The 32 communities of Senior Resource Group, based in Solana Beach, CA, have their own spin on an acclaimed cycling event. 

Tour de Zest is a 10-day challenge inspired by the Tour de France. Residents and employees compete to generate the highest biking mileages. The event started June 26 and marked the first major in-person company-wide initiative since the start of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. 

“We’re excited to usher in the return of signature programs that are synonymous with Senior Resource Group communities,” said Sarah Matyko, OTD, OTR/L, corporate director of life enrichment. “In addition to encouraging and motivating residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles, Tour de Zest will be a fun way to strengthen the camaraderie and bonds among residents.”

All fitness levels are welcomed during this event, and the Tour de Zest directors offer something for everyone. Programs and events to boost participants’ spirits include kick-off parties, resident-team challenges and guest fitness instructors. 

Edith Agatstein, a resident at The Carlisle Naples in Florida, said she was looking forward to the event. 

“I’m excited about Tour de Zest,” she said. “It’s a great way to keep our bodies moving. Plus I get to see how well I perform against my neighbors!”

Residents aged 70 and older will attend high-energy cycle classes and track their miles on leaderboards daily. Plus, like at Tour de France, they can take in an array of scenery as they “cycle” on virtual rides through places such as the Pacific Northwest and Arizona desert. 

Highlights of the Tour de Zest: 

  • The Chateau on Capitol Avenue: The Sacramento Wheelmen, the largest and most active recreational cycling club in Northern California, were at the California senior living community to help kick off the event.
  • La Siena: along with the other event activities, residents at the Phoenix active retirement community will follow the lead of Brenden McNulty, an Arizona local, as he competes in Tour de France for the first time.
  • Maravilla at The Domain: residents at the Austin, TX, community are encouraged to dress up during event participation. A themed spirit day of “I Love the 80s,” for instance, invites residents to wear neon, and “Glow Ride Day” invites them to wear white so they can glow in the dark during a cycling class with black lights.
  • Maravilla Scottsdale: Debbie Popiel is a health enthusiast who has cycled worldwide, and she will lead the Arizona community’s spinning classes.

Although Tour de Zest participants strive to meet their fitness goals and compete against neighbors, they have another mission in mind: each of the communities’ residents also aspire to outperform participants at sister communities and take home the overall SRG Cycling Trophy for most miles accumulated.

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