The Hometown Treasure April 2013 | Page 16

Cyclists By Jerry Hostetler In March issue we asked readers to nominate cyclists to be profiled in this month’s feature. Here are a few of the nominations that we received this year and their bicycling stories. Marty Moeller At the prompting of his son, Eric, Marty Moeller of Shipshewana has been cycling seriously for the past two years. He began with a hybrid bike, riding the Pumpkinvine Trail. Soon he developed the necessary conditioning for longer rides. He purchased a carbon fiber framed bike and began riding longer and longer distances. He now rides between 40 and 50 miles several times a week, at an average speed of 18-20 miles per hour. Winter weather has proven to be a challenge, but he rides outside whenever possible. Marty uses a stationary trainer to maintain pg 14 · The Hometown Treasure · April ‘13 his stamina when the weather is too cold or inclement. Last November, Marty and Eric rode in 35-degree temperatures and nearly 20 mile an hour headwinds to Goshen, mostly on the Pumpkinvine Trail. As they approached town, a bike developed a flat tire. With freezing fingers, they made the necessary repairs before returning to Shipshewana. They both declared that it was the most challenging bicycle experience to date! When the opportunity presents itself, Marty and Eric ride the Monon Trail in Indianapolis and the back roads of Hamilton County. They are planning a trip to Colonial Williamsburg this spring to ride the beautiful and historic roads there. While in Virginia, they plan to ride 100 miles in two days. According to Marty’s wife, Beth Ann, “Marty is cultivating the next generation of Moeller cyclists in his oldest grandson. Evan keeps his bike in our garage waiting for sunny days to ride with “Pops”.” She continued, “They are aiming for those long distance rides together as soon as spring weather arrives.