John Apgar is one of the founding members of the Ohio Valley Ski Club. He and his wife Sharon joined us on the bike ride in Athens, and we got to here some of his great stories.
He said the ski club started out as a bunch of water skiers. One of the guys in the group learned to snow ski, and got the others to try it. John grew up in New York, and skied at an old farm with a tow rope, but it had been at least 10 years since he was on skis when he picked it up with his waterski buddies.
One of their first trips out west was to Big Sky Montana. Then Steamboat became one of their favorites, and they returned often. In the early days, the Ski Club would commendere an entire plane, with over 100 members traveling out west together. The plane ride sounded like it was as much fun as the skiing, most of which would be illegal these days.
Today you can find John on the river – he is an active member and VP of the Ohio Valley Rowing Club. In fact, if you would like to learn to row, let him know. You can call him at 304-464-5213. Lessons start out on dry land, but evenutally he’ll have you in a double. The Rowing Club is also eager to gain new members. If you haven’t seen their facilities in Parkersburg, it’s worth a call to check out the amazing opportunity in your back yard.!
One tip he gives – don’t break a leg!