In a more romantic era than ours, Ed Scanlan would have been called a Renaissance man. His service to the Sacramento Wheelmen alone reads like a list of lifetime accomplishments, when in reality he has been in the club only a decade. In that ten years Ed has worn the following hats:

Ride Leader · Oregon Tour Director · Club Secretary · Santa Project · Rest Stop Director · Storage Locker Manager · Sierra Century Director · Cooking Equipment Designer and Builder

These roles have revealed a man of passion and dedication, who possesses an almost frightening level of energy and organizational abilities.

Quite simply, Ed Scanlan gets things done.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ed grew up an only child who quickly absorbed the hard-working and abiding loyalties of his mother"s sturdy heritage. He discovered an interest in cooking at age 10 and remembers his first experience in the kitchen. "Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy -- for my mother and aunt," he proudly recalls. He has enjoyed experimenting with food ever since. He describes his repertoire as "basic good American cooking", and Ed's culinary creations are inspired by and designed primarily as an excuse to gather friends for a meal and conversation.

The conversation rarely veers from the sport of cycling. Ed began his adventure on two wheels 15 years ago, riding a Nishiki on White Rock Road. "It nearly killed me," he claims. Ostensibly a way to trim a few pounds, cycling has brought joy and challenge. Switching to a Cannondale, Ed completed his first century -- The Mile High Century in Chester. More quickly followed, including a gut-busting Golden Chain Century in Sonora.

Ed enjoys exploring the countryside for new and unique roads. Anyone who has hit the pavement after track-standing "Sucker Hill" will understand. The "Three Nasties" off Highway 49 in Amador County are another example. Also, every two years Ed and a group of Wheelmen scout a new route for the Oregon Tour in order to keep things fresh and interesting.

For Ed, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride. Like most of us, he has spent many years diligently tracking mileage and climbing -- looking forward to the documented accomplishment. Recently, however, he has abandoned this obsession for a more spontaneous agenda. His fitness level remains high, and has probably improved due to this relaxed approach. Perhaps the balance comes with age and growing families. Ed celebrated his 60th birthday on September 5, 2003. Both of his children were married last spring, and one will be providing the first grandchild in 2004.

The shift in priorities is a good one for Ed. He has gone above and beyond the typical volunteer role for the Sacramento Wheelmen, and is now an inspiration to those who follow. Many members assume Ed is retired. How else could someone do what he does? Yet, as regional sales manager of a food distribution company, he works more than full time, often traveling out of the county. The same will be said of his service to the club.

It is remarkable that, in 10 years as a highly visible member of the Wheelmen, Ed has only now agreed to a profile in the Wheelnews. When you get to know him, however, the answer is obvious. Ed is an enigma. A generous heart -- who loaned me the Cannondale until I was hooked, and then sold it to me for a fraction of its true cost. A thrifty man -- who cannot bear to waste anything, whether food or time. A gregarious and magnanimous host -- who cooks for a crowd with the same meticulous care as for an intimate dinner party. A private soul -- who rarely reveals the sensitive and gentle person beneath.

In many ways, this generous, thrifty, outgoing and private enigma is our barometer of success. We do well to listen to his experience. Ed's greatest hope is that the Sacramento Wheelmen will continue to be the standard bearer for non-profit clubs in northern California. He believes in giving generously to the communities in which we live and ride, and he is a fierce advocate for the care of our own members -- whether they are out for their first club ride along the American River or frantically assembling sandwiches at a Sierra Century rest stop.

Ed would not allow me to close any profile of him without thanking those folks who have inspired and supported his volunteer efforts. Ed, I know that the members of the Sacramento Wheelmen will join me in thanking you for the gifts of your time, your exceptional talents and your passion for volunteerism.

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