At an incredible 82 years of age, North Coast resident Ryno Walker is the eldest rider and member at Holla Trails, just outside Ballito. Adventuring the magnificent trails and truly embracing the North Coast outdoors in all of its glory, Ryno shares some of his mountain biking secrets …
“I started mountain biking in the 90’s, but finding a place to ride peacefully and safely without the possibility of getting run over or hijacked was always a concern. Holla Trails was heaven sent! I’ve always cycled on my own, never being drawn to ride in a group or with a buddy. I love being free and without constraints of time, effort and pace. I make every ride count – it must be a workout and a time of introspective thoughts, decisions and realising values to live by. The quietness is therapeutic. To sit down to a coffee after a ride is therapeutic, also.”
“Holla is my gym and my rehab place. It’s where I restore my endorphins. Cycling gives my life purpose and makes me feel like a real and robust guy – a fit and wholesome person. I also think riding, combined with my good eating habits, has allowed me to counter or even reverse mental decline. The pain that is inevitably felt on a hard ride pays off so much in the form of mental alertness/brightness. And I look young for my age, I know it from being told so!”
“My advice to other ‘oldies’ is to JUST DO IT! Don’t overthink it because there’ll always be a reason to do it tomorrow rather than now. Also, the human body must be moved and flexed daily, otherwise it deteriorates overnight in old age. To quote Clint Eastwood: “Don’t let the old man in.”
