photo by Jeff Harbin, Life of Riley Photography

Dr. Nick Gerlich

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In Dr. Nick Gerlich’s office at West Texas A&M University, you will find the obvious furnishings that tell you you’re in the office of a professor: shelves of academic books, a myriad of personal collectibles, and a nameplate on the desk. But those aren’t the things you notice first. Instead, most likely, you’ll notice the bike.

“Biking is a metaphor for my freedom,” says the marketing professor on a foggy morning at WT. “I can go faster on my bike than if I was paddling or running.”

Nick’s love affair with biking was born in the early 80s when he was a student at Indiana University and wanted to lose a little weight. After a few long distance bike trips, he was hooked. He even met his wife, Becky, on a spring break bike trip to Florida in 1984. The two were married in 1986 and, instead of a romantic resort getaway, the two flew to Los Angeles with their bikes and packs and rode to Boston. The newlyweds spent 53 days on the road together, peddling 3700 miles across 22 states.

“I guess you could say it was our first big test,” he laughs.

The Gerlichs made another cross-country ride in 1993, though this time it wasn’t as casual. The couple rode tandem in Race Across America, an event that took them from Los Angeles to Savannah, Georgia. They completed 2900 miles in 11 days.

Career-wise, Nick’s original master plan was to become a brand manager for a major corporation, which is why he spent the bulk of his undergraduate and graduate work with a focus on marketing. But after obtaining an MBA from Indiana University in 1982 and realizing how a poor economy affected the job market, he decided to stay in school and pursue a PhD. The Chicago native began his career at WTAMU in 1989 after deciding he no longer wanted to live above the Mason-Dixon Line. He was done with harsh winters.

Upon settling in Canyon, Nick and Becky spared no time getting involved in the biking community and establishing Hell Week, guided bike tours and adventures that happen in Florida, Wisconsin, and, of course, Texas. Together, they manage and lead cyclist groups on weeklong trips during traditional collegiate holiday breaks. In addition, Nick has served on various boards, like BikeTexas, the Amarillo Hike and Bike Committee, and the Canyon Economic Development Corporation. He even rides his bike to work.

“Many of the designated bike lanes and trails were the cut-throughs I’ve used for years,” Nick says of his work on the Hike and Bike Committee. “Amarillo is a great city for riding. You can get anywhere on a bike.”

Nick and Becky’s passion for biking trickled down into the lives of their daughters, Becca, 12, and Bailee, 9, whom they adopted from China. The girls are homeschooled, which allows the family to travel and bike with flexibility.

“I’ve biked through every state but Alaska and Hawaii,” says Nick. “It’s my goal to bike across every state, not just in every state.”

His love for biking becomes even more apparent as he talks about the variety of bikes he owns, which is in the double-digits. He recently recycled – no pun intended – a 20-year-old frame he bought years ago.

“I could be on Hoarders easily,” he laughs. “And not just bikes. I’m a beer and soda can collector. I collect Pez. But seriously, every bike I own is different. And each one has a story.”

While biking has been a longtime passion, so has teaching. He loves academic life, from the flexible schedule to the students.

“I’ll use a potter’s metaphor. I love putting my fingerprints on people,” he says.

Should you see this professor biking across campus, feel free to stop him and inquire about his passions. He will undoubtedly have a story to tell.

When I get on my bike, the first thing I listen to is… my favorite Pandora stations.

My friends and family call me…a hoarder. Just don't tell A&E.

My favorite meal to make from scratch is… Are you kidding? We have restaurants for a reason.

In an alternate life, I would’ve been a… TV Weatherman.

The most famous or interesting person I’ve ever met is…Carl Erskine, one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

If I had an open plane ticket to anywhere, I would go to…Urumqi, China (and then bike across to Shanghai).

After a long, hard day, I love to…go for a hard ride.

One of my favorite childhood toys was…my Ranger bicycle...not a toy, but my means of transportation around Chicago's south suburbs.

One movie I could watch over and over again is… Airplane!

If I were a character in a book, I would be…Donald Miller in Through Painted Deserts. He took the guy trip I wish I had taken.

The greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received is… My undergrad Stats professor told me I was Type A and would be dead by 30 if I didn't slow down. I never took his advice, but I still try to remind myself of it now and then. He clearly was wrong. I am now 30 for the 21st time.

When my children grow up, the one thing I want them to always remember is…never let anyone do the thinking for you.

You may be surprised to know that I…also had an undergrad major in Religious Studies.

One habit I wish I could break is… compulsively checking my email (there...just did it again).

My guilty pleasure is…Fat Tire Ale (if loving this is wrong, I don't want to be right).

I know every word to the song…"Satisfied," by Ian Moore.

If I had the time, I would…write that memoir I have been threatening to do.

My favorite bad-for-me-food is… fried pickles. Oooh baby.

When I get online, I always go to…my Twitter and Facebook pages.

The most unique place I’ve ever traveled to is …Chichicastenango, Guatemala (Anderson University student work trip August 1978).

The thing I love the most about living in Amarillo is…low cost-of-living and high living-for-cost.

by Jennie Treadway-Miller

Jennie was a columnist for the Chattanooga Times Free Press for eight years prior to moving to Amarillo in 2008. She is an avid reader, runner and writer.

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