The Centenarian Biker Babe

One hundred year old Clara VanBosch is living proof that once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget.  Formerly an avid bike rider, VanBosch hasn’t ridden in more than 50 years.  However given the opportunity to ride a trike provided by Mill Race Cyclery, the centenarian hopped onboard and peddled off without looking back.

VanBosch has been at Briarwood Healthcare at GreenFields while recovering from an illness.  Erin McCart, activities coordinator at Briarwood Healthcare at GreenFields learned that VanBosch had for many years loved to ride and missed the activity.  McCart phoned Mill Race Cyclery with her special request to borrow a trike.  Owner Bruce Heidlauf jumped at the chance, and brought over an adult trike for VanBosch to ride.

After only brief hesitation, VanBosch climbed onto the bike and cruised the parking lot with Heidlauf jogging alongside.  “That nice young man worked a lot harder than I did,” she said.  “All I did was pedal, but he had to run to keep up.”  She reported that it was a lot of fun and she’d certainly like the opportunity to ride again.

“Often times older adults feel like they need to give up activities that they’ve formerly enjoyed. That’s not always the case,” said McCart. “My goal is to help identify ways to help residents continue to pursue activities that they’ve enjoyed throughout their lifetime.”

GreenFields of Geneva is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsOfGeneva.org.