On May 17, the first annual Hastings Senior Expo took place at Tilden Community Center, Hastings, Minnesota. It was an event brimming with exciting booths and insightful interviews, one of which was with Lon Peterson, a representative of the local affiliate of Cycling Without Age, a fantastic initiative by the Hastings Area Rotary Club.

HastingsNow.com, in a one-on-one interview with Peterson, delved into the heart of Cycling Without Age, a program designed to gift seniors with the joy of cycling. Peterson explained the ethos of the program, stating, "We provide seniors the opportunity for bike rides on our bike trails around Hastings." This program was developed by the Rotary Club three years ago and has since been serving the community with dedication.

Cycling Without Age predominantly serves senior living facilities in Hastings, offering free rides to seniors from Hastings Senior Health and Living, Regina Benedictine, Oak Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, and to those residing in the community. The rides are always free, thanks to the 50 volunteer pilots who've been trained to safely guide these rides. Each ride lasts about an hour and a half, providing a delightful excursion to local attractions like the Vermilion Falls, the Lock and Dam, and the Hastings Dairy Queen, which generously provides free ice cream cones to the passengers.

Cycling Without Age ensures that seniors not only get to enjoy the beautiful bike trails of Hastings, but also experience the simple joy of feeling the wind in their hair. This heartwarming initiative is a testament to the power of community partnerships, bridging the gap between generations and fostering a sense of unity.

This program thrives on community support and continually seeks more volunteers to serve as pilots. They offer an excellent training and mentorship program for those interested in contributing to this meaningful cause. Peterson highlighted the importance of identifying seniors who would benefit from these rides and urged the community to provide referrals.

The Hastings Senior Expo provided a perfect platform for Cycling Without Age to spread the word about their mission and services. With the addition of two new trikes to their existing fleet of four, the program is poised to serve more seniors, family members, and friends.

In conclusion, Peterson shared an impactful message about the importance of connection, especially given the social isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the mission of the Rotary Club and Cycling Without Age: to reduce social isolation and foster connections between generations. It's a noble cause and an incredible initiative that is truly making a difference in the Hastings community.

Join the Cycling Without Age movement, volunteer as a pilot, or refer someone who would enjoy these rides. Let's ensure that our seniors continue to feel the wind in their hair.