Kendal retiree enjoys 'exhilarating' cycling adventures

The now 89-year-old Nigel Rice, a former RAF pilot, spends his time riding around Kendal on his trike, close to where he resides at McCarthy Stone’s Wainwright Court Retirement Living Plus development.

Mr Rice discovered his love for cycling at the age of eight during the Second World War.

He said: "I was just eight years old when I got my first bike.

"It was during the Second World War, so it was quite a chaotic time, but riding my bike was my form of escapism.

"I used to cycle to school which I loved."

After a break from cycling due to family commitments, Mr Rice took the hobby up again after retirement.

Nigel in his apartment at Wainwright Court (Image: Supplied)

He said: “Cycling was how I met my wife, Doreen.

“I used to cycle to the local youth hostels where we would meet up.

"We’ve both always loved cycling, Doreen was even part of a racing club.

"I eventually stopped cycling when family life took over.

"Luckily, I was able to pick it back up again when I retired, which has really helped me feel fulfilled."

Research by McCarthy Stone shows that one in three people (35 per cent) over 45 are more active now than they were in their younger days.

The study also found that 49 per cent of the 2,000 mature Brits surveyed agreed that retirement gives them the opportunity to discover forgotten hobbies.

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of those surveyed by McCarthy Stone said they feel happy when doing their hobbies, while 40 per cent feel engaged, and 24 per cent feel like they are making the most of life.

According to the study, a third (29 per cent) of people gave up their hobbies after having a family, while 15 per cent said they couldn’t afford to keep doing it.

Nigel Rice steps it up a gear with his recumbent tricycle (Image: Supplied)

Mr Rice said: "I really think more people my age should get a trike and take advantage of the opportunity to explore new places.

"It's great because it's a lot more comfortable than a standard bicycle as you’re able to lie back.

"You also have more control and there’s far less risk of you falling off, which tends to be most people’s biggest concern."

In 2022, Mr Rice participated in 'Le Tour de Staveley', a 48.5-mile route in the Lake District.

He said: "It was a brilliant experience, one that I hope to do again very soon.

"Not only was the weather beautiful, but the views were unlike any other and it was great to be able to share the experience with so many others who also love cycling.

"I feel incredibly lucky to be doing things like this at my age, it’s exhilarating."

Mr Rice often rides his trike around Kendal, where he owns a retirement apartment at Wainwright Court, a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living Plus development for the over 70s.

He said: "I cycle most days to keep myself fit.

"As I’m riding along, I like to say hello to people; Kendal is an excellent place for that, as it has such a strong community.

"What’s also great is that I feel safe on the roads."

Nigel outside Wainwright Court where he starts many of his trike routes (Image: Supplied)

Research has shown that hobbies can help lower the risk of depression, improve brain health, and provide higher levels of happiness and self-reported health in people aged 65 and over.

More than nine out of ten customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full five-star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation.

McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.

For further information about McCarthy Stone, please visit mccarthystone.co.uk.