Don Hayes, Jane Heigis, Bob Heigis, Jim MacNab, and Peachy (Pauline) Healy, gather in a room to discuss the unifying element that brought them all together - the desire to hike, bike, and remain active. Ranging in age from 62 up to age 92, they also represent different ranges of hiking and biking abilities, but unanimously agree that the Hiking/Biking club of Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord has been a rousing success. How is success in such a club measured? According to some of its 60 members, by the benefits it brings to participants.

Some of those benefits would seem obvious, perhaps. Numerous studies show that consistent movement and exercise help the body with both strength and flexibility. But quite often, members of this particular hiking and biking club also point to the social advantages of their activities as a primary benefit.

A quick read of their most recent newsletter - that’s right - they publish a newsletter, (one of the responsibilities the 10 committee members shoulder) echoes that one of the most treasured benefits of the club is friendship and camaraderie. Conversations on the trail, the anticipation of the next hike, and connections with outside groups like The Forest Society, unite members in their physical and social goals.

Don Hayes, who started the club, had been hiking for years when he decided to start the Hiking/Biking Club at Havenwood Heritage Heights. Hoping he might be able to garner interest from even a few fellow hikers, he was surprised by the initial response of 30 interested parties who wanted to join in his efforts.

“I moved here four-and-a-half years ago and have done hiking all over the country, and slowed down somewhat, but still wanted to do some hiking. I talked to Peachy and Jim and we decided to have a meeting to decide if anyone wanted to go hiking with us,” Hayes said. “We had 30 people show up, and from that, decided to form a hiking committee. Everyone here has a history of hiking before they came here. The committee meets every month to help plan the hikes and everybody has a say in how we’re going to do it.”

From there, the club has grown to about 60 members, and although folks with all levels of skill are welcome, for some, just a few of the smaller walks are enough. The club separates activities into varying degrees of adventure; the Saturday hikes are typically less than 2 miles long, the Wednesday “Adventure Hike” can be up to 3 miles long, and the “Adventure Plus” excursions typically include elevation. Add to those excursions biking along the rail trails, and occasional “moon walks,” which is most certainly not a Michael Jackson reference, but rather walks around the campus on the trails under the full moon, followed by a campfire and hot cocoa, on the edge of the bluffs overlooking Concord.

The hiking and biking club credits the club activities with keeping them active and socially engaged, and they continue their activities year-round, with an emphasis on the use of the proper equipment for safety and wintertime treks.

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