Heather Alberts, 84, hoping El Tour is as ‘glorious as it was last year’

Heather Alberts is a spunky 84-year-old who will be back on her bike for the 42^nd El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 22. There’s a chance she may be the oldest cyclist in the event.

She can’t wait to be alongside some of the more than 3,000 cyclists in the 32-mile ride, moving along in her electric incumbent.

“I’m hoping it’s going to be as glorious as it was last year,” she said.

After all, “I’m always out there to be outdoors and have a good time,” she added.

So, she will when the event rolls around next month.

“Nothing slows her down!,” said her son-in-law Danny Plattner. “She is the energizer bunny at 84 & 1/2 years old. Last year her battery died at mile 19 of El Tour and she crossed the finish line with a big smile on her face. Her happy place is on her recumbent bike!”

As for the final 13 miles, she said, “It was tough but I did it and I felt fine.”

It’s a great story to actually be riding to this point, given three or so years ago, she lost the use of her right eye when a dog jumped on her causing damage to her retina.

Over time, her doctor advised her not to ride her upright bike for safety reasons. Plattner said the same, given the chance another injury could occur. “Risk assessment” as she called it as Plattner told her if she got back on the upright bike and had an accident she could possibly get injured and lose her sight entirely.

Point taken.

Then she thought: no one said anything about a recumbent. So, of course, she purchased one and is ready for year two.

“He said I couldn’t ride the upright bike … so he didn’t even know about the other one,” she said.

Um, no harm, no foul. Now, she’s active on the recumbent with the help of Chris BJelk, who works for Ajo Bikes and helps/coaches with Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports.

Back then, she asked Chris if he thought she might be able to handle the 32-mile event. Chris said yes.

“We’ve been riding ever since,” she said. “He’s been a big part of my life. He’s a wonderful young man.”

They rode the event together last year as she rode alongside Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports.

“She’s inspired me more than anything,” said Chris. “I started an entire adaptive cycling business off of her. She got me rolling.”

She found three clients for him and they, too, will be riding in El Tour.

“She has that infinite energy … I don’t know where she gets it,” he said. “Man, going out cycling with her you never know the adventure you are going to go on.