Former hooper Goddard is ‘hooked’ on cycling these days; protecting those knees is important

All David Goddard wanted – needed, actually – was to lose some weight without killing his knees. Being a former college basketball player had done too much damage on those precious knees to feel comfortable.

So, he figured cycling was the perfect remedy – for both.

He admittedly “ballooned up” during COVID (2020) and decided to get a bike.

“I got the bike and liked it, so I got a new one,” he said. “Then I decided I’m going to do this El Tour thing.”

This El Tour thing has stuck around since – “and I plan on riding in it as long as God keeps me healthy,” he said.

Yes, he loved it that much and will now be riding in his fifth El Tour on Nov. 22. He rides in the 62-mile event.

“I thought it was great, as was the organization,” he said. “I had a good time I finished. I enjoyed it. And I love being part of what it’s all about. I love what it does for fundraising.”

What also pleases him is that Ralph Phillips (owner of Fair Wheel Bikes is this year’s dedication recipient of the ride. That’s where Goddard bought his new bike.

“He’s just the nicest guy,” Goddard said.

He looks forward to seeing Ralph in three months and, well, getting another nice workout as he continues his goal of losing weight. He used to be 268 pounds and is now 245. He has 10 more pounds to go.

He hasn’t been 235 since, um, 2010. So, he’s going to make sure he gets there.

Oh, by the way, he was a former Division III player in Illinois and all-Army team back in the day. He’s turning 65 this week.

Now, he’s a cyclist, again returning after so many years when he rode as a kid.

How was that?

“It was as simple as getting back on the bike,” he said. “I had some aches and pains because of the knee replacements but once I got on the new bike – and it was fit for me – it was pretty comfortable.

“And once you’re on (a bike), you are hooked and actually stuck.”