There’s a new bike club rolling along the Prairie Path.
It’s called Old Spokes, and while the name pokes a little fun at aging, the riders behind it are proving retirement is anything but sedentary.
The resident led cycling club recently returned to Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville, thanks to four neighbors who, less than a year ago, had never met.
Mark and Susan Thomas and Chuck and Barb Carriere came to Monarch Landing from different places, but they quickly became friends. They share meals, laugh often, encourage one another to try new activities, and recently decided to bring the community’s bike club back to life.
“We could do this together,” Mark said when they learned the longtime organizer was stepping down.
They could.
And they did.
Choosing Their Future
Although their lives had followed different paths, both couples arrived at Monarch Landing for many of the same reasons.
Mark’s military service and career took him and Susan around the world before eventually settling in the western suburbs. Chuck retired after careers in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Postal Service, and he and Barb decided to leave Michigan to be closer to their daughter in Downers Grove.
Both couples were ready to leave behind home maintenance, yard work, and the responsibilities of owning a house. More importantly, they wanted to make the decision for themselves instead of leaving their children to someday make difficult choices about their future.
Susan’s experience caring for her aging parents reinforced that decision.
After touring several senior living communities, Monarch Landing simply felt right.
“It was so friendly, and there was no pressure in making the decision,” Mark said. “It was the ambience at Monarch Landing and at The Springs, the friendliness, the grounds, and the open and inviting feeling.”
For Barb, the welcoming atmosphere stood out immediately.
“Everyone is extremely friendly here,” she said. “And there’s lots of activity.”
Easy access to the Illinois Prairie Path was another bonus for them all.
“The paths connect, so we can walk and ride bikes without traffic,” Mark said.
More Than They Expected
Like many people considering senior living, neither couple knew exactly what to expect.
“I had no idea what moving here would be like,” Mark admitted. “No idea what we were getting into. We quickly realized we made the right decision.”
The biggest surprise was discovering a community where getting involved comes naturally.
Mark joined the Happy Hikers and learned to play canasta.
Chuck became a projectionist for Saturday movie nights.
Chuck and Barb started playing water volleyball, despite Barb admitting she’s afraid of the water.
“Being here has changed us a little bit,” Barb said.
“We’re doing new things because we have the opportunity,” Chuck added.
The friendships formed just as quickly.
Long lunches often turn into hour long conversations, and neighbors become companions for activities both planned and spontaneous.
“It’s an amazing brain trust here,” Mark said. “There are people with amazing backgrounds and experiences, but no one wears their accomplishments on their sleeves. Everyone is friendly.”
Bringing Old Spokes Back
Their friendship naturally led to another project.
When they heard Monarch Landing’s bike club needed new leadership, the two couples volunteered together.
Mark brought his lifelong enjoyment of cycling. Barb, an avid rider herself, reorganized the bike room, making sure every bicycle was accounted for and creating a more welcoming space for residents. Today, the room houses about 30 bicycles, including a community loaner.
Next, they surveyed residents.
Would people be interested in riding together?
How far should the rides be?
And what should the club be called?
The answers came back quickly.
Yes.
Ten miles or less.
Old Spokes.
The inaugural ride earlier this month took nine residents on a scenic seven-mile trip to St. James Farm and back.
“We tested the water with this first ride,” Mark said. “Everyone wants to do it again.”
For Barb, riding has always been about more than exercise.
“It’s more fun to do activities with people than alone,” she said. “Some people know the area and the trails better than others. I like being outside, with the wind and fresh air. It doesn’t feel like exercise.”
Chuck offers a different perspective.
Not exactly an avid cyclist, he laughed, “I like the ride best when it’s over.” But he’s happy to be part of the group!
The Best Decision They Ever Made
Looking back, both couples agree they found much more than a maintenance free lifestyle.
They found new friends.
New hobbies.
New opportunities.
Barb admits she was worried about leaving friends behind in Michigan.
Those fears disappeared almost immediately.
“Now I feel like I’m on an all-inclusive vacation with no end date in sight,” she said.
She has also noticed the difference in Chuck.
“Chuck’s changed a lot since he moved here. He used to sit around and watch TV. Now he’s like a social butterfly.”
For Mark, the lesson is just as simple.
“If people aren’t busy doing things, it’s because they choose not to,” he said. “Almost everyone is involved in a lot more than just one or two things.”
For these four neighbors, moving to Monarch Landing wasn’t about slowing down.
It was about choosing what came next.
Sometimes that’s hiking.
Sometimes it’s canasta.
Sometimes it’s movie night or water volleyball.
And sometimes it’s gathering a group of friends for a ride along the Prairie Path under a name that perfectly captures both their sense of humor and their enthusiasm for life.
Old Spokes.
Sidebar: Barb’s story
Meet Barb Carriere: Proving It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New
When Barb Carriere turned 59, she decided to try something new: running.
What started as a personal challenge quickly became a passion. In her first year, Barb completed 20 races. For her 60th birthday, she set an even bigger goal and registered for the Detroit Marathon.
Despite recovering from knee surgery, she crossed the finish line, telling herself it would be “one and done.”
It wasn’t.
Over the years, Barb completed eight marathons, 16 half marathons, more than 100 5Ks, and countless other races. She continued finding new ways to stay active, even adapting from running to walking after injuries.
Today, Barb brings that same enthusiasm for adventure to life at Monarch Landing, where she continues to try new things, meet new people, and inspire those around her.
Her latest challenge? Completing a 5K every month, one on the 4th of July.
For Barb, staying active isn’t just about fitness. It’s about friendship, fun, and making the most of every opportunity.
Monarch Landing
Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®.
For additional information visit WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.
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Media Contact: Wendy Foster | [email protected]