55+ Living Guide Spring 2019 55 LG SPRING 2019 JOOM | Page 20

A Love Affair
with Pedal Power
A 55+ Living Guide Reader’s Story
MaryLou and her
boyfriend Glen on
the first day they
met on the rail ride.
I
love biking, hiking and kayaking in
the Adirondacks. The problem is,
since my husband hasn’t retired yet, I
often end up doing these things alone.
These outings can be lonely as well
as unsafe for someone on their own.
In the fall of 2017, a retired teacher
friend asked if I would be interested in
joining an over 55 biking group on a
pedal powered rail bike ride. Although
it sounded like fun, I was already busy
that day. I suggested that my 80-year-
old mother might like to join them.
That ride led to a chance meeting for
my mother. She was partnered that day
with an 80-year-old gentleman and
soon they were inseparable. Her life
changed dramatically! Through him,
I learned about the EZ Riders, one of
many over 55 groups in our area that
were about to open up my world.
The ADK EZRiders is a biking club
for fit riders over 55. The group rides
every Tuesday early spring through
late fall. Their rides average 25 miles.
The E-Bike (electric) is quickly gaining
popularity with some of the more
senior bikers, the motor giving them
a boost on steep hills. The EZRiders
20
take dozens of different rides, always
something new and exciting on less
traveled roads with wide shoulders as
well as bike trails. Before each trip, a
ride map is available to view on their
website: www.adkezriders.com.
That ride led to a
chance meeting for
my mother. She was
partnered that day
with an 80-year-old
gentleman and soon
they were inseparable.
One of the best parts of the rides
is meeting new, interesting people
from all walks of life. Most, but not
all of the riders are retired. Teachers,
doctors, engineers, their stories are
all fascinating. Each ride is led by a
member of the group and there is a
sweeper at the back of the pack to
make sure no one is left behind. A
picnic lunch is always part of the plan,
usually at a scenic spot like a canal
May–August, 2019
lock, a park or a beach. There is no
membership or fee required. Check
their website for upcoming rides.
They are a very welcoming group.
If you’re not a biker, the Adirondack
Mountain Club Glens Falls/Saratoga
Chapter also has a Tuesday group.
This group hikes in the spring and
fall, paddles in the summer, and
snowshoes, x-country skis and hikes
during the winter. Participants in
this group also range in age from 50’s
to 80’s. The leader, Maureen, always
chooses a terrific variety of venues for
the outings, they could be up near the
High Peaks one week and on a walking
path in Saratoga the next. Again, there
is never a charge and it is not necessary
to be an ADK member to join these
trips. They meet and carpool from
Panera in Queensbury. Find their
schedule at www.adk-gfs.org.
Another busy group of seniors is the
Crooked Canes. This group started 40
years ago with a small group of walkers.
Today their attendee list has grown to
200 with bikers, hikers, paddlers and
skiers getting together every Thursday.
Their playground stretches from the
Catskills to the High Peaks, but their
hub is the Saratoga, Glens Falls, Lake
George region. The average group size
is 15-20. Leaders schedule trips of
varying difficulty throughout the year,
no fees, no membership. View their
schedule, photos and trip reports at
www.crookedcanes.org.
Now, year-round, I have countless
opportunities to get outside, exercise
and make new friends. Your social life
and fitness level are about to get
a boost. See you on the trails!
Julie Leonelli is a
freelance writer,
elementary school
teacher and Religious
Education Director.
She resides in South
Glens Falls with her
husband, Rick.