Rain or shine, at 9 a.m. every morning, 95-year-old Lloyd Barrett dons his bicycle helmet and heads out to the dyke for a few hours of leisurely cycling.
Along for the ride is his 64year-old son, Bob Barrett. Both of the retired truckers start each day with a cycle, stopping often to chat with friends along the way.
It wasn't until Lloyd Barrett was 83 that he discovered the joys of cycling, after an old leg injury made it difficult for him to walk for any length of time.
"In 1939, I broke my leg while skiing at Hollyburn Mountain and so that was the last time I skied," he said. "For years, my leg was good but then I found out I couldn't walk so well anymore.
"I like to keep moving so I bought myself a three-wheel bike." Initially, he said he was embarrassed to be seen riding a threewheeler, but three wheels help keep him balanced. "I feel safe riding my bike, although my mind is sometimes ahead of my body."
June is Bike Month and the city and cycling activists are encouraging residents to ditch their cars and saddle up - but not just for the fun of it.
Cycling is fast becoming an integral part of the Lower Mainland's transportation system. To encourage commuter and recreational cycling, the city has maps of on-and off-street route available on its website.
Cycling reduces traffic pollution and congestion, while keeping residence physically active - and active is how Lloyd likes to stay.
Born in Vancouver on Jan. 8, 1917, Barrett was an avid skier and was part of the North Shore Ski Patrol in his 20s. In middle age, he enjoyed walking and hiking, and took his family of four RVing or camping most summers. As a senior, it's been all about cycling.
Cycling has opened up a world for Lloyd, said his son.
"When Dad moved in with me 12 years ago, he didn't know anybody here," he said. "Now Dad has lots of friends that he meets up with every day. It's been a great way for him to meet people and he loves it - its freedom for him."
In fact, on the day the News met up with the father and son cyclists, a number of people slowed down or stopped to say "hi" and share a laugh.
One attractive young runner stopped by to say hello and gave him a big thumbs up.
"I can't believe you are 95, you look great," she said, as she ran off.
When the News asked Lloyd if he attributes his good health to cycling, he shrugged his shoulders, saying: "I don't know - I don't smoke, I eat and do whatever I want, and my son and I have happy hour every night."
Lloyd went on to say his doctor keeps telling him to continue cycling.
"He tells me as long as I'm feeling good, cycling is good for my overall health," he added.
It's probably safe to say the senior's attitude has something to do with his longevity. His son agrees.
"Dad's a happy guy, and he's always been involved in the community," said Bob Barrett. "He even used to be in a barber shop quartet."
Richmond invites everyone to join the 12th Annual Island City by Bike Tour on Sunday, June 10 beginning at 9: 30 a.m. at Terra Nova Rural Park Farm Centre.
There will be bicycle and helmet safety checks, an 18 and seven kilometre cycle, as well as refreshments and raffle prizes. For more information and to register for the event, visit the Richmond News at www.richmondnews.com and follow the links.
