North Grenville Men’s Shed Supports Cycling Without Age (CWA)
- Aug 17
- 2 min read
Recently, one of our members took some seniors out on short rides with specialized bikes from the local chapter of the CWA. In Smiths Falls, over 2.5hrs, 7 people, including 2 in wheelchairs, were taken for 40- minute rides around the area close to the care home in which they lived, including along the Rideau River and Canal. It was a very hot day which meant that not as many came out as normal.
In Morrisburg, two riders (pilots) took 11 seniors out, including 4 in wheelchairs. It was an easier ride than Smiths Falls as it is flatter! Rides along the St Lawrence and through the lovely historic part of the village took about 45 minutes. Unfortunately, the bikes were required for another session in Prescott otherwise we could have taken at least 4 more people out.
In both cases the riders had wonderful stories: both of the ladies below were from nearby settlements and had great stories to tell. One other lady was a great great grandmother at 94 and “was not going anywhere soon”. The man below was from Nova Scotia and she was from Scotland: both had wonderful stories about the immigration to Canada. For the pilot, it was lovely to listen to their life experiences.
CWA does not make any charge for any of the rides: it’s all done for free, with the help of sponsors. It is hoping to be able to provide rides in Kemptville in 2027. It was hoped that this could have started this year (2026), but with the work along Hwy 43 it was not possible. To make the rides more enjoyable, there needs to be a circuit along smooth roads/paths, preferably away from traffic. Presently, Kemptville does not offer this, but will once the work along the highway is completed.
North Grenville’s Men’s Shed will be offering rides next year using the specialized bikes – and we look forward to giving many seniors a little bit of ‘wind in their hair’.
