To stay cool this summer, a group of Korean-American seniors is participating in unique experiences such as coastal biking.
This group, known as the “Bicycle Riding Tour” of the Korean American Ski Club, consists entirely of seniors, with a median age of 70.
Richard Park, the group’s treasurer, also turned 70 this year. Despite his age, he is deeply immersed in the charm of biking, enjoying a challenging tour that covers 2,000 miles by car and 360 miles by bike over two weeks.
The team, which started from LA on the July 13, plans to meet with members joining from New York and New Jersey at Portland Airport, then continue biking and driving along the Oregon coast, passing through locations like Mount Hood and Tillamook Beach. They will return on July 28 after traveling through Northern California’s Redwood.
Their adventure extends beyond just biking. At coastal campsites, they engage in “car camping” and camping activities, try kayaking, and catch crabs and trout. They also dig for clams and cook meals together, savoring the journey.
Evenings around the campfire are filled with stories of their tough immigrant lives, adding a sentimental touch to the experience. Originally planned until the July 26, the trip was extended by two days at the request of team members who wanted more time to enjoy nature together.
“We communicate via walkie-talkies for safety and aim to reach campsites before sunset,” Park explained. “We choose safe routes considering the participants’ ages.” Thanks to thorough preparation, the oldest member, 90-year-old Steve Yoo, averages 30 to 40 miles of biking per day.
This biking tour was inspired by Park’s cycling adventure with his wife last year. “My wife, who has knee joint pain, experienced improved health through biking,” Park shared. “After biking across Korea for 28 days last year, I gained confidence and planned a similar tour in the U.S.”
After returning from Korea, Park started a biking group with members of the Korean American Ski Club and local residents in Southern California earlier this year. Recently, they even completed a biking trip to the Grand Canyon together.
Next year, they plan to embark on a 3,000-mile biking tour from San Diego to Florida. “Biking is surprisingly beneficial for seniors,” Park emphasized. “I hope many Korean seniors will take on the challenge of biking and join us for a healing time next year.”
BY NICOLE CHANG, YOUNGNAM KIM [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
