Happy 75th Birthday

Redondo Beach Cyclist Celebrates his 75th Birthday in the Saddle.

[ClickPress, Tue Mar 27 2007] When most fathers plan to visit their adult children, they use a car. Rich Metcalfe is unlike most fathers. Rich plans on visiting his 6 children (1 boy and 5 girls) using his bicycle to get there. Celebrating his 75th birthday on April 8, he’ll begin his 350 mile bike Trek to visit his family on Wednesday, March 28th.

The journey will start in Redondo Beach, heading for his daughter Kathy's home in Upland. The next stop will be his daughter Kristy’s place in San Bernardino before heading to his daughter Kim’s abode in Yucaipa. Next up is his son Kevin’s home in Riverside before going to visit his daughter Kerry’s in Laguna Beach. The entire family will celebrate a birthday brunch at Kerry’s home on April 8th in Laguna Hills followed by an easy jaunt to daughter Karen’s home in Laguna Beach before heading back to Redondo Beach. Whew!

The journey will encompass 350 miles over approximately 13 days and will include visits to the six aforementioned children and their respective spouses, his ex-wife, his step-daughter, 12 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and not to forget 2 great grandchildren who are due to be born at the end of April. Yes, Metcalfe has a built in cheering section.

Fueled by Kirkland/Costco Water (“I don’t need any fancy electrolytes), and riding Electra Townie bike that he gets serviced by his friend Mohammad at the Bike shop on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. “People like Rich are the reason I opened my bike shop,” explain Mohammad. “I wanted a “neighborhood feeling where I got to become friends with my customers. I am proud to call Richard Metcalfe my friend.” Metcalfe goes on to explain that Mohammad is the nicest and most trusted bike mechanic he has ever had. “Mohammad is just a terrific guy,” enthuses Metcalfe.

Rich is determined to leave a meaningful legacy. “I want my children, my grand children, my great grand children and their families to witness first hand, that aging does not have to mean vegetating or not being active. I also want them to see that in addition to being a lucky guy, I’m a plucky guy,” states Metcalfe.

Rich Metcalfe is an endurance athlete who is the veteran of numerous running road races ranging from 5K’s to Marathons. His marathoning has included the Portland Marathon, the San Francisco Marathon, Hawaii and many others. The impressive thing about Metcalfe is that he did not become an endurance athlete until late in life.
At the age of 54, Rich was an out-of-shape, overweight drinker and smoker. After a divorce, he made a decision to turn his life around, quit drinking and smoking and adopt a healthy life-style that became a health obsession. He began roller skating every where including an 80 mile trip to Azusa, where from that point forward, he became known as Roller Skating Rich. In his early 60’s be began running 10k’s which developed into half-Marathons and then full Marathons. He even rode his bike with some friends to San Diego to run America’s Finest City Half-Marathon the next day!
Rich is a newly wed, married to Mary Lyn Miller, a successful Life and Career Coach in Redondo Beach taking on yet another daughter, Brandy McKay (a sketch comedy performer). “These two lovely ladies have more energy than I do,” chuckles Metcalfe. Brandy has no problem gushing over her new stepfather:”Rich is one of my most admired men on the planet,”
As one might imagine, Metcalfe’s family is extremely proud of him. Rich’s son Kevin talks about his father with pride, “My dad has truly demonstrated what it means to be a family patriarch and lead by example. I’m so glad that my children have gotten to know their grandpa.”
Rich’s youngest daughter Karen adds, “He’s set the bar pretty high. And he has come full circle with his health. He’s an inspiration. His “new life” inspires us. When I feel too tired to do something, I think about my dad and how he’s pressing on with a bicycle race or Marathon. That thought always gives me a boost!”
After, the birthday bike journey, Rich Metcalfe has his sights set on riding across the country. He’s already ridden from Redondo Beach to St. Augustine, Florida but wants to take a more “challenging” route from coast to coast. “This time, I plan on staying in a hotel!” exclaims Metcalfe. “The ride is a piece of cake, but the camping is brutal! I need a comfortable bed next time! I’m hoping the Marriott will sponsor me!”
When asked about his training strategy, Rich Metcalfe is extremely succinct. “You get on the bike and start riding! By the end of the third day, your butt hurts, your muscles ache, but you get the hang of it!”

For more information contact Ileana International:

Mike Mena
310 683-6327
mike@ileanainternational.com

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