The joys of cycling

Residents at Foxhunters Care Community have been able to experience the joys of cycling the easy way thanks to a link-up with a local charity.

Co-ordinated by the Volunteering for Wellbeing Project at the Bridges Centre charity in Monmouth, ‘Cycling Without Age’ sees volunteer “pilots” take passengers on trishaw bikes to enjoy a day out in the fresh air with the added bonus of a stop at a local teashop.

And among the latest to experience it in the Abergavenny area are ladies and gentlemen living in the Foxhunters Care Community in Llanfoist.

“For residents there are many benefits to getting out and about,” said Jill Cole, one of the Project Co-ordinators.

“You meet new people and it’s a chance to remain active and enjoy the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.”

The trishaw has proven so popular with residents at Foxhunters, which is one of four luxury care homes owned by Dormy Care Communities, it has now become a permanent fixture to the home’s varied activity programme.

The trishaws can carry two people so a resident and staff member can sit together – and there’s also a battery powered motor if the going gets a bit tough for the pilot.

As an added bonus, a number of businesses in the area offer a free cup of tea, cake or other treat if the trishaw makes a stop.

Leah Mort, Home Director at Foxhunters said: “We are always on the lookout for stimulating activities for our residents and this one has proved extremely popular.

“We have a number of residents who used to enjoy cycling, hiking and other outdoor pursuits so for them to be able to get out on a bike again enjoying the beautiful countryside is wonderful.”

Cycling without Age started in Denmark in 2012 and is now running in 39 countries.