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Seniors in Bike Club Take Weekly Joy Rides Throughout Summer

Posted on: Friday, 1 July 2005, 21:00 CDT

Does the phrase pedal pushers remind you of trendy women's Capri pants popular in the '50s and '60s?

For nearly 80 senior bike riders Pedal Pushers means something entirely different. It is the name of their bicycling group, which has been sponsored by the Wheaton Park District for about 17 years. The group began with only six members.

"It's really grown," said Linda Dolan, Wheaton Park District Leisure Center supervisor. "It's a great way to get in shape and even better way to spend time with friends and family. This group just has a blast."

She high recommends this ongoing program for those 50 and older who like to ride and enjoy socializing. The Pedal Pushers typically meet each Thursday from May to October, weather permitting. The start point is various locations. She said the ride can be five, ten, fifteen or more miles, depending on the individual and how long that they want to ride.

"They can do part of a ride," Dolan said, emphasizing there is no set distance for riders. "Most riders go as far as they want and then come back and eat."

The routes are planned by the committee prior to the start of the season. Each itinerary includes start points and destinations along the Fox River, the Great Western Trail, the Prairie Path and many other very beautiful and scenic trails. Typically, each spring and fall the group visits other distant start points. Several just returned from a recent trip for some scenic rides in Door County, Wis.

Both couples and singles ages 50 to 80 plus take advantage of the free membership for Wheaton residents or minimal $15 per year fee for non-residents.

"We have some very active seniors," said Dolan. "And there are at least a dozen couples who ride."

Todd and Mary Dolan, both 64, of Wheaton are one of those couples who take advantage of this program as a way to keep fit and socialize. Todd has been a member for 11 years and Mary for nine.

Linda Dolan added, "They look like they are in their 40s."

Todd has done some very long rides outside of the club, including a 450-mile trip across Iowa. He likes the fact that members can customize their trips.

"The riders go on for as many miles as they want and comeback to eat, "he said.

As mentioned, socializing is a big part of this group, so a local eatery is chosen for members to meet after their ride. Todd is one of the riders who typically goes a greater distance, but he emphasizes that the length of the trip is up to the individual as is the number of time to participate.

"You don't have to show up if you don't want to," he said. "And you can ride as long as you want."

In Todd's case and many other members, riding once a week is just not enough. So these riders created what Todd calls a sub group outside of the Wheaton Park District. Typically, they meet on Mondays to go riding.

"I ride at least two times a week," he said.

Mary typically doesn't go as far or ride as often as Todd but really enjoys being part of the group.

"It's nice to ride different trails each week," Mary said. "One nice thing is that the rides are planned and published in advance so you can pick and choose when and where you want to ride."

The schedule is available at the Leisure Center, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton or by calling Dolan at (630) 665-1415.

Another good reason for joining the group is the safety issue. All members are expected to wear helmets, and on each ride members take turns as trail masters. Todd, who recently served as trail master, pointed out that this person's responsibility is to keep track of the riders and help in any type of emergency whether it has to do with the bike or biker.

Besides keeping fit, the Dolans note that socialization is a big part of this group that plans an annual picnic, holiday parties and other social events throughout the year.

Another Wheaton couple, Earle, 76, and Bunny, 74, Swearingen also enjoy membership with the group. They joined 14 years ago after both retired from their teaching careers, and they are still riding.

"We're not the oldest," said Bunny. "There are members who are 83 or so."

Bunny said there is more than one good reason to join this group.

"The advantages are exercise, better health, friends, fresh air and socialization," she added.

As they were heading out for their weekly ride down the Fox River south to Aurora, Bonnie said, "Some will go five miles and others will go longer."

Along with their membership with the Pedal Pushers, the Swearingens also play golf, tennis and bowl with the seniors and they belong to the College of DuPage fitness center and swimming pool.

"We're both pretty healthy," said Bunny, attributing it to their active lifestyle and the Pedal Pushers.

"Come out and join us," Bunny said. "Most of the rides can be scaled down to whatever distance you want to ride."

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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