ENG
“My grandmother is still alive, but she lives very far
from Santiago. I very rarely get to see her and I miss her
wisdom and company. In the absence of being close to
my grandmother, getting out on the bike with my friends
is a way of having a connection to the older generation.”
Victor Rodriguez was looking for a way to combine time
off from his office job with a form of exercise when he
heard about Cycling Without Age. However, little did the
31-year-old Chilean know what he was getting into when
he embarked on the project – not only did he end up getting
exercise, but he has formed a close bond with some
special people at Fundacion Las Rosas in Santiago and
has become an important figure in the lives of many.
“It fills my heart with joy that they treat me so kindly,
it’s as if I were one of their relatives. One of the ladies
has even made a scarf for me. I try to give them the
same affection and love that they give me.”
At first, the elderlies were a little reluctant to go out
with Victor Rodriguez, because they did not know him
and they had not been biking for many years. He had to
earn their trust.“Some were a bit hesitant and anxious
on the first few rides, but I always tried to calm them by
showing them the trees, the flowers and the animals.
Now they love it.”
Nowadays they treat him like a son – his very presence
generates smiles and joy among the dozens of
passengers. His bike rides have revitalized so many of
the residents. The therapist has experienced that many
of the elderlies at Fundacion Las Rosas have become
more active and participate in more activities – after
feeling the wind in their hair again. Victor Rodriguez is
always ready to start new adventures on the streets of
Santiago with his friends in the community.
Words by: Juan Pablo Vera, Spearhead En Bici Sin Edad
SPA
Mi abuela aún vive, pero lejos de Santiago. La veo muy
poco, y extraño su sabiduría y compañía, así que andar en
el triciclo es una manera de conectarme con la generación
mayor.
Cuando Víctor Rodriguez escuchó de En Bici sin Edad
quería encontrar una manera de utilizar algunas de sus
horas libres y ejercitar al mismo tiempo. Cuando supo de
este proyecto le encantó la idea, sin necesariamente saber
lo que estaba asumiendo. El no sólo hace ejercicio, sino
que ha obtenido un vínculo muy profundo con personas
especiales de la Fundación las Rosas en Santiago, Chile y
asimismo convertirse en una figura importantes en la vida
de muchos.
“La verdad se me llena el corazón de alegría cuando ellas
me han tratado con cariño y con amor, casi como si fuera
uno de sus familiares. Incluso una de ellas me ha tejido una
bufanda. Trato de entregarles el mismo cariño y amor que
ellas me entregan”.
Al principio, las señoras eran reticentes a salir porque no lo
conocían, por lo que Víctor tuvo que ganarse su confianza.
“Igual sienten un poco de temor cuando salen por primera
vez. Nos alejamos del hogar y a veces eso les preocupa
bastante. Pero siempre trato de calmarlas, mostrándoles
los árboles, flores, animales. Eso les encanta y finalmente
les termina gustando”.
Ahora, lo tratan como un hijo, su sola presencia genera
sonrisas y alegría entre docenas de usuarias. La experiencia
ha sido revitalizadora para muchas de las residentes.
El terapeuta de la Fundación indica que muchas se han
“activado” y están más participativas – después de sentir
nuevamente el pelo al viento. Víctor transita por las calles
de Santiago siempre listo para generar nuevas aventuras en
su comunidad.
Victor Rodriguez has become an important figure in the lives of the elderlies at Fundacion Las Rosas in Santiago.
