CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/140918
According to charter member and former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper Bob Miarer, age is not as much a factor in this sport as other sports. "I am 59 years old and still hanging out with the younger riders." Cruising at a fast pace he said, "We have done 56 miles in 2 hours and 19 minutes. I have ridden with people in their 80s." One great thing about cycling is that you can ride on your own, or meet with folks who have the same skill level, or interest in riding. Miarer also participates in another form of bicycling: tandem rides, but with a partner who is visually impaired. The tandem started with Ivan Castro asking fellow C4 member Furman Hammons if someone would take him out on the road. He was Furman's student in a spin class. "Furman asked me if I would take a blind guy out on my tandem, to which I said, heck yeah!" noted Miarer enthusiastically. "I thought it would be good for cycling if I stepped up; that it would be great club exposure, and it gave me more of a purpose to be riding." Castro then introduced Miarer to another visually impaired would-be rider, Dexter Durrante. "Between Dex and Ivan we have done some cool rides and logged over 6,000 miles together." John Masson is a former Ranger and Special Forces medic who lost three of his limbs serving his country. He now averages 20 to 25 miles four times a week. WHEN IT RAINS, IT DRAINS! John Masson's Challenge John Masson is a former Ranger and Special Forces medic who lost three of his limbs serving his country. While recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Masson decided he needed something to keep him in shape since his former running regimen was no longer an option. He joined the Walter Reed Bethesda Cycling Program where he was introduced to a hand cycle. "I primarily "jumped all over it" to keep in shape!" joked Masson, who retired this past December and moved back to Fayetteville. Initially, the program provided him with the support he needed to get started in the sport. And while he believes group support is essential, Masson now completes 25 miles on his own. "It took me awhile, but I realized how much fun it was. You have to keep (910) 433-1613 www.cityoffayetteville.org/stormwater CityViewNC.com | 45