 1979, he entered his first Josh Billings Runaground, which was held in Williamstown at the time. He stopped riding in 1984 to focus on marriage and raising a family. Eighteen years later, a call from a fellow teacher pulled him out of road bike retirement.“ I have not been on a road bike in 18 years,” Geller told his friend. His friend replied,“ Bob, last year out of 500 cyclists, our biker came in 499th.” Without the pressure to win, Geller agreed to join the team and trained for six weeks on his 29-year-old bike. His most recent Josh Billings race was in 2019, when he placed second in the All Berkshire category. In 2007, Geller began riding with a small group of cyclists who met at Palmer’ s Variety Store in Pittsfield every Sunday morning to decide on a route. As the group grew, he took over as route organizer, created an email list, and began posting weekly rides titled“ Just Show Up.” Each ride included a single group photo— a
B y T a y l o r S t a u b a c h
“ fanfoto”— inspired by professional fan photos at Fenway Park of the same name. Over the years, the email list of 10 riders expanded to 120. Eventually, Geller switched to the GroupMe app, starting a new riders list, and renamed the group“ Sweet Spot,” a cycling term for sustaining a high level of effort over a long period of time. Each post includes a route created with“ Ride With GPS,” which provides mileage, ascent, ride profile, and estimated time to complete. Riders can download routes to bike computers for turn-by-turn navigation and often record their rides on Strava( a popular cycle recording website). Attendance to these rides ranges from a single rider to as many as 15. Geller also rides with the Berkshire Greylocks( BG), a local group that organizes similar outings, often focusing on gravel rides. Many cyclists participate in both groups.“ I love to cycle outdoors in the spring through fall months, and on the trainer during the winter months,” Geller says. He points out that the Berkshires and surrounding counties offer some of the most stunning views and lightly traveled, well-paved roads in New England— from the state’ s highest peak in north county to the rolling farm roads down south. When he’ s not on a bike, Geller and his wife, Pat, make the most of winter with season passes to three ski areas. Whether cycling in warm weather or skiing in the snow, Geller surrounds himself with friends who share his enthusiasm for the outdoors and his commitment to staying in motion.
A few of Geller’ s favorite rides:
• Mount Greylock, starting from the Lanesborough side.
• Petersburg Pass, to New York State to Vermont to Massachusetts( sometimes in reverse).
• Tree Farm Route, from Great Barrington to Copake, New York, and back.
• Salmon Kill Run, Great Barrington to Salisbury, Connecticut, to Canaan, Connecticut, to Sheffield.
Rides range from 30 to 50 + miles. Geller created a six-route series called the“ Berkshire 32.” If you ride all six routes, you will have ridden through all 32 towns and cities in Berkshire County. And he goes on a memorable ride to the top of Mount Greylock every Father’ s Day. For route details or to join a group ride, download the GroupMe app and join the group called“ Sweet Spot.”
Geller’ s tips for cyclists:
• Pay attention to your nutrition on the bike. Refuel and stay hydrated.
• Be sure to carry tubes, tools, plug kits, CO2, and money( for coffee).
• Many riders use a rear blinking light radar system that warns them of oncoming cars. Auto drivers are becoming more aggressive and distracted in recent years; ride defensively.
• Geller recommends replacing your helmet every two to three years. They do dry out. He credits his helmet with saving his life a few years ago.
All riders have different physical and mental capabilities. To join Geller’ s group, he says it is best if a rider is recommended by someone already in the riding circle. This eliminates riders joining a ride that is not a good fit for their abilities. Wherever the group rides, they try to have fun, stay within their collective strengths, and stay safe. Some rides are challenging; others are kept at a“ conversation " pace. No matter what, the first to the top of a climb waits for the others to summit. n
90 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2025