Bill Wykoff - NWCCC
How did you first get involved with cycling? My son started racing as a 13 year old junior and it was an opportunity for us to train and travel together. I enjoyed racing, but fairly early on realized that I was destined for mediocrity. A friend suggested that I should try officiating as a way to continue involvement in the sport in a meaningful way.
What about collegiate cycling? I officiated a few collegiate races in the early 90’s and I found that the collegiate races were spirited and there was excellent camaraderie between the competitors.
What is special about collegiate cycling? Collegiate cycling has a unique combination of camaraderie and team level competition that set it apart from other USAC events. There is a place for riders of all ability levels, and the support for developing riders, both within and between teams, is unprecedented in my experience. Collegiate cycling is the best possible introduction to bicycle racing.
How long have you been conference director? 2009-2010 will be my twelfth year as conference director.
What kind of bikes do you have? All of my bikes are steel, and unfortunately quite dusty.
What’s your favorite part of the job? First, it is an opportunity for my wife and I to work with a group of outstanding young men and women and to help them organize events and to watch them develop as cyclists and as human beings. I also enjoy processing the results. My goal is to have the results and current standings published on the web before riders get home from an event.
Least favorite? Living out of a suitcase for 6 or 7 weeks each spring.
Why do you keep doing it? From planning events to helping with the officiating and scoring and passing out awards at the end of the season, I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of collegiate cyclists and that the sport is growing because of my efforts. My favorite event of the year is the road awards ceremony. In spite of thefact that most teams have several hundred miles to drive and upcoming finals, everyone sticks around for the presentation. This year’s ceremony marked a particularly poignant event. It was the final appearance on the podium for Ben Rhodes, who began collegiate racing the year I started as conference director and finally graduated with his DVM. To me Ben personified collegiate cycling. In spite of a rigorous curriculum and trade team responsibilities, he was always there for his collegiate teammates and he was always a great competitor and a true gentleman.
What is/was your paid job? I retired after 31 years as a Research Forester with the USDA Forest Service. I analyzed tree growth data and developed models that predict how stands of trees will develop under different management regimes.
Tell me something about yourself that doesn’t involve cycling. This year marked the 40th anniversary of my marriage to Joan. She is my constant companion at collegiate events. We have one son and two terrific grandchildren. Along with 5 other couples, we make wine for personal consumption. This past year marked our 25th vintage. We have purchased fruit from the same Washington vineyard for 23 years, and we handle all phases of processing from picking to bottling. It is hard work, but an excellent opportunity to socialize with friends and the result is generally rewarding.
