The Wheelmen member of the month for November almost needs no introduction. Graduates of the 101 and 201 rider education courses are very familiar with Tom Manning’s friendly instruction and encouragement, both as a training ride leader, and as lead instructor. Others may know him as a Wheelmen board member and Ride Committee Chair, setting up the ride schedule, and keeping us all in the know. Tom is also working on being the Director of the Easter Hill Country Tour, which SAW sponsors in 2013. Keep reading as we highlight some things you may not know about our November member of the month.

Tom has been a Wheelmen member since 2009, and has been an active rider for three years now, (though he wishes he had started years ago). Most of his rides have been in San Antonio and surrounding areas, but he can also claim the “Bike the Drive” in Chicago and a tour in the Michigan Amish country as accomplishments, and is presently planning a trip to Vermont.

His current bike of choice is the Giant Advanced Defy road bike, although like many of us, he is still looking for the one bike that gets him up all hills effortlessly; might be a long search, but here’s wishing him luck! “Any ride that starts with a cool morning breeze and finishes in the warm sun.” is Tom’s idea of a perfect ride, as many of us can appreciate. He also admits to being partial to a ride from Bullis Park to Boerne, because a cappuccino and pastry await him at the Bear Moon Bakery.

Tom grew up in Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois, and completed his post-grad work at Miami University, Ohio. He served in the Air Force as a Russian linguist, and recently retired in 2010 as Chief Historian, Randolph Air Force Base. He is married to Barbara Manning, and when not riding, is busy keeping his wine refrigerator full (or maybe emptying it is a better way to put it), sailing, reading (particularly history), and figuring out his new iPhone.

Join us in saluting Tom Manning, Wheelmen Member of the Month, November 2011.

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San Antonio Wheelmen

We are San Antonio's premiere cycling organization for all people in and around the San Antonio area. SAW provides cycling education, community outreach, and the passion of enthusiasts of all ages and skills who want to share in the rewarding experience of cycling.