Jean Tough and Velma Fell were given a spin around North Bay's Discovery Museum Wednesday morning, in a newly purchased Trishaw Bike.
It is the first of its kind in Northern Ontario and one of only three across the province. The three wheeled bike comfortably seats two passengers sitting side by side, while a volunteer steers and peddles from behind.
Both ladies reside at the Empire Living Centre, and for them, it was an opportunity to spread their wings.
"It was wonderful. The fresh air on your face and the wind in your hair, and just being propelled along without having to do anything, it was a joy," laughs Tough.
Fell also liked all the benefits of a bike ride, without having to do any of the work.
"I like not having to peddle," chuckles Fell. "I'm enjoying being out and seeing people, seeing the city. I would like to go down along the waterfront sometime."
Dr. Erica Buck spearheaded the project after watching the documentary 'Cycling Without Age International.'
"I was moved to tears, and my sister and I both said this has to happen here. So I started talking to friends and colleagues, and because everyone was so moved by the idea, it didn't take a lot to get it off the ground. The bicycle is $11,000, so I have to thank all my wonderful medical colleagues who donated the lion's share of the money towards this bicycle."
As an Emergency Room Doctor, Buck sees a lot of opportunity to use the bicycle in this city.
"I see a lot of isolated individuals from nursing homes that are sad, that are lonely, they might have lost a spouse, and I thought this was a wonderful way to get them out again, to feel the wind in their hair. We take that for granted when we're young, but when we're old that doesn't happen as much anymore. I'm really happy it's here."
Buck then reached out to the Alzheimer Society asking if it would be interested in becoming a partner. It immediately jumped on board.
Stephanie Leclair, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay and Districts, says its an opportunity for the rider to get out and be with a friend, become engaged in conversation and maybe share a laugh or two.
"The bike fits perfectly with our vision of living well with dementia. For us living well with dementia means being socially active, being physically active, being brain active and this bicycle lets them do all those things."
The Alzheimer Society has also partnered with the Empire Living Centre.
"It's not just for those with Alzheimer's or cognitive impairment. Staying healthy helps with memory," said Leclair.
Empire General Manager Barb Spencer, says this initiative is extremely beneficial for the residents.
"A lot of these residents are still quite independent, so understanding that they still can get out on a bike and see the waterfront and downtown is a great opportunity," said Spencer. "The bike has been here for two weeks, so a lot of the volunteers who are training have been bringing our residents for a little ride around the block, so we definitely have residents who have been pretty excited about it."
Eighty-seven year old June McDonald was excited about her experience.
"The ride was very, very good. I had a really nice gentleman in the back peddling. He said he won't have to go to the gym today, this is his workout. We had a lot of laughs and there was a lot of good things to see. I saw a lot of things I haven't seen before. Being with this crowd of people shows what we can do if we put our mind to it."
Twenty-seven volunteers have registered, but volunteer coordinator Jenny Ryan says they could easily use another 20.
All it takes to give a few hours, is to contact the Alzheimer Society and fill out the appropriate forms, including a criminal background check.
"After that there will be an orientation process to familiarize the volunteers with the bike. The Empire coordinates the passengers for us, and we take them for a ride that is about an hour long. You can do it as often as it fits your schedule, whether it's once a week or more often. Right now we're only out during the work week. Eventually we want to include weekends."
Fundraising for a second bike is already underway.
"That's the next step," said Dr. Buck. "We're open to ideas on how to fundraise. We're always looking for donations, which are made through the Alzheimer society specifically for Cycling Without Age."
The goal is to eventually have four Trishaw bikes housed at various seniors residences throughout the city.