Last autumn I returned as scoutmaster of Ouachita Area Council's Boy Scout Troop 20 (I previously served 7 years as its scoutmaster.) We currently have 8 members and most of our members have just completed the first-class rank. We also organized Pack 20 at the same time. (Pack 20's Pinewood Derby attracted about 25 entries.)

I bought a mid-range Schwinn road bike in 1983, then a used Cannondale mountain bike in 1985. I've had a blast on the road and dirt ever since. (Of course, back around 1971, I invented the mountain bike by riding the tricky ravines of Arkadelphia, Ark. (I think there are more "fathers of the mountain bike" than there are Elvis impersonators).

I was lucky enough to become an amateur radio operator at age 14, thanks to my elmer, Don Pennington, WA5AWA. My call is WB5HGU; call Lewis on Malvern's 147.36 MHz repeater. My father, Wayne, is KA5RUN. With the sunspot cycle improving, I will be using 10 meters as well. 73s!

I am a board member of the Arkansas Bicycle Club and belong to several conservation groups, including the Ouachita-Caddo Audubon Society, Ozark Society and the Sierra Club. I also enjoy running, racewalking, hiking, photography and hold PADI's basic scuba-diving certification.

Susan and I are active members of First United Methodist Church of Malvern. We have good programs for children, youth, adults and senior citizens. A special blessing is our sanctuary's seven stained-glass windows, which feature Biblical events ranging from Moses and Ruth to Jesus at the temple at age 12, Jesus ministering to children and the Savior's open arms of forgiveness. If you are in the area and want to visit the church, please contact me. Our pastor is Roy Smith.

This spring our church started "Soul Food," featuring food cooked by members, fellowship, singing and a brief devotional. It also helps members get to know each other better.

I'm very grateful for the influence that Scouting and the church wielded on me as a youth — many volunteers selflessly gave their time and resources. I hope to pass the favor on for another generation. It's been really rewarding to have young men (whom I sometimes don't recognize at first!) come up to me and tell me how much they enjoyed Scouting.

I'm eager to hear about outdoor events and ideas for this home page. Please contact me!
e-mail me Xarkoutdoors@oocities.com

| arkoutdoors' digest page | arkoutdoors' home page | other bicycle clubs | Arkansas mountain bike racing |

The author is a member of ...