When pressed for their cycling history, they gave three very different answers. Margaret has the most extensive bike story, going back over 40 years, riding a dark green Raleigh Grand Prix in the 1976 Bike Centennial ride across Kentucky. Then came marriage and children, and a career as a librarian, which put bicycling on hold a bit.

Fast forward to modern times, and children are grown and out of the house. As Margaret said, “You know, you don’t do it for a long time, because mothers…you have kids, you do what everyone else wants. Now that I’m older I have the time. I thank the lord that I have these good friends that will go with me.”

“We’re new to intense cycling” said Sue Hansen, “just in the last few years, that’s when we started riding as a group. We needed an instigator, and that was Margaret…”

Margaret added: “Because the miles go faster with your friends. Sometimes you just have to ask people, to put out the invitation, and most people will say ‘yeah, I’ll try that biking’.

Sue Charleville jumped in: “She’s a natural leader. I have a hobby, which is horses, and I met Margaret through that. But then, my kids were out of the house, and hers were too, and I wanted to hang out with Margaret. She put on Facebook ‘I’m going on this bike ride, does anybody want to come along’ and I’m in! I wanted to spend more time with her.”

Sue C is the most recent adult cyclist in the group, only joining in about 2 years ago. She also is a nurse. Said Margaret: “Shes strong, from riding those horses, she’s a strong rider!

Margaret is the instigator, Sue C is the newbie, and Sue Hansen is the analyzer. A yoga instructor, she started adult riding about 7 years ago, when her husband Joe got her a bike (he rides at Kensington Metropark after work, and also goes to  spin class ). Sue would ride the dirt roads near her home, and then something changed. “Margaret organized the library event, on the ( Lakelands ) trial. Then we had the big one, when we went to Missouri, that was my first big ride.”

It’s a pretty big ride, taking on the Katy Trail. Stretching 230 miles along the Missouri River, this limestone trail offers challenges. “I didn’t think that we were going to be able to ride 60 miles in one day, but we did! We were always trying to be at the end (of the group) so we didn’t have people saying ‘move over’, we wanted to be at the end so we could enjoy ourselves” said Sue H.

“We were always the last one’s out of camp” Margaret reminded Sue with a laugh.

“But we had so much fun! It was like a vacation because we didn’t have to cook, or clean, or take care of anybody else.”

All 3 women are able to change a flat. Each has studied maintenance at clinics sponsored by a  local bike shop. “I like to try to repair bikes, because I think hands-on is a good thing” said Sue C.

They also have a pretty good fit to their bikes. One could use a new seat, and another maybe should look at handlebars. Regardless, these 3 are capable and ready for whatever their next bike challenge might be. This includes introducing newcomers to the sport.

I asked about how they would entice people to join.

“I would go with them and ride slower” said Sue H, “just get them to enjoy it. After they accomplish something, they get a little confidence, and the try something else.”

We chatted about safety on the roads, and the differences between riding a horse and riding a bike; the horse sometimes has a mind of its’ own! All 3 are familiar with the new Michigan  law  requiring vehicles to leave 3′ clear when passing bicycles, and the new driver training requirement for an hour of class time devoted to non-motorized road users.

One new safety feature that has their attention: the use of rechargeable flashing lights during daylight hours.

These three are still more comfortable on bike trails, where interface with traffic is nearly non-existent.

We were reaching the end of our time when I asked about upcoming events, a topic which quickly got Margaret and Sue C planning a ride across America! Closer in terms of the calendar, their plans include a decorated  bike parade  in Lansing in a few days, and renting fat-tired bikes for some winter fun.

“I hope I’m still biking into my eighties” said Margaret, “I really love it”. She added “I could get obsessed and go on all kinds of trips and never see my husband (laughs)”.

I need to talk to him, because you know, cycling is for everyone!

Three adult women, having grown their families and had successful careers, have come back to bicycling in a big way. They have created their own support group; they’re willing to share this knowledge with others; and they’re planning more great events on bikes.  Way to go, ladies!

If you’d like more information on our weekend or week-long tours, please check out  our website;  to read a transcript of our conversation  click here. Thanks!

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