CANBERRA husband and wife Terry Dixon and Kay Pendlebury have been riding bicycles all their lives.
In April next year they will set off on The Great Kiwi Escape, a 469km nine-day all-inclusive bike riding holiday on New Zealand's South Island.
The premium tour, for 100 or so cyclists mostly aged over 55, is being conducted by Bicycle Network, which runs world-class events such as the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
The route will take cyclists through silent valleys, rugged mountain peaks and tranquil rail trails with premium accommodation, on-route support, daily meals, luggage transfers and a range of special cultural and natural experiences.
Kay was one of the first to sign up, freely admitting she'll use any excuse to ride a bike - for recreation, to work, on group rides, in racing events, in touring events, and in fundraisers.
"Riding a bike makes me feel young and daring again," she said.
"It reminds me of how I used to feel as a kid tearing down the dirt track along the 'drain' as we called it."
The couple also love the social aspects of cycling, whether it's enjoying a coffee or breakfast, or a beer after a ride.
"Now that we are retired, we like to do a different event each year," Kay said. "We haven't ridden in New Zealand before so April 2020 can't come quickly enough."
Kay believes it's never too late to take up cycling.
"If you want to get back on the bike after many years of not cycling then start with finding a suitable bike," she said.
"Then find a group of like-minded people to ride with who can offer support and encouragement.
"The social side of bike riding cannot be overestimated. I have made some great friends on previous rides and we still keep in touch."
The Great Kiwi Escape tuns from April 17-26 and is priced from $4449 twin share and $5699 single.
Full details HERE
