This month’s Cyclist of the Month, Ed Bixenstine, is particularly special to Blimp City Bike & Hike. My grandpa, Ed Bixenstine, is an amazing man. During my lifetime, I have consistently witnessed him leading a healthy and active lifestyle. In addition to cycling, he runs, plays handball, writes novels and poetry, remains politically active…and spends a great deal of time with his large and loving family.

On a recent afternoon, I spent time with my Grandpa Ed to make sure that I got his story straight. Grandpa is a road cyclist. His favorite bike of all time was his touring bike, but there have been many bikes in his lifetime. He has been cycling since the age of ten or eleven. He fondly remembers that he received his first bike for Christmas. He said, “I couldn’t wait to get on it, and then I couldn’t do anything but fall!” His Uncle Paul advised him to get on that bike, start pedaling…and don’t stop pedaling. He has been cycling ever since, for the last seventy-five years. Cycling has allowed him pass through places and see nature.

Locally, he likes to ride the Portage Trail Path from Kent through Ravenna. This is his favorite route because there are no cars to contend with. My Grandpa has ridden in many different states as a member of the USA Triathlon Association. As a lead contender in his age group, Grandpa qualified to participate in the World Duathlon Championships. He has competed in duathlons all over the world including Austria, Canada, Italy, and Hungary. A duathlon consists of 6.2 miles of running, 25 miles of biking, followed by 3.1 more miles of running. I am pleased to say that my Grandpa has won the World Duathlon Championship in his age group six times! This world-class athlete has this to say, “Always wear a helmet…never get on a bike without one!” Grandpa Ed is convinced that wearing a helmet has saved him from serious injury on more than one occasion.

Grandpa Ed lives in Kent with his wife Anita, his son Mike, and a couple of cats. Their home is frequently visited by family and friends. You’ll find Grandpa Ed cooking up pancakes on Sunday mornings for whoever is fortunate enough to come by! He is an Emeritus professor of psychology from Kent State University, and was in private practice for a number of years.

My grandpa and grandma have always served as role models for their five children and fourteen grandchildren. In addition to living a healthy and active lifestyle, they continually reinforce the importance of family. Later this summer we will celebrate Grandpa Ed’s eighty-fifth birthday. Happy birthday Grandpa! Thanks for all you do!

If you are interested in reading more about Ed Bixenstine, please visit his website at www.vebix.net.