Married couple Graeme, 86, and Betty Cox, 91, have traveled the world on a tandem bike—an activity they believe is at the core of their good health and happy marriage.
Cycling has been a part of the couple’s relationship since they met at church over 60 years ago. Soon after meeting Graeme told Betty, “You better buy a bike!” according to SunLife.
At the beginning of their relationship Graeme biked 48 miles roundtrip to see Betty. Betty soon joined the fun—they even cycled on their honeymoon.
“Regular exercise, like we do on the tandem, is the key to a long and happy life,” Graeme told local newspaper, the South Wales Argus.
Betty grew to love cycling so much that after giving birth to their first daughter she got back on the bike within six weeks—as soon as the doctor would allow it. When she was diagnosed with cancer, Betty only spent about a week in the hospital. She believes her quick recovery was the direct result of cycling.
“I feel marvelous, to be honest,” Betty says. “You can’t buy your health.”
Throughout the years the couple has cycled in Norway, Scotland, and Wales, as well as all over their home country of England. They’ve gone through four bikes in their marriage and put 1,000 miles on the newest one in just six months.
“We were quite surprised at it,” Graeme said. “We’ve never really thought of how many miles we do. And, I suppose, not many people manage to reach that amount at our age.”
The couple cycles four days a week, and they have no plans of slowing down.
“You’re never too old to ride,” Betty says.
