The 76-year-old cycles an impressive 160 kilometres per week and keeps his Trek Madone and Avanti Corsa bikes in great condition.

Harry’s commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle began back in the UK, in the backstreets of Manchester. Growing up in an area where money was tight, owning a bike wasn’t something that many children could enjoy. Instead, he and his friends would borrow each other's bikes, sharing the joy and freedom that cycling could bring.

“I always dreamt of owning my own bike one day, and when I finally could afford one I rode it around the streets of Oldham and into the beautiful countryside,” he says.

Harry and his wife Anne have been living in Arvida Ocean Shores retirement community for five years and he says cycling is more than just a hobby for him – it’s a passion.

“It’s a way to stay active in the fresh air and it gives me freedom to see new places.”

Although Harry recommends cycling to everyone, he does suggest checking with a health professional for those his age. When not riding every day due to weather, you’ll find him in the village gym and swimming pool to keep his heart pumping and legs moving.

He remembers his younger days when his knees started giving him trouble from playing soccer. Realising the need for a less strenuous activity that would still keep him fit, he returned to cycling with renewed enthusiasm.

"I grew up with a lot of people that did have health problems as they got older and I said I’m not going to be that type of person if I can help it," Harry recalls. This determination has kept him on his bike, pushing him to maintain a routine that balances effort with rest.

“When you get to my age, you can’t do the same pace every day. So I work my week out and say these certain days I’ll get more mileage under me belt and a bit of pressure on the body.”

After a long career in clothing manufacturing, Harry’s been part of several cycling clubs and events over the years. His commitment to cycling is clear in the care he takes of his equipment. “Your bicycle is your machine; you’re no good without it being in good condition if you’re going uphill.”

Harry’s cycling journey, from the backstreets of Manchester to the scenic routes around Arvida Ocean Shores community in Mount Maunganui, keeps him young at heart and in spirit.