Board Member Profiles

Tom Nuckols , San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition

Residence: San Luis Obispo for the last 20 years

Occupation: President, Voler Team Apparel

My Bikes: Moots VAMOOTSYBB – That’s the road bike with the “old-man-easy-on-the-back” shock absorber in the back. I also have a Trek 7600 multi track. I love industry discounts.

Years Cycling and Cycling History: I rode a bike as a youngster everywhere in the small town in North Carolina where I grew up. However, as an adult, I only started riding about 4 years ago.

All of my professional life, I have worked in textile and garment manufacturing. I joined Voler Team Apparel in 1992 with garment experience, not cycling experience. For the next 13 years, all of my time and energy was focused on building the business. My passion was directed towards the business of cycling- related products rather than toward cycling itself. Four years ago, after back problems ended my running exercise regime, I somewhat reluctantly started cycling. WOW! I loved it! I commuted to work a few days of the week, went for week-end rides to Avila Beach and toured the Edna Valley. I decided that it was time for me to get my head out of the sand, look around, and help the cycling community. I volunteered for the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Advisory Committee. That was fun! With other committee members, I took a class to learn more about riding safely. That was fun! Then I took the course (offered by the League of American Bicyclists) to become an LCI (League Cycling Instructor). That was fun! Next, a group of LCI’s got together and taught a class in cycling safety. Once again, that was fun!

With each step, I learned more about the people and programs in our community and the great work that so many individuals perform to improve the cycling experience in San Luis Obispo. I want to be a part of that effort.

My Vision for the Coalition: There are many groups, clubs, individuals and government agencies that promote cycling. Some are geared towards recreation, some towards education, some towards safety and others towards working with governments. I would like to see the Coalition be the umbrella organization that coordinates these individual entities and provides aid, assistance and direction for cycling community.

—Tom Nuckols

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