My Life on a Bike
by Eric Weinrich

Fellow cyclists, my name is Eric Weinrich. You may know me as a former NHL player and now a Portland Pirate.

It may surprise you to know that I am an avid cyclist, to the point that it is almost an obsession. My daughter has become disgusted with my passion and has frequently told people that I love biking more than her!

I could sum up my past 20 years in a book called My Life on a Bike. Although I was a skater, I trained primarily on the stationary bike. My Dad started training to do some bike racing for a couple of years, and he sparked an interest in me that I never lost.

I borrowed my father's old bike when I started training for hockey during my college years. (I wish I had kept it, with its vintage Campy Record components.) When I turned pro, I spent some of my hard-earned money on a new bike, which I still own. While living in Chicago, a neighbor triathlete talked me into going biking with him. From that day on, I've been hooked.

When we moved back to Maine in the summers, I had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Eddie at Cyclemania in Portland. They have helped fuel my passion by teaching me the ins and outs of cycling and patiently answering my questions during frequent visits to the shop.

My connection to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) is a funny story. One morning I was biking through Cumberland. While grinding up a hill, I heard a POP, and looked down in dismay at one of my spokes dangling off the wheel.

A half-hour into the ride, I wasn't exactly close to home, and the prospects of waking up someone to pick me up were slim that early in the morning.

After a couple of cars went by, someone stopped. By fate, it happened to be a BCM board member, who offered to give me a lift. Nancy Grant, also a Yellow Jersey member, told me all about the BCM and its functions in the state. She said she would keep in contact about the organization, which I was very interested in. Thanks to Nancy, I have joined the many in Maine who are enthusiasts about this great activity.

But for me, along with many others, it has become much more than that.

Last fall, I took a position as a coach for the Pirates. My commute into Portland became my daily ride.

I was very impressed with the many resources along the route that allow cyclists easy access into town: signs, bike lanes, many car bumpers with SHARE THE ROAD stickers, and driver awareness. It is a testament to the work that the BCM has done over the years to help make Maine a bike-friendly state.

It was really great to see all the people on their bikes during those mornings and afternoons, either commuting or just putting on miles. Hence, even more reason to get involved. And, now, after almost eight months back home, I frequently talk with someone new about riding and involvement in the organization.

During a trip to Denmark to visit my brother, I was astonished to see the multitude of bikes on the road around town. People in suits and dresses on their way to the office. Others biking with groceries in tow. I'll never forget seeing a woman riding to work, high heels and all, in a downpour. The bike lanes are everywhere, and bikes have the right-of-way all over town. I hope that our country can embrace that movement someday.

Last but not least, I have children as many of you do. My parents have always made my brothers and me very conscious of our surroundings and how to respect it. Global warming is real, and how can we help?

As I pedal into Portland every day, I can't stop thinking about all the good things that are happening during this commute. And, if we could all just convince one person a week about the benefits of riding a bike, we would all be contributing a small part toward the big picture.

Every little bit helps. Plus, it is just great fun and good for you as well! Hope to see you on the road,

Eric

The BCM is proud to welcome Eric as our official spokesperson. Keep an eye out for future column and safety messages featuring Eric.

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