Memorial Services for Neal Grotenstein

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Neal Grotenstein.  A long time Club member, Neal was a tireless volunteer, great friend to many, and winner of the PPTC Lifetime Achievement Award for his long service and friendship.  He died on Saturday, October 26, while cycling with friends in Northern Virginia.

Neal's funeral will be held on Thursday, November 1, at 1:00 p.m. at the National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA  22042  (703) 560-4400

While many tributes to Neal have been posted over the past few days, we share this remembrance by long time Club member and good friend Ken Osterweil:  

To the Cycling Community and Community at Large,


It's with great sadness that I received this news.
It's in fact an end of an era, and perhaps the beginning of a new one. 
Perhaps Neal's example of volunteerism can serve and be cited as an example
for all people to emulate in the days and years ahead. Let Neal's many
contributions to society serve as a model of good citizenship and public service.
 
 
Neal was always my trusted-friend/mentor throughout the many years I knew him. 
He was there when I needed his guidance and support when I was new to cycling. 
I have seen him share this same passion for cycling with every new or prospective
cyclist he met. He even helped my father when he was new to the bike club. 
 
 
Neal had a deep/powerful intellect ,and was quite knowledgeable about so many things.
His technical expertise and attention to detail was unmatched. This characteristic
of Neal ensured that his many undertakings were met with great success. Neals' 
volunteer spirit, which was contagious, helped Neal to continually recruit new
and talented individuals that also shared his deep commitment to the success
of the Potomac Pedalers, and so many other cycling-related activities. Neal was
a powerful/positive force for improvement and change for the bike club. He had
great organizational skills and computer expertise. Neal so often stepped forward
when something needed to be done, but better yet he quietly did so much behind
the scenes, asking little to no recognition for his many contributions.
 
 
It is only fitting and proper that Neal recently received at the annual meeting from
the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club (a club that he so much loved and devoted so much
of his life to) a "Lifetime Achievement Award". I actually anticipated that Neal would
receive this award before it was announced. It was also with great pleasure and joy
that I witnessed Neal receive this award. I'm glad Neal was able to accept this honor
while he was still with us to experience all the appreciation and love we feel for
someone whose done so much for so many, for the common good, and the overall
cycling community.

Neal was able to enjoy cycling until the very end. He died with his cycling straps still on.
A celebrated full life in so many respects, Neal's life is now complete. 
 
 
I have known Neal since >>1980<< when I first joined the club, and he has been there
every step of the way. I remember our many ongoing conversations while enjoying Pizza
in Greenbelt after the "Midweek Madcap" or "Tuesday Treat" Agricultural Reserve rides.
Neal always had alot of information and advice. We would look through many cycling
magaziines and talk about bicycle tools and cycling technology, always trying find ways
to improve our cycling experience.

On club rides Neal was always the first to help fellow cyclists with mechanical difficulties,
often repairing people's flat tires, adjusting brakes.
 
 
There is no one I have known while I have been in the club who has genuinely and
contiually touched so many lives with consistency for such a long period of time.
 
 
Neal will be missed and hopefully will never be forgotten by those who knew him,
and those who will surely hear about him for years to come.
 
 
Ken Osterweil