Doodlebugs
Posted November 4, 2021 at 5:54 am by Tim Dustrude
Aging but Not Slowing Down (well not slowing down too much anyway)
Louise and John Dustrude have enjoyed outdoor activities all their lives — boating, (including sailing, rowing and canoeing), hiking, walking and biking to name a few. However, a few years ago, noticing that her sense of balance wasn’t what it used to be, Louise gave up her bicycle.
But then in September of 2020, through a serendipitous chain of events, she was able to test ride and then ultimately purchase a used recumbent tricycle. It’s a TerraTrike Rambler, a “Tadpole” style of trike, with 2 wheels up front that steer and one chain-driven drive wheel at the rear.
“I feel so much safer on this trike than I did trying to balance my two-wheeler” Louise says. “And what’s more is that uphill climbs are easier because I can just stop to rest if I need to — all the while sitting on the seat without having to step off as I would on a bike”. Soon after she got her trike, John saw how much fun she was having and he soon found one for himself.
Now, even though both of them are in their 90s, they continue to get outside for fun and fresh air and some exercise too. “But it’s not about ‘exercise’ ”, John says. “I don’t like to exercise — I just like to go outside and have fun”. John also still has his two-wheeler, a large E‑bike that he rides all over the island. But with the new trike, he and Louise can have fun together.
“And one of the best things this past year, especially with Covid” Louise adds, “is that we’ve been able to get some socializing in, while still maintaining social distancing. We see many people when we’re out triking who stop to ask us about our ‘Doodlebugs’. I hope more people see how wonderful these are, and I would love for them to join us out on the sidewalks and low-traffic streets.”
The video above was created just for fun by Tim Dustrude and his wife Shannon Dean. Turn your sound up and go full screen with it for the best experience.
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Categories: People, Recreation
6 comments:
6 comments...
LOVE!!!
You guys are amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us, Tim and Shannon. Gives me hope for getting on a bike when I’m 90!
Wonderful! Best regards to John and Louise!
I kinda hate to see trouble-makers cruising through quiet neighborhoods terrorizing people.
Two of my favorite San Juan Islanders!
Two of my favorite people, always giving me a goal to reach. This made my day!
sooooo great Tim!! another great example of how exceptional your family and you are! what emissaries for enjoying life and staying fit no matter what! looks addictive! and what great footage of all the various terrain they can go over!
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