The Cycle Group.
There is evidence to suggest that people who belong to social groups tend to have happier, longer lives. If you add exercise to that, well naturally it becomes even more beneficial.
If you were a young person, possibly a mid twenty/thirty year old, on seeing up to twenty-four men and woman who are senior members of society (I refuse to use the term old) cycling together, what would your thoughts be? Hopefully the words astonishing, amazing and inspirational would spring to mind.
You may be amazed as they ride by at a decent pace. Possibly you are bemused by the fact that most of the group are dressed in the appropriate cycle kit, perhaps also noticing a fine a collection of MAMIL’S (Middle Age Men In Lycra.) within the group – there is currently no acronym for senior men and woman wearing Lycra but give it time ….as numbers grow…
You could mistakenly have thought it’s a charity ride, a one off perhaps. If you live in Knowsley it is more likely to be a group from Pedal Away. *
As a group they cycle on some of Sustrans well maintained cycle tracks and also along quiet lanes within the borough. Pedal Away have been featured on BBC News at Ten as a good example of how one group of seniors are making efforts to improve or maintain their health and well being. They have also won local awards for promoting the same health and well being ideals. One also needs to consider the social benefits of such a group meeting weekly or for some members three times a week.
They say that “you don’t find things, things find you.” Well it seems true when it comes to bills, junk mail and litter in your front garden. However, I do understand the thought behind the phrase. So did I find the cycle group or did they find me?
If I hadn’t run for the train and missed it like the other person from the opposite direction who also missed it (well, technically we did not miss our train but tried to catch an earlier one that was late!) We may never have chatted and I may never of heard of the Pedal Away Cycle group. Thanks “T” for being a man who likes to be early.
I first rode with the group in June 2014 and continued to do so until the week before going in hospital for my first procedure (May 2015.) They, as you will see later, play an important role in my story. My daughter refers to my cycle group as the Aldi Cycle Club, its true we do all look similar and some of us do take advantage of the sale of cycle clothing at the store.
Remember the words of my consultant “You are so fit and well you can handle any anything we need to do to get you well.” Riding with Pedal Away should be seen as part of my fitness regime.
*Knowsley Pedal Away. Is a cycling initiative set up by the charity Cycle Projects.
It began in the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley Merseyside in 2008 and since then has grown to have cycle hubs across the borough. The rides are supported by a strong group of volunteers and ride leaders. Their friendly approach has seen many people go from cycling novice to regular weekly cyclists.
Tractor Man
GBNHS & KPA!