President: Jonathan Penn

I’ve been a Western Wheelers member for five years, as I began inching towards retirement and biking more regularly. When I started looking for a club, Western Wheelers quickly stood out. To me, is unlike any other club in the Bay Area: the camaraderie and openness to riders, the frequency of rides posted, special ride series like the LDTs, the Sequoia (which I refer to as “Gratuitously Challenging”, especially while riding it), and the many great events that we put on for our members, all make Western Wheelers stand out. My wife joined the club a few years after me, and now it gives us another thing to share. I feel I get so much out of the club, and being a board member is a big way for me to step up and give back to the group. I also advocate for safe cycling and safer streets, working with San Mateo BPAC and on various grass-roots efforts whenever I can.

Secretary: Robin Davis

I’ve been a Western Wheelers member for over 10 years and have biked many years longer than that. I tend to socially ride with the C- group. I appreciate the Western Wheelers for the friendship and family the group offers. One of my favorite rides is the Los Altos to Los Gatos 4th Sunday ride. I also enjoy the weekend away rides for the variety of scenery and chance to get to know the club’s riders better. I’ve led several rides and hope to lead many more going forward. I’ve also volunteered for many events. I’d be thrilled to serve as the club’s Secretary.

When I’m not riding, I’m often crunching numbers of some type as an actuary and former financial planner. I enjoy dinner parties, going out to enjoy music, reading, gardening, remodeling projects, hiking, and traveling. However, I look forward to a bit less travel now that I’ve moved back to CA from working in CT for the past two years during which I flew back to CA as often as I could.

I look forward to seeing you out there!

Treasurer: Mike Rissi

Ride Chair: Guy Shuman

Events Chair:  Jean Symons

Back in 2005, I started riding as part of the training for a triathlon. But after several triathlons, I learned that I didn’t really enjoy the swimming or the running but I loved the bicycling. I rode with a few friends that I made from the triathlon training; but through the years, the group dwindled. In 2016, I joined a bicycling Meetup group and rode with them for a while. But they only rode on the weekends. In mid 2018, a friend told me about Western Wheelers. WW offers so many different rides and it’s every day of the week! Whoo Hoo!! I’ve enjoyed riding with WW and have volunteered my help in several activities. For the past three years, I've been on the Board as a Member-at-Large and then Event Chair. If you have me, I'm running for Event Chair again for 2025. 

Membership Chair: Vern Tucker

After spending 40 plus years in the title insurance industry, as an underwriter and claims handler I retired in 2004 and became active in the Western Wheelers Bicycle Club. I began by riding on every ride I could find and was physically able to do. A short time later I was asked to start leading a few rides and then I began leading some A, B and C rides. In 2006 I was approached to become the Membership Chair the position I still hold.

During my tenure as membership chair I have seen the club more double in size as we have gone from the membership paying their annual dues by check and moving forward to a computerized system where the majority of the members now join and or renew on line. We still receive several checks each month which must be processed by hand.

As membership chair I will continue to promote the club by reaching out to new cyclists, speaking to strangers while on rides, in bike shops and in general telling anyone who will listen what a great club we have. I have also held several board positions, including Commodore in the two different sailing clubs. I have also been a Explorer Advisor for a BSA Explorer Post, Merit Badge Counselor and was one of four male co-leaders for a Girl Scout cadet- senior troop specializing in backpacking for 20 plus years.

Sequoia Chair: 

A 5-person "Sequoia Steering Committee" has volunteered to jointly run the Sequoia for 2025. The committee is comprised of Nick Baker, David Schorow, Jon Penn, Lucinda Layton, and Stefan Apitz

Chief Editor: Peggy George

It has been a great experience working for the club this year to get the monthly Flat Tyre newsletter published, and to serve on the Board. For the coming year, I look forward to publishing a fun newsletter filled with engaging articles, photography, travel "blogs", and relevant stories related to cycling submitted by members.  

Beginning as a child cycling enthusiast, I completed my first long distance ride, about two hundred miles in Upstate New York, coinciding with the Landing on the Moon. We rode into the campground with our bikes and gear and with all ears tuned into the broadcast of the event coming from every direction and every campsite. I was hooked on cycling ever since.

I have been a member since before 2000, and in my first years, worked as the Sequoia Workers Ride leader, making sure all riders were well fed at lunch and rest stops, supported by a team of enthusiastic helpers. I look forward to continuing the work of the Flat Tyre Editor in the upcoming year. Thanks for your support!

Webmaster: David Schorow

I’ve been bicycling for enjoyment and fitness since my college days in Boston.  I was introduced to California cycling when I came to Berkeley for graduate studies.  Cycling and other outdoor activities have been my passion for most of my adult life.  I even met my wife Mona on a group ride at The Bicycle Outfitter.  

In June, 2017 I retired from a long career in the computer industry, with the last 10 years as a manager and director of software development.  The Western Wheeler Bike Club provided me the means to do a variety of beautiful rides with fun people, many of whom have become good friends.  I was the club President for five years, from 2018 thru 2023. I want to continue to contribute to the club by being the Webmaster.

Member at Large: Brian Kaplan

I picked up biking and joined the Western Wheelers in 2015. It's been an amazing experience! My favorite part of the club is the social aspect.  I love going on club overnights and having lunch with fellow members.   I am honored to contribute time in service of the club given it's had such a positive impact on my life for the past 8+ years.

Member at Large: Jenny Warila