SEPTEMBER 2019
generation
A publication for the young at heart
INSIDE: Monti loves pickleball.........page 8
Age-friendly Maple Grove..page 4
Seniors keep on pedaling with Rim Riders on weekly bike rides
By AARON BROM
Adams Publishing Group
Sometime about a dozen years ago a group of biking
enthusiasts in the St. Michael area thought it would be
fun to organize weekly rides, and soon after the Rim
Riders biking group was formed.
“We started with about fi ve people, now we have 70
on our mailing list,” one of the fi rst organizers Shirley
Hagerty said. Hagerty credited Carol DeMatteis as be-
ing the one “who came up with Rim Riders” as the
name.
The group averages about 15 to 20 riders each Mon-
day from May through October, depending on weath-
er. Rim Riders is facilitated through the Crow River
Senior Center in St. Michael.
“We loved biking and we biked all the nearby trails,”
Hagerty said. “We enjoyed it so much and thought
maybe we could get more people interested.”
Rim Riders became not just a bike riding group but
a social connection, where riders became friends. One
of the mainstays in each ride is a pre-designated lunch
meeting spot.
“It’s just a great way to get out, get some exercise and
eat lunch together,” Hagerty said.
Debbie Carron started riding about seven years ago
and is the current group facilitator. Carron said she’s
part of the “second generation of leadership.” Hagerty
joked that the initial leaders “are a lot slower and don’t
bike as far!”
Rim Riders bike in the St. Michael-Albertville area
but also branch out to areas like Albany, Rice, St. Bo-
naventure, the Luce Line and Elm Creek Park.
“We meet at 9 a.m. in our destination and we bike an
Rim Riders / See page 6
The Rim Riders gather for a group photo during a recent ride. The social aspect is a compelling reason to join in addition to the exercise.