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Ride a bike this summer |
Ride a bike this summer
by Darrell Noakes
for Coming of Age Magazine, April 2003
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Balance and health While it's natural to worry that it might become more difficult to balance as you get older, many seniors report that bicycling and exercise actually help improve balance. More importantly, cycling isn't something you should rush out and try if you are over 45 and don't exercise regularly already. If you smoke, have a heart condition, are overweight, or have high blood pressure, cycling can improve your health, but consult your doctor first.
Getting started A bicycle is a bicycle, right? Not necessarily. Consider what you want to do with your new bike, then choose one designed for your intended use. Your bicycle also needs to be the right size, and it needs to be properly adjusted. Bicycling, Pedal and Canadian Cyclist magazines publish annual buyer's guides. Staff in Saskatoon's bicycle shops can help you select the right model and size. Other cyclists can be your best resource. Contact the clubs before you buy your bike, and ask for advice from people who share your interests. A Canadian Cycling Association CAN-BIKE course can help you improve your cycling skill and your confidence in traffic.
Cycling Clubs in Saskatoon Joining a cycling club lets you ride with other people and enjoy post-ride and off-season social activities. Club members receive discounts at local shops. Horizon 100 : recreation and fitness. Contact
Ron Cooley 244-5525. |
At age 78, Jimmy Carter still rides his bicycle around his home town of Plains, Georgia. Like many seniors, the former US President knows that cycling helps keep his body healthy and his mind sharp.
Dr. John Owen, a retired physician and former University of Saskatchewan professor, uses a bicycle for shopping and errands.
"I'm a firm believer in including exercise in my normal daily routine," says Dr. Owen, age 80, who rides his three-speed bicycle to destinations throughout Saskatoon.
"I ride to the stores on Eighth Street, to campus and to downtown," he says.
"Cycling is the obvious choice," he says. "I've been cycling all my life."
Saskatoon is a wonderful city for cycling. Bicycle ownership is higher than the national average. More than twice as many people ride their bicycles to work as in other Canadian cities. There are six cycling clubs here.
Herb Essenburg never misses an opportunity to ride out to Cranberry Flats or take a spin around the city.
"Most of the people I cycle with are 30 years younger than me," says Mr. Essenburg, age 70. "I don't have any problem keeping up with them. It's a great activity."
"On the tandem, I always have someone to talk to," he says.
"I'm not into competing for anything." he says.
"I just find it a great activity to be out with people, to go for a friendly ride and to stop for coffee."
Ken Wilson took up regular cycling at age 55, more than 10 years ago, deciding he needed more exercise. His main interest is racing. He and other Saskatoon cyclists regularly ride in the Huntsman Senior World Games in Utah, an annual event that attracts more than 6,000 athletes aged 50 and older, and in Canadian Nationals and World Masters competitions.
"I used to be a runner when I was younger," says Mr. Wilson. "My knees wouldn't let me run any more - another reason I cycle now."
Mr. Wilson has ridden the Golden Triangle tour, a 320-kilometre, three-day recreational ride through Lake Louise, Radium and Golden, organized by the Elbow Valley Cycling Club in Calgary.
Roy Cushway has also ridden the Golden Triangle, as part of a tour organized by the Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, a non-profit organization for retired people.
"They go everywhere," says Mr. Cushway. "I went to Oregon with them, touring the wineries. In 1996, we toured the Queen Charlottes."
The year before, Mr. Cushway met the group south of Vancouver and toured with them as far as Swift Current on their three-month cross-Canada trip.
He rode the Golden Triangle in 1994, after starting in Jasper and riding the Icefields Parkway to Banff.
"I like cycling," he says. "I like the feeling of being on a bike. It helps me stay healthy."
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