Submitted by:  Jean Jackman  3/2007
This entry relates to the present
Category(ies) of this entry:  Bicycle, Favorite People


One Wednesday morning, I was biking with other Davis Bike Club members on the Wednesday morning ride to Solano Baking Company in Dixon.  I was riding along with a rider I hadn’t spoken with before.  And since he looked older than me, I asked him how long he had been riding, anticipating some long tales. His answer surprised me:  “Well, I hadn’t ridden a bicycle for over 60 years and I moved to Davis to live at the University Retirement Center. My son has such a good time on his bike that I thought I might buy one and ride on the paths around here.  Eventually I started riding in the streets and joined the club.”

That biker is Lee Hershberger.  He and his wife moved to Davis in 2001.  In 2002 he bought a bike.  Last year, he sold me that bike which I use when my regular one is in the shop or as a loaner to visitors.  He bought himself a faster and better one.

In future rides, we came to find that we share a love for nature photography, similar books and music preferences.

Lee, a retired endocrinologist, is 81 years young.  I hope to be like him when I become an octogenarian - courageous and willing to try new things.  I have a list over my desk of people who inspire me – and Lee is on that list. He’s right between
 Granny D. ( Doris Haddock – who walked across the US at age 89 and 90 to advocate for campaign finance reform) and the late Molly Ivins.
 
I look forward to rides with a new biking buddy, Lee Hershberger.

March 2007