Friday, March 29, 2024

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This senior cyclist’s riding for a cause

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A cyclist in Port Colborne is pushing the limit on what society thinks seniors can accomplish.

When a family member was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis ten years ago, Larry Peyton began riding his mountain bike with a purpose. At 70 years old he began training for the 75 kilometre MS Bike Tour around Niagara.

This year, he’s dialing back a little. “My recent advice had been since you just turned 80, better divide it by two and just do the 40 km this year.”

40 kilometres is still a distance. He rides downtown and down the friendship trail.

Peyton trains about five days a week. “I really don’t stop training. I have a bicycle in my rec room, and I just turn the TV on, watch CHCH and do some training with my bike down there when the weather’s bad.”

Niagara’s is one of five fundraising rides for MS around the province. Last year collectively they raised about $2.8 million.

Jennifer Roberge of the Niagara branch explains, “the money goes to help with research and trying to find a cure and a cause for MS. It also goes to help client services.”

The Niagara chapter has been participating in the MS bike tour for the past 21 years. On Sunday it’ll start and end up at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre in Ridgeway.

Peyton is just one of 360 people participating. He’s not only raising money and awareness for MS, he’s also an inspiration for people who may have given up on being active.

“Start a little bit at a time. Ride the bike for 15 to 20 minutes. Eventually build up to an hour, two hours…”

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