Sherrill Reed is a cyclist. No, wait, I mean . . . a mother. Scratch that. Nurse? Or is it Wheelmen club secretary? Like a many-faceted diamond, she sparkles and dazzles reflecting the experiences that have shaped her life. Not content to limit herself to one definition, Sherrill has readily accepted the roles that came her way - knowing when to leave each one behind for new challenges and adventure.

Her first roles as wife, mother and nurse took shape in Chicago after graduating from college. She began a nursing career with her natural optimism and desire to heal. She inevitably learned that medicine could be disappointing and frustrating to an idealist. The egos and bureaucracy of the hospital setting can often thwart a sensitive soul. Yet, Sherrill dedicated 30 years of her life to the profession. Admittedly, she grew to dislike it, but raising two daughters compelled her to continue, thus enabling her to send both girls to college and live a comfortable suburban life.

While living in Chicago, Sherrill and her first husband would cycle recreationally with daughters in tow. She remembers the absolute rush of completing a 15-mile ride at 12 miles per hour. That benchmark changed dramatically in 1989, when she began cycling with the Sacramento Wheelmen. She credits her (then) neighbor Harry Jones, with breaking through her shy nature and whisking her along the bike trail toward the food goal for that day - Jammin' Salmon. She was captured - hook, line and sinker.

For the last four years Sherrill and Katie Giramonte have led a ride celebrating their common birthdays. Sherrill's goal is to add a mile for each year of her age. As the year 2000 approached she began to listen to the nagging question that haunts so many of us, "What really matters in life?" She decided that being happy was more important than having a nice home and the latest material things. And, she knew that she was happiest while on her bike. Taking a deep breath, Sherrill sold her house, took a year off work and became devoted to improving her cycling and well-being. Eschewing any formal training she found that simply riding with the Tuesday/Thursday group was enough to improve her time. On those rides she would take off early and mark the distance covered before being passed. Sherrill considered it a success when 15 miles ticked by before the first rider came up behind her. I asked Sherrill if she remembered - in over thirteen years of cycling - one spectacularly perfect moment on the bike. She reflected awhile… deciding that there were just too many to single out any particular one.

The extraordinary thing about Sherrill's passion for cycling is that she has suffered tremendously, especially in the last several years, with debilitating pain. There have been days when each pedal stroke has been an effort for her. After years of denial and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, Sherrill decided to do something about it and sought the analysis and advice of Dr. Massimo Testa of UC Davis. As anyone who has met Dr. Testa can confirm his superb knowledge is exceeded only by his charm and unselfish good nature. He confirmed what Sherrill had been told before - her joints are too loose. Many people benefit from a high degree of float in their pedals. However, Dr. Testa informed Sherrill that the 30-degree float in her Speedplays put too much strain on her hyper-mobile joints, especially as her muscles fatigued during long rides. Solution? Less float. Dr. Testa also suggested a custom woman's-specific geometry bike with a shorter crank. Sherrill is now collaborating with the folks at Seven to create the bicycle of her dreams - the dream of painless riding.

Happiness also comes to Sherrill in the form of a tall, gentle man named Greg Schroeder, whom she considers her soul mate. Greg joined us for this interview - that also happened to be his first official AARP birthday. He didn't seem to mind one bit that the attention wasn't on him, and was genuinely delighted to let Sherrill remain in the limelight. Clearly, some of the sparkle in Sherrill's eyes is a reflection of their mutual love and positive high-regard for each other.

So, who is Sherrill Reed? She is a composite of all things written above, and more. Essentially shy, she will catch you off guard with her charm, wit and good humor. As the Secretary for our club, Sherrill strives to marshal her talents at recording the meeting minutes even in the face of an often-rambling group of officers. Does the phrase 'parliamentary procedure' mean anything to the Board members?! Teasing aside, Sherrill agrees that it is a small price to pay for the camaraderie and community she has found in the Sacramento Wheelmen.

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