I met John "J-Rod" Elrod in the summer of 2006 when he started coming to Saturday Signature Series rides on the recommendation of his spin instructor, Johnny-O (John Ohnstad, PV's Ride Operations Director). In fact, J-Rod was one of a whole cascade of cyclists that Johnny-O had recruited from his spin class - a class that included Lynne Fitzsimmons, Tim and Mary O'Donnell, and D. Jason Penny, to drop a few names. Now that I think about it, if you do the "...and they told two friends and so on, and so on..." game, Johnny-O and Ty are probably responsible for 2/3 of the club membership. But I digress...
J-Rod introduced himself, said he wasn't sure how fast he could go, but would start off slow and work his way up. We rode together a number of times in the B17 group and I thought to myself, "what a great guy, I wonder if he'd want to lead rides". Okay, so I do ask that about every club member. But what struck me with J-Rod was how positive he was (and still is), and how he's always willing to help out other riders along the route.
As we approach the first anniversary of Tim O'Donnell's passing, I can still remember how supportive J-Rod was for me, Johnny-O, other folks in the club and Tim's wife Mary just after the accident and throughout the summer. These are the things that make friendships gel. Never one to be firmly in the spotlight (except in articles like these) J-Rod helped hold things together quietly from the wings, all the while leading rides and looking after the new riders.
J-Rod's cycling has gotten a lot stronger, though like me he has had to battle setbacks from injury and illness. But whether or not he's on the bike on Saturdays, he's still there with a smile and a handshake and he sports the Velo colors with pride. To me, he is the embodiment of what we started Portland Velo for - a highly social, highly engaging club for the serious recreational cyclist - and what we expect from our ride leaders. If you're lucky enough to be on one of John's rides, you'll know what I mean.
-Carlo, May 2008
An Interview with John "J-Rod" Elrod
CD: Briefly describe your experience in cycling.
J-Rod: My background as a cyclist goes way back with a 30 year gap. I did the usual thing learning to ride when my family lived in Japan. Fast forward 13 years saw me riding to train for my first love – motorcycles. I raced motocross my last two years of high school and first year in college. I wasn’t much good though and stopped after moving to Portland in 1976. I then raced competition go karts for twenty years, spending way more time and money than most cyclists.In 2003 I started going to a spin class taught by John Ohnstad. When he started talking about a new cycling club in Portland I decided to start riding outside again – 30 years later. My influences for cycling are of course John, but also the late Tim O’Donnell. Tim and his wife Mary were both regular participants in the spin classes. I started riding with Portland Velo two weeks after Tim started and many times we rode together. I think about him every time I ride. I keep riding in memory of Tim and all of the great people I’ve met through cycling.
CD: I said briefly...(just kidding)
J-Rod: You suck... :)
CD: What do you think of when you're on a ride?
J-Rod: When I’m with a group of riders, I think about how I can improve. I try to be very smooth and predictable, making sure the other riders know where I am at all times. I don’t always succeed, but it’s what I work at. When I’m alone, I’m either trying to push myself harder or just enjoying the wind in my face and all of the sights around me.
CD: As a ride leader, what do you think are the most important things to remember on a group ride? What do you like best about leading rides?
J-Rod: I think the ride leaders should be more of a coach than a leader. As a ride leader, we must make safety first. We must remember we are all riding because we enjoy riding in a group and for whatever reason we ride, if we don’t enjoy them we won’t come back for long. I like helping the new riders the best; it’s great to see new riders’ accomplishments that are reflected in their smiles, and to watch the camaraderie develop when they come back again.
CD: Tell us about how you came to be a member of Portland Velo. What do you enjoy most about our club?
J-Rod: John Ohnstad got me into the club and everyone I’ve met keeps me coming back. Portland Velo is such a diverse group that comes together for a good time. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
CD: Campy or Shimano?
J-Rod: Shimano, but my next ride will probably have SRAM components.
CD: Shaved legs or Au Naturelle?
J-Rod: My legs, like my head has very little hair, no need to shave!
CD: Bald Peak or Logie Trail and why?
J-Rod: Hills! Every time I see a big hill I just want to turn around and go home. Hills are by far the biggest challenge I face. Hauling my 185 lb. butt up any hill has always been a challenge for me. I told myself this year that I was going to lose 15 lbs. and climb Bald Peak.