Victor Butcher, 75, cycles an average of 215 miles a week. Because he’s a full-time caregiver for his wife and a working CPA, Butcher wakes up in the early morning hours to make time for his daily ride.
But for him, it’s worth it. The 25- to 35-mile weekday rides and the 35- to 40-mile weekend rides are his main form of stress relief.
Butcher says he’s “just always been one of those people who love exercising” for the physical and mental benefits. He’s been active as long as he can remember, recalling riding his bike as a kid.
Butcher got his first “decent” bike right after he graduated college — a 10-speed Raleigh Record. He started taking cycling and running more seriously because he wanted to improve his endurance and stay in shape.
“I was a runner, a cyclist, and a horrible swimmer,” Butcher jokes. “So I never did any triathlons.”
He traveled to races and marathons around the country, and even the world, running a marathon in Athens, Greece, on his 25th wedding anniversary.
After an atrial fibrillation episode four years ago, Butcher has not been able to run, and for a while, he couldn’t even keep up with his friends on a bike. He was discouraged until a friend loaned him an e-bike.
“It was so great that I called my son and told him what a great time I had on an e-bike,” Butcher says. “And he told me not to worry; he had already ordered one for me.”
Although the e-bike assists as he pedals, riding it was more challenging than it was before his heart condition.
“At least I’m here though,” Butcher says. “And I’m doing good for my age. There aren’t many people in their 70s still doing this. At my 50th high school reunion, I looked like god compared to those people.”
In September, Butcher will ride in the West Fight On walk, run, and cycle event, as he’s done every year for over a decade. The event consists of three cycling routes — 20, 40, and 60 miles — a 5K run/walk, and a one-mile tribute walk. Although Butcher will not be doing the 60-mile ride this year because of a medical procedure, he still plans to show up for the 20-mile ride.
The proceeds from the event go toward the West Cancer Foundation’s cancer services, which have benefited more than 24,000 people in the community since the event’s inception 14 years ago.
For Butcher, it’s not just about the ride. The cause has been near to his heart since his wife was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Though now in remission, Butcher takes his wife to the West Cancer Center for checkups.
The event, scheduled for September 12 at Shelby Farms Park, will also have a survivor ceremony, a bagpipe serenade, other music, food, a Kid’s Zone, Kid’s Bike Parade, and a photo booth.
To learn more about the event or to register, visit Westfighton.org.
By Maya Smith
Photo by Josh Clark
