By his own admission, Sam Eakin ( 71) cycles better than he walks.
“Next to swimming it is the ideal exercise” says Sam, “The bike takes your weight so you’re not jarring your knees on the road as you are when jogging. It’s hard work and a four hour ride can generate a lot of sweat and burn a lot of calories, so it’s a license to eat cake!
Fresh air and a social life are other pluses. The sport has been Sam’s sanctuary for many years. He sometimes cycles alone, but prefers to join a group
“ I just ring people up – I am a member of Amersham Cycling Club so have a lot of friends with bikes. One of the best things for me is getting out and about. I am constantly discovering areas of the Chilterns that I didn’t know existed.”
It is, he adds, a social sport, and it’s essential that you get on with your bike buddies
“We can’t afford to fall out because when we cycle we are a team and our safety depend on us working together.
Sam is now enjoying passing teaching his grandchildren the pleasures of cycling on to his grandchildren
“ They love it, and beating Grandad soon becomes a ‘must do’. They are at the best age for building a healthy heart, and lungs to last them a lifetime. And if there is a bit of reluctance to start cycling, promise of an ice cream or a shake works wonders!
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Shop Talk:Health and Fitness
Pics: Sam with grandson Josh, age 10