"Seniors Who Shred" profiles eight local riders between the ages of 75 and 92 years old. (submitted photo/Judy Richardson)

By Alex Rawnsley

never too old

VIDEO: ‘Makes them feel like they’re children:’ Oceanside woman profiles ‘Seniors Who Shred’

Nov 13, 2023 | 6:10 AM

PARKSVILLE — It’s proof positive you’re never too old to learn something new, or keep doing what you love.

Judy Richardson, 59, found a love of filmmaking during the pandemic and was inspired to apply for a TELUS Storyhive grant to produce a documentary locally on a group of mountain bike riders she routinely ran into on area trails.

Richardson said she features eight riders between the ages of 75 and 92 in her feature piece Seniors Who Shred, answering the question of why these seniors keep pedaling.

“When I’m out riding many times, I’d run into groups of senior riders and I was in such awe of them because they were such good riders and they looked to be having so much fun, I really respected them and I thought it would be a good idea for a story.”

Richardson’s documentary features riders from Qualicum Beach, Errington and Parksville.

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She was curious to find out why they pursue this hobby, despite a risk of injury. The overwhelming response was the benefits the riders feel mentally, physically and spiritually.

Social connections via the group ride and associated coffee pit stops also help.

“It keeps them fit and they just feel more connected to nature. It makes them feel young, it makes them feel like they’re children – that feeling when they get up in the morning and hop up on their bike and go for a ride, that sense of freedom.”

She added some of the people she profiles have balance issues when they’re walking, but on two wheels it’s completely different.

Filming began in September 2022 with a first draft, or at least proof of concept, due by December.

The final product was completed earlier this month and Richardson is making plans to screen the film at a hall in town for the cast and others who want to watch.

In addition to exploring the growth and hobbies of her interview subjects, the experience was a learning one for Richardson too.

She said she’d taken an interest in filmmaking during the pandemic and took a five day course in March 2022 which only cemented her curiosity.

“When I started filming last September, to the end, I just really noticed that I improved a lot,” Richardson added.

Filming was a family affair with Richardson’s son and nephew working on the crew, while her partner helped with some drone footage.

Grant money helped hire and editor to bring everything together.

Richardson began a YouTube channel as a result of the course and subsequent production where she records her hikes and other adventures.

She’s wanting to apply for more grants in order to tell more stories in the future.

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