Geriatrix enjoy cycling 1100km | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua 70-somethings Lindsay Prince and Eddie Day are cycling more than 1100km for fun.

The duo are part of the Geriatrix Cycle Touring Group, which organises long-distance cycle rides at least twice a year.

The first for 2007 is the North Island ride - the Rotorua to Wellington trip - where 26 people making up two riding groups are taking part.

The first group left yesterday morning but Mr Prince, 74, and Mr Day, 79, left this morning with the second group.

Together they are travelling from Rotorua to Awakeri, Hawai (near Opotiki), Whanarua Bay, Tokomaru Bay and on to Gisborne. Other planned stops include Wairoa, Tutira, Napier, Taihape, Feilding, Nireaha and Featherston before arriving in Wellington.

All up, the ride is estimated to be 1119km long with the groups expected to arrive in Wellington on May 1.

While most people half their age would shudder at that thought, Mr Prince and Mr Day were excited about the tour and could not wait for it to begin. The pair said there were so many benefits to being part of the tour including companionship, freedom and being out in the fresh air.

However, it is not just the occasional tours that these two take part in. They love cycling and try to ride every day - cycling around town instead of driving.

"I'm naturally economical, I don't like spending money so I ride my bike," Mr Day said.

"We cycle everywhere."

"It's just enjoyment," Mr Prince said.

They also said cycling saved space by not clogging up roads or carparks. Mr Day has been cycling since he was 5 while Mr Prince took it up again about 20 years ago.

When they ride with a group they travel between 15km/h to 20km/h, while on their own they can reach speeds of between 40km/h and 50km/h.

"We ride according to the mood we're in," Mr Prince said.

Mr Day helped set up the Geriatrix Cycle Touring Group in the early 90s and since then he has taken part in at about two rides every year.

Mr Prince has taken part in about seven rides.

There were always a North Island ride and a South Island tour for the group, and sometimes, an Australian trip in between.

They plan to continue cycling because they enjoy it and "it keeps us fit".