Camaraderie is mainstay for cyclists
West Hills Road Riders meet twice-weekly to push one another, socialize, stay fit
Some do it for health reasons, some for weight management and some for event training.
The West Hills Road Riders bring new meaning to a Sunday drive, upholding a five-year cycling tradition that began with Paul Kopko of Robinson, 63, who formed the group.
Roughly 25 to 30 riders of all ages and riding skills from Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties gather for weekly excursions along less-traveled roads at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Mondays at the Trek Store of Pittsburgh-Robinson, 6514 Steubenville Pike, which is where Mr. Kopko works.
“The Sunday rides are more social,” Mr. Kopko said. “Mondays are competitive.”
Cyclists’ burn up the road for about 25 to 30 miles. Members eventually separate into smaller groups based on skill.
Some do it for health reasons, some for weight management and some for event training.
Everyone does it for the fellowship.
Kevin Cooney of Moon has been riding with the group for two years.
“The people make this group fun,” Mr. Cooney said. “If something goes wrong, everyone is ready to help you.”
Larry Drugmand of Washington agreed, adding that his tire blew out on his third ride. Less than a mile later, it was flat again.
“They didn’t want to leave me alone,” he said.
“When I first began, I was the farthest behind,” said Lori McAninch of Collier, who also appreciates the camaraderie. “Others would drop back and ride with me.”
Emily Humes of Moon is familiar with finishing last with the group.
She joined to train for the 2013 Pittsburgh Triathlon. She said the group members worked with her and she won the triathlon for her age group that year.
Ed Atkinson of North Fayette invited his neighbor Tim Marsh, a 35-year smoker, to join them. After riding with the group, Mr. Marsh quit smoking.
Oakdale resident Lance Letterio and John Messner of Moon have lost 100 pounds each.
They ride to keep off the weight.
Bob Schurko, 63, of Hookstown used to ride alone. He was injured after a dog ran in front of him. Now he cycles with the group.
Mike Friedman of Colorado, who used to live in Scott, joins the group when he’s in town. The former Olympian pedaled his way to Bejing in 2008.
“I love meeting new people,” said Mr Friedman, who has retired from competitive cycling and has organized Pedaling Minds, an after-school program for children.
Group members have traveled together to bucket list destinations.
Mr. Cooney said the group’s patriarch, Steve Hansen, 63, of South Fayette, climbed Pikes Peak in Colorado.
Chris Butor, who travels from Canonsburg to pedal with the group, was with Mr. Hansen on the Pikes Peak trip.
“Steve and I tackled it together on day seven,” Mr. Butor said. “We stayed wheel-for-wheel for the entire summit, encouraging and pushing each other while we faced increasing altitude and sharper climbs.”
Ngani Ndimbie, communications manager for Bike Pittsburgh, said many people who start riding in groups eventually use their bike as the main source of transportation.
For information on West Hills Road Riders, see its Facebook page.