Peddling Back to Joy: 87-Year-Old Mike’s Remarkable Comeback to Cycling After Stroke with Help from Hereford Cycle Track

Life-long Cylistic, Mike, 87 suffered a serious Stroke last September and didn’t know if he would ever be able to ride a bike again. But, with determination, his passion for cycling and the support of the Team at Hereford Cycle Track found at Hereford Leisure Centre, Mike is back in the saddle where he belongs. 

Mike was recommended to the Cycle Track by Community Physiotherapists in Ledbury, and he has not looked back since. Mike says that without Halo and Chris Payne, our Cycling Development Coordinator, he would not have been able to achieve the incredible progress he has already made. 

In his younger years, Mike completed many long distance rides, such as a 2 week ride to Scotland and back. After suffering from his Stroke, and being unable to leave the house, being able to be back on a bike spurs him on and has sparked a light in him again. Ann, his wife, says that when she saw Mike’s face being back on a bike she knew, ‘there would be no stopping him’. His face conveyed such joy and determination. 

Mike has a wonderful bond with Chris Payne, who has helped him every step of the way down on the Track. Chris says ‘When he first arrived at the track he was lacking confidence, and I got him onto a side by side and rode with him, he then advanced to the fully adaptive trike, then a standard trike, and now I am taking him out on the tandem!’ Together they have made huge strides, doing 5km around the Cycle Track! 

Both Mike and Ann praise Halo for the remarkable facilities at Hereford Leisure Centre and the Cycle Track, adding how wonderful the adaptive bikes are. Their trips down to the Cycle Track are a joy, expressing how welcoming all the staff are! Including those at reception in the Leisure Centre, where they sometimes enjoy a coffee and relax after Mike’s sessions.

If you would like to help us with raising funds for an Accessible Bike you can find out more HERE…

We are honoured to have Mike down at Hereford Cycle Track for his rides, and can’t wait to see where his cycling journey with us takes him. Being active is so important to Mike and his determination to keep doing what he loves is inspiring, ‘Life is a challenge, and if you don’t try, you never will’. 

Thinking of having a ride out on the Cycle Track yourself, find the timetable HERE…

Team Halo