Engaging gears

It was a different kind of March Madness — everyone was a winner.

More than 54 seniors in their 60s and 70s — members of the UNMC EngAge Wellness program — battled seniors from across the country for five weeks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning March 8, for the title of CyberCycle March Madness Champion.

It began with teams in the U.S. and Canada riding CyberCycles at senior centers, nursing homes, community centers and residential communities. During the 48-hour championship round, teams racked up miles on the bikes in quest of the Golden Spokes Trophy.

CyberCycles are stationary recumbent bikes with interactive, computerized screens with scenic trails.

One-by-one, competitors were whittled down to five finalists — Nebraska’s UNMC EngAge Wellness program, Iowa’s Council Bluffs Senior Center, and centers in California, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

When last Tuesday’s championship rolled around, Nebraska and Iowa were on top.

The EngAge Wellness program opened early and closed later than normal for the competition. Those who didn’t cycle lent support with motivational messages and high-energy, homemade snacks.

For the two-day championship ride, Council Bluffs Senior Center logged 950.3 miles and UNMC EngAge Wellness, 910 miles.

Though Iowa won, the UNMC EngAge team rode more miles during the five-week challenge — a combined total of 2,728.9 miles over their competitor’s 2,538.7 miles. Eight UNMC cyclers placed among the top 25 in the country — the most of any team — including six in the top 10 and three in the top five.

Jeannie Hannan, manager of UNMC EngAge Wellness program, and Heather Shafer, wellness specialist, said although the team got second place, members are proud of their accomplishments.

“Our members have really gotten into this,” Hannan said. “Close to 50 people have ridden at least once. Five members stayed for at least 12 hours or more each day. We like seeing the sense of community that it creates with the participants — how excited they are and how motivated they are to be healthy and active.”

“For everyone who rode, brought food, and cheered us on – I am so proud,” said participant Mary Ann Blair. “It was so challenging, but it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Everyone was involved in one way or another and contributed to the success of the challenge.”