Cycling in Cumbria is a ‘wonderful’ retirement hobby
Describing it as a ‘wonderful hobby’, Nigel’s often spotted on his trike in and around Kendal, Cumbria, where he owns a retirement apartment at Wainwright Court, a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living Plus development for the over 70s.
“I cycle most days to keep myself fit. As I’m riding along, I like to say hello to people; Kendal is an excellent place for that, as it has such a strong community. What’s also great is that I feel safe on the roads.”
“I love it. I especially enjoy it when the weather is nice, meaning I can soak up the sunshine and take in the scenery as I go by. My favourite route is the six-mile cycle path through Kendal which takes you past the old canal and river, it’s magnificent.”
The former R.A.F pilot first discovered his love of cycling during early childhood. “I was just eight years old when I got my first bike. It was during the Second World War, so it was quite a chaotic time, but riding my bike was my form of escapism. I used to cycle to school which I loved,” he says.
“Cycling was how I met my wife, Doreen,” Nigel shares. “I used to cycle to the local youth hostels where we would meet up. We’ve both always loved cycling, Doreen was even part of a racing club. However, I much preferred cycle touring, which meant going out in large groups and exploring different areas of the UK by bike, it was fantastic.”
Rediscovering forgotten retirement hobbies
But like many others, Nigel’s hobby came to a halt when he became a father—and was rekindled in retirement.
According to our study of 2,000 older adults, a third (29 percent) of people gave up their hobbies after having a family. One in three (35 percent) say they are more active now than they were in their younger days, with half (49 percent) agreeing that retirement gives them the opportunity to discover forgotten hobbies. Nearly three quarters (72 percent) added that their retirement hobbies make them happy.
Cycling hasn’t been an easy ride for Nigel…
“I had to take a short break after I fell off my bike a few times in my 70s. It shook me up a bit, but I was keen to get back out on the road again.”
During a trip to Lancashire, Nigel spotted a man on a trike, “I’d never seen anything like it before. I watched the man fold it up and put it in the back of his car without any hassle and I thought to myself, I could do that. At that moment, I knew I wanted to take up cycling again and this was my chance to.”
Nigel traded in two wheels for three, buying his first recumbent tricycle at 86 years old.
“I really think more people my age should get a trike and take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places. It’s great because it’s a lot more comfortable than a standard bicycle as you’re able to lie back. You also have more control and there’s far less risk of you falling off, which tends to be most people’s biggest concern.”
…but that hasn’t stopped him getting competitive
In 2022, Nigel took his cycling up a gear and entered ‘Le Tour de Staveley’, a 48.5 mile route in the Lake District.
“It was a brilliant experience, one that I hope to do again very soon. Not only was the weather beautiful, but the views were unlike any other and it was great to be able to share the experience with so many others. I feel incredibly lucky to be doing things like this at my age, it’s exhilarating.”
The benefits of cycling in retirement
The benefits of cycling for seniors are plentiful, from improving heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases to strengthening joints and providing social opportunities.
And there are many other benefits thought to be linked to retirement hobbies in general, including a lower risk of depression, improved brain health and higher levels of happiness and self-reported health in people aged 65 and over.
Join a community with retirement hobbies at the core
Whether you choose an over 60s independent living apartment at a Retirement Living development or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our welcoming retirement communities host a range of informal gatherings, clubs and events to suit all interests and abilities. Some developments have potting sheds, arts and crafts rooms and sports facilities too.
Learn more about our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
