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A thing or two with
Sun City TX Cycling Club
By Leanne Smith
Sun City TX Cycling Club is made
up of over 160 bike riders. Our
goals are to form friendships and
participate in a healthy sport. The club
sponsors several social events during
the year that provide an opportunity for
folks to share common interests. Through
cycling, we are able to expand our friend
base, live healthy lives and experience
the great outdoors. What could be better?
One benefit of living in Sun City Texas
is the climate, which allows cycling
throughout most of the year. Many of
us ride bikes daily to maintain physical
and mental vitality and stay in touch
with friends. Cycling is a unique way
to see the world around us. It allows
us to enjoy the beauty of the Texas Hill
Country while riding through the rural
parts of Georgetown and beyond. Some
club members ride inside Sun City Texas,
although many ride low traffic country
farm roads. Club members have traveled
by bike throughout the United States and
even overseas to better experience local
sites and culture.
As an active member since 2002, Jan
Woolheater has seen the club and its
activities grow from a small group of 20-
some members to its current size. Jan
says, “Folks now enjoy the convenience
of starting rides from home with ready
access to farm roads, whereas 15 years
ago, we had to drive to small towns to
ride out.” She has had fun seeing the club
evolve and become more organized. Riders
join one another every day of the week.
There is a group for every speed and/or
intensity. We have one group which rides
along the river path each Friday to the
Galaxy Cafe to enjoy a treat with buddies.
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Sun City TX cyclists enjoy the camaraderie and safey of riding in a group.
Go to our website – www.suncitytxcyclists.
org –“Rides” to see a variety of rides
available. For up to date activities, go to
our Facebook page (Sun City Cyclists –
Texas).
We also look at bicycling as a means
to enhance our stamina, increase
flexibility, maintain a healthy weight
and sleep well at night. As cyclists, we
feel better prepared to deal with life’s
ups and downs while staying physically
occupied and growing older gracefully.
The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services recommends that “for
substantial health benefits, older adults
should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours
and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-
intensity physical activity.” Additionally,
studies conducted by the Harvard School
of Medicine have shown that exercise
improves self-image, pride and confidence,
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEANNE SMITH
while increased energy levels help you
achieve other lifestyle goals.
As cyclists we have adopted an attitude of
riding safely with regard to ourselves and
others. We require use of a helmet, water,
a cell phone, identification and emergency
contact information. We encourage the use
of a rear view mirror. The use of devices
that inhibit hearing is discouraged.
If you’re new to cycling, now is a great time
to get started. Here are a few suggestions
to move toward bicycling:
– Get a medical check-up.
– Start doing small rides (30 minutes)
around Sun City Texas neighborhoods.
– Join friends/club members for the best
result and most happiness.
Experienced cyclists are welcome to join
us on longer rides. And remember: while
you’re taking it all in via bicycle, be sure
to HAVE FUN!
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG