Birch Court residents recall cycling memories and take part in Get Set, Cycle challenge

This summer residents from Anchor Hanover’s Birch Court Extra Care scheme in Leicester will be cycling down memory lane, taking part in a national virtual cycling challenge. 

The Get Set, Cycle challenge, launched by Anchor Hanover, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people, will see residents and colleagues across the country get on their bikes and virtually cycle 24,901 miles – the circumference of the Earth. 

The distance, which was set after Anchor Hanover smashed their original target of cycling 2,102 miles across the summer, the same distance as the Tour de France, will be topped up by the public who have been asked to help by clocking up their miles. 

To enable residents and colleagues of all abilities to enjoy taking part, Anchor Hanover has provided special equipment including floor pedals and Memoride – a virtual cycling platform for older people which uses Google Maps to project images of towns or paths onto a screen. 

The use of floor pedals has enabled many residents, such as Dorothy Ireland, 74, resident of Anchor Hanover’s Birch Court Extra Care scheme, to participate in the challenge. Dorothy, who has lived at Anchor Hanover’s Birth Court Extra Care scheme for over five years, hasn’t ridden a bike since she was 17 after being struck by lightning on a ride.  

Dorothy recalls: “I was moving house and while most of my belongings were taken by car, my bike was left so I decided to ride it the eight miles to my new house.  

“As I was riding, I saw a big black cloud coming over the sky and it started to thunder. I was so frightened and then suddenly I felt my handlebars being struck by lightning. I quickly jumped off my bike and started running as fast as I could, I have never ridden a bike since then. It’s great to be cycling again after all these years using the floor pedal and Memoride technology” 

Like Dorothy, many Anchor Hanover residents have been able to keep up good fitness habits and stay fit and healthy while participating in the challenge, all without getting on a bike. 

Gina Lockton, Manager of Anchor Hanover’s Birch Court Extra Care scheme, said: “After a challenging year, we’re thrilled to be taking part in Get Set, Cycle. 

“Physical activity is very important for our residents and we’re  committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get involved. Cycling is a great opportunity to exercise our bodies and minds, doing meaningful activities while also having fun. 

“We’re excited to be joining the challenge and seeing how many miles we can all cycle together!”
The public are encouraged to join in the challenge and share how many miles they've cycled on social media by using the hashtag #GetSetCycle. 

For more information about Anchor Hanover’s Birch Court Extra Care scheme contact 0116 278 9098