84-Year-Old Bikes 150 Miles for MS

by Deborah Dunham (Subscribe to Deborah Dunham's posts)
Oct 29th 2009 5:00PM

Photodisc

Lan Yin Tsai is not your typical long-distance cyclist. At New Jersey's recent City to Shore 150-mile ride for MS, the 84-year-old Tsai completed the distance with a style all her own. Forget the Lance Armstrong-style spandex, clip-on bike shoes and fancy road bike with multiple gears. Tsai prefers simplicity, riding her one-speed bike in a dress and high heels.

Just as she has done for the last 26 years, Tsai rode her purple bike with a wire basket in front earlier this month to help raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. She sat tall and proud in a green turtleneck dress, embroidered jacket and high-heeled pumps. "I went to church, so I always dressed up and would ride my bicycle," she told CNN. "So that's why I do it that way -- I do it that way naturally. That's the way I ride my bike."

Every year, the National MS Society holds 100 different fundraising rides across the country to gather support to help fight this disease. In an economic period where volunteering and donations are down for many charities, Tsai vows to continue her efforts. "I always try to tell people, whatever you can do, keep doing it, keep doing it. And that's why I do MS. When I start something, I don't want to just quit."

Tsai's grandson, Alan Sim also participated in the ride with her. Even though his grandmother is usually last, Sim, along with many other cyclists, wait hours for her to cross the finish line. "She'll just ride in, and people are cheering, taking pictures, asking for autographs," says Sim. "It's like being with a celebrity."

When she's not out riding, Tsai practices the art of shiatsu massage on MS patients. She plans to continue her business and her riding for as long as she can. Determination, guts and commitment -- it's no wonder she's known as the "superstar of the ride." Plus, she offers the best motivation of all to her grandson. "I have the most pressure out of anyone on the tour," says Sim. "I know I can't quit, because my grandmother's behind me somewhere!"

Want to ride with Tsai next year? Take some training tips from Lance.

Comments (17)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ronnie 11-02-2009 @ 9:17AM

Model's have known this for over 30 years to lose weight quick cut out CARBS ...Think this way carb's are gasoline for your body. Take the gas away your body if forced to feed on it's self (the fat) You can lose 1..lb. a day. Food's to eat: Tuna fish, any fish, egg's Go to a book store & buy a carb book. Do the research carbs are your emeny. Cutting carbs are not fun but you'll love how quick you lose weight

JT 11-02-2009 @ 11:17AM

The ONLY diet you need is to intake the same number of calories you burn to maintain your current weight. In other words, to lose weight, you reduce your food intake until you lose the weight. There is only one diet: eat less, excercise more. There it is. Anyone that tells you otherwise is either stupid, lying to you, or trying to con you out of money.

graylass 11-15-2009 @ 3:00PM

I think it is great news that she does all of these achievements. Personally being over a certain age and of her asian background that would not be a typical mature citizen. Lets find someone a little more mainstream and see if they can do all of this.

Bill 11-02-2009 @ 1:55PM

I'm 70 years old and just finished my 9th, 90 mile Canoe/Kayak marathon.

I also competed in the State of Ohio Canoe/Kayak Championships.

No big deal! If you lead a balanced life of moderation and exercise

it can be done.

Roberta 11-01-2009 @ 12:28PM

AMAZING!!!!!

Beni 11-02-2009 @ 6:48AM

Wished they used a true photo with this article. It would have made a bigger impact. I did a search on Lan Yin Tsai and there she is in her dress on her bike with a basket. Either way, she is certainly admired! A great inspiration.

dizzthegirl 11-02-2009 @ 8:03AM

YOU GO GIRL!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!@!

Ed 11-02-2009 @ 8:37AM

I have done this ride on several occasions and I consider one of my greatest memories to be the day I saw her on the boardwalk in Ocean City after the ride. God bless her. As for not being "mainstream" that was one of the dumbest comments I have ever seen posted. Go back under your rock graylass.

Pam 11-02-2009 @ 12:48PM

I believe he is congratulating her , in spite of size and age , for her achievements and wondering if someone "mainstream" could do as well.

Chip Duchein 11-02-2009 @ 9:28AM

Ronnie: You're correct that burning up the stored carbs in the body's muscle and liver (glycogen) will force the body to burn fat, something that can only happen after a lengthy cardio workout. the body has roughly 45 to 1 hour of stored carbs ( glucogen) available for energy, but when the glycogen is depleted, the body will also look for any source of energy to burn, including fat and muscle mass. This geenerally will not happen in a cardio workout of 30-45 minutes, but if the workouts are longer, supplementation of protein in the diet is essential, not to mention weight training.

Allie 11-02-2009 @ 11:02AM

Love this article!!! You go Granny!! Who said all old persons was just in the way, huh! Take this you silly kids out there. Ill put up Granny anyday over you! Congrats to Granny and all her fans!

God Bless Granny and keep on going!]

Allie

Lady Wiccan 11-02-2009 @ 11:53AM

what a grand lady

paul 11-02-2009 @ 1:38PM

Wonder if she stopped for a donut along the way?

mare 11-02-2009 @ 1:59PM

HEY JUST BECAUSE ONE IS A CERTAIN AGE DOES MEAN THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT, ALOT OF PEOPLE SOON AS THEY HIT 65 THINK ALL THERE IS TO LIFE IS TO WAIT TO DIE, NO WAY. NOW IF SOME OF THESE YOUNG KIDS &ADULTS GET OFF THERE BUTTS, THEY TO WOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHAT THIS YOUNG 88 YR WM DID. IM A HIKER AND CAN DO 8-TO 10 MILES. . GO GIRL. LIFE IS SHORT, LIVE IT, KICK UP YOUR HEELS AND ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN

Diane 11-02-2009 @ 2:35PM

I did this same MS ride in NJ for the first time this year. I am a 54 yr old female and I rode 50 miles and thought that was a great accomplishment. Now I feel like a failure! I wish I met her, I don't remember passing her on my journey. Plus at the end of the ride into Ocean City are 2 large bridges that must be climbed. I made it up the first but not the second. I had to walk to the top of the second. This woman is amazing.

brenda k greene 11-02-2009 @ 4:04PM

boy it;s nice to see these old women doing something other than sit and be grumpy, me I don't ;t think I could do it, you go lady, she probably have a younger man in her life, some times it will help, b/c these old men don't get it any more, all they want to do is be a dam jerk all the time, and act if they don't no what day it is. at the age 60 they are finished, they start acting like a dam kid, whining and bitching a bout nothing, I go thur that all day , so good luck lady.