A mile from the Kendal at Oberlin campus is the North Coast Inland Trail, ideal for both short and long bike rides through rural and urban areas of Northern Ohio. The trail is in downtown Oberlin and close to Oberlin College, which makes for a pleasant (and flat) bike ride, and on the Kendal campus is a 1-mile perimeter path popular with bikers.
Given all this, plus the health benefits of biking for older adult, no surprise that Kendal is home to dozens of bikers.
“I never would have imagined that now, at the age of 90, I would still be pedaling around the Oberlin campus,” says Larry Mirel, Oberlin College Class of 1957 graduate.
Before we hear more from Larry and other Kendal bikers, let’s talk about the benefits of biking.
One reason biking is so popular with older adults is that technology and design have brought a variety of bikes to the marketplace, such as E-bikes, tricycles and recumbent bikes.
“Older adults who are interested in cycling have more equipment options than ever before. As you age, you’ll want to prioritize a comfortable bike that places you in an ergonomic position,” according to Healthline.
For instance, wider tires, a lightweight frame and comfortable bike seat can make a big difference in both riding and transporting your bike.
Healthline says that among the documented health benefits are:
But a couple of caveats from WebMd:
“Cycling while being outside can help you feel better, but you’re also at the mercy of the weather. Older people and people who have other health problems are more likely to get sick in the heat. Cold weather can also make it hard to cycle. The snow and ice can be too slippery for cycling, which might cause you to fall,” according to WebMD.
And, of course, car and pedestrian traffic can create hazards.
That’s a good segue for our first biker.
“I would like to stress the need for safety and following the rules of the road. A cyclist should always, ALWAYS wear a helmet — even when circling Kendal Drive. A cyclist should wear bright, reflective clothing. I also recommend a mirror which allows one to see what is coming from behind and a red, flashing taillight. BE VISIBLE! BE SAFE! RIDE SMART!” writes Charlotte, who has been biking her entire life and photographed above riding her bike around Heiser Circle at Kendal.
Today she has two bikes - a very light weight titanium road bike and a 30-pound electric road bike. She’s active with the Silver Wheels Cycling Club, and has taken multiple day tours around the United States and Canada, with one oversees trip in France.
“The bicycle is a symbol of freedom for me. I love being outside where I can see and hear, feel and smell this beautiful at a slower pace,” she says.
The Gambles spent nearly 30 years in Michigan, where they were able to bike on many wonderful trails near their home in Holland.
The couple writes:
“Since moving to Kendal last December, we have focused exclusively on Northeast Ohio bike trails. While we do occasionally ride out our back door on the Inland trail to Kipton, most rides are a little farther afield. Notable trails in the area are the Cuyahoga Valley National Park towpath trail, the Richland B&O trail, the Maple Highlands Trail, the Headwaters Trail, the Holmes County Trail, the Kokosing Gap trail, and the Heart of Ohio Trail. All these trails, as well as others, are researchable on Rails to Trails Conservancy.
For us biking has the appeal of the great outdoors and the opportunity to experience nature in all its diversity. It’s not about speed or miles, it’s about what you see and what you encounter. We stop a lot, look around, watch birds, have snacks and lunches, and smile.”
Several years ago Prudy gave up her 2-wheel bike after her husband broke his leg in a bike fall.
“I now ride a 3-wheel recumbent bike mostly around Kendal. Surprisingly I find this quite enjoyable. I don't have to worry about falling off. I can look at the sky, the clouds, the trees, and the birds while I lean back in comfort. In reasonably good weather I ride 3-5 miles a day. I can vary my speeds and include times or distances when I am pedaling fast, or beating into the wind, so can get a good workout as well.”
Larry rides a Trek modified mountain bike and bikes whenever he can to town and Oberlin College.
“I regularly attend rehearsals of the magnificent Oberlin Orchestra, which take place in Finney Chapel. I played in that orchestra when I was a student at Oberlin College (I was not in the Conservatory) and I indulge my lifetime passion for music by watching Maestro Raphael Jimenez shape great performances of new and familiar music before my very eyes (and ears). But there is no public parking near Finney. In bad weather I have to park my car across Tappan Square by the art museum and walk to Finney. Biking from Kendal is much easier so I do it whenever I can. There is a bike rack just next to the stage entrance.”
The Oberlin Bike Co-op promotes biking opportunities to college students, so is always on the lookout for bike donations. And Kendal residents, always eager to help its neighbor, recently donated five bikes.
No doubt, more bikes will follow in their path.