About Bert
This Is A Free Ride But All Participants Must Register by October 7th
Come join us for a Tribute Bicycle Ride in honor of our friend and colleague Dr. Bert Spetzler. In October 2008, Bert suffered a debilitating bicycle accident due to mechanical brake failure. The accident left him a quadriplegic, but it did not destroy him. With his loving and supportive wife, Clarine, by his side and the dedicated support of his friends and family, Bert has worked to regain as much of his old self as he can. Bert’s perseverance and courage in the face of severe adversity is the story we would like to share.
Bertram Spetzler was born February 13, 1950 in Nurnberg, Germany. He came to the US as a young man and graduated from the University of Illinois. Bert eventually chose his profession and was the Chief Resident in Orthopaedics at Strong Memorial Hospital/University of Rochester. He and Clarine made their life here in the Valley where Bert worked as an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Lewis-Gale since 1980. During his time at Lewis Gale he served as president of the clinic for three years in the early 90s, was chairman of the Department of orthopedics for most of his years in practice and at the same time served as team physician for Salem High School and Roanoke College. Roanoke College has recently inducted him into their college sports Hall of Fame. He was given the honor of being named Citizen of the Year in Salem in 2009. That same year Lewis Gale Medical Center presented him with the first Frist Humanitarian Award conferred on a physician for their work in the community. They have two children Karli and Matt.
A busy career and family did not deter Bert from excelling in several other endeavors. He and Clarine competed in Ballroom Dance. Bert was an avid hiker and on his 50th birthday he Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, Matt. Bert was a member of a chess club, Salem Rotary Club and he and Clarine belonged to a book club. If all this was not enough Bert was also an avid cyclist. The year before his accident Bert completed the 103 mile Mountains of Misery, did a Skyline/Parkway ride and was one of the strongest cyclists in the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club. The BRBC loved him and was amazed by his physical strength. The month before his accident Bert competed with his brother Robert in the LOTOJA Classic Race, the longest USCF one-day race in the country, covering 3 states and 206 miles! Bert not only finished but placed 4th in his division.
Today, Bert swims and does weight workouts at the YMCA. He’s back to playing chess, rides a special stationary bike and travels more than the average person. This summer he began driving a specially equipped van and has gone back to work in a consultant/teacher position. As Bert says “it’s his new norm.” It‘s this courage, perseverance and can-do spirit that we plan to celebrate on October 10, 2010 as we enjoy a day of cycling and pay tribute to our friend Bert.
To learn more about Bert’s inspiring story, check out these recent articles in the Roanoke Times and WDBJ-7.