Below are the returned questionnaires from the GEARs Board of Directors election. Please take a few minutes to read thru them and be prepared to cast your ballot at the Annual Member Meeting and Program on November 11th at the Hilyard Center.
Eric Healy
Which Board position are you seeking? Member at large
How long have you been a GEARs member? Since August 2024
How have you been involved in GEARs? I’ve been on several group rides and used the route library for many more solo rides.
What is your biking experience? I grew up riding bikes in Montana and bought a Raleigh CX bike in place of a car to get around the valley. Heading to college, I continued my love for cycling and really got hooked when I graduated and began spending my free time exploring the gravel roads around Bozeman. Since then, I’ve tried my hand at almost every bike event in and around Montana, scratching that competitive itch while finding new friends and riding in beautiful places. I moved to Eugene this summer partially because the cycling infrastructure and culture here are so strong. I’ve used the GEARs, Twilight Operations, and Eugene Velo rides to make friends and find a sense of community here in Eugene.
Tell about the ways you would support the GEARs mission as a Board Member. I am an advocate for bicycles as both a means of transportation and recreation. I would like to support the continued expansion of the cycling path/lane network around Eugene. I also push for safe interactions with drivers. I have some experience coordinating sporting events and teams from my 2 years as the president of the men’s ultimate frisbee team at MSU.
What is your vision for GEARs? I see GEARs as a place for cyclists of all ability levels to find a sense of community and support. I also see GEARs as a means to express the importance and value that a well-maintained and diverse cycling route network to the greater community. I’d like to see GEARs more involved with some of the more community-focused local rides/races like cyclocross and Hop Head Hundred.
Howard Hesterberg
Which Board position are you seeking? At-Large Board member
How long have you been a GEARs member? 5 years
How have you been involved in GEARs? Club rides, Ride leader, Event volunteer
What is your biking experience? Fifty years with everything except Velodrome and BMX
Tell about the ways you would support the GEARs mission as a Board Member. I believe in the broad community value of bicycling and contributing my insight/experience
What is your vision for GEARs? We have a broad range of member experiences to offer the community in support of cycling, our visibility to the community could be enhanced.
Daniel Padilla
Which Board position are you seeking?
Member at Large
How long have you been a GEARs member? I have never been an official GEARs member but have joined local rides in the past.
How have you been involved in GEARs? I collaborated with GEARs for events like the Blackberry bRamble, where we raised funds and awareness for Free Bikes 4 Kidz.
What is your biking experience? I rode my bike almost every day during my senior year of high school before setting it aside during my time at Lane Community College. The itch to ride again came back during the pandemic and it’s since become a significant part of my life both personally and professionally. I currently work in marketing at Bike Friday, where I help promote cycling and engage with the cycling community. I also commute 14 miles to and from work almost everyday and enjoy longer rides during the weekends.
Tell about the ways you would support the GEARs mission as a Board Member. I hope to support the GEARs mission by utilizing my marketing background to enhance outreach and continue engaging with our local cycling community, as well as increasing membership from cyclists of various backgrounds and abilities. This would involve creating inclusive events and marketing efforts that draw in cyclists of all backgrounds and fitness levels, increasing both club awareness and membership.
What is your vision for GEARs? My vision for GEARs is for it to continue being an important part of our cycling community. I aim to help GEARs continue hosting successful events like the Blackberry bRamble, and supporting current and new cyclists throughout Lane County. My goal is for GEARs to expand its positive impact on the next generation of cyclists throughout Lane County.
Jose Zarate
Which Board position are you seeking? Vice President
How long have you been a GEARs member? 2 Months as an official member, unofficially 2 years
How have you been involved in GEARs? Mainly through group rides, attending events, and volunteering with other agencies connected to GEAR’s.
What is your biking experience? I started cycling at a very early, I was 3 when I had my training wheels removed. I always loved to tinker and repair my bikes, and lately I have enjoyed upgrading a few components for marginal gains. I have learned the most through training for longer (100mile+) rides combining physical training, nutrition, and mental fortitude to find a balance. I was recently involved in a cycling accident that opened my eyes to the need for safer cycling routes and advocating for cyclist safety.
Tell about the ways you would support the GEARs mission as a Board Member. I would support in gathering information and setting up “clinics” for specific types of training like long distance training, gravel set up, tubeless tire classes. Ect. I would like to support in any way the group sees fit.
What is your vision for GEARs? To create a safe space for cyclists of every skill level to ride together, learn together, and feel a part of the cycling community.