Greenspring Resident Shares His Love of Cycling – and a Motto to Live By

(Springfield, Va.) - Bill Weiler’s love of cycling blossomed at the age of 16 when he worked part-time for Western Union delivering telegrams in Philadelphia for 60¢/hr.  During college at the University of Pennsylvania, he also biked to his job at the Pennsylvania Railroad.  Today, Weiler, 78, lives at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, Va. and still bikes regularly.

Weiler rides not only for purposeful transportation, but also for recreational reasons and to stay fit.  It’s not an unusual sight to see Weiler cycling in and out of the Greenspring community on his lightweight Trek road bike.  The plentiful paths near Greenspring are part of what attracted Weiler to the community originally. 

One of his favorite jaunts is the 10mi round trip ride to and from Accotink Park.  “The greatest joy is admiring the woods, lakes, and waterfalls,” said Weiler.  “But also the practicality of getting where you want to go in the most pleasant way.”

Every year, Weiler also participates in the Sea Gull Century 100-mile cycling event in Salisbury, Md.  “It’s a nice gathering of serious riders where I can pedal a longer distance,” said Weiler.

Weiler does encourage people to consider riding two wheels, as he believes it has kept him healthy through the years. “I do think cycling has preserved my physical performance,” said Weiler. 

And as for Weiler’s motto to live by?  “Two wheels are always better than four!” 

About Greenspring: Greenspring is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of whom reside in over 1400 independent living apartment homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.