Dairyland Peach , October 18 , 2020 Page 15
Continued active lives extend health and well-being for the Kanes
By JENNIE ZEITLER Correspondent
Mike and Roxanne Kane grew up in Sauk Centre . They met during high school , when their lives revolved around sports . They married 43 years ago and raised their son and daughter here . Throughout their lives , a common thread has been living active lives through a variety of activities as a couple and as a family .
“ We started playing golf when the kids were young ,” said Roxanne . “ We did it as a family ; that was a fun thing . Both our son and daughter played high school golf . We still golf .”
Another activity that has kept them moving over the years is walking together .
“ We started probably about the time the kids were old enough to stay by themselves . We took an evening walk at least five days a week for an hour ,” Roxanne said . “ It was time alone together to talk about the events of the day . We also walked our dog .”
The Kanes took many family vacations as the kids were growing up , which were often centered around a sport or activity .
“ We took a lot of family vacations — we made it a point to do that ,” said Mike . “ For several years we went downhill skiing out west . But then we took them on a warm-water vacation and they thought that was way better . Going from cold Minnesota to a snowy ski spot couldn ’ t compare to spending a week on the beach .”
During their high school years , the Kane kids were involved in athletics , which occupied a lot of the family time during evenings and weekends . There were often playoffs and tournaments .
“ Once the kids were out of high school , we still walked and we still golfed . Then Mike had a yearning for a convertible — a red Corvette two-seater ,”
Roxanne said . “ We have
“ We hope we can do this for many , many more years . As long as we can , we ’ ll keep at it .”
— Roxanne Kane
a group of friends who own convertibles and we do fun runs with them . We ’ ve done a couple overnights but we mostly do afternoon trips in the area , maybe stopping to eat .”
It was during the kids ’ college years that Mike and Roxanne first got a boat . They went to different lakes and spent many afternoons cruising on the water .
“ The kids came home many weekends to join us ,” Roxanne said . “ After the kids married and we had grandkids , we got a pontoon so everyone could go . We rent a place usually near Alexandria for a week in the summer and everyone comes . It ’ s always a fun time .”
With their two children , spouses and four grandchildren , the week together is full of activity for everyone , making new memories .
It wasn ’ t until five years ago that the Kanes started biking during one of the winters they were in California .
“ She liked bikes , I did not ,” said Mike . “ It was the hills and the wind . We had to choose our biking times very carefully to work around that .”
Then they discovered electric pedal-assist bikes .
“ You still have to pedal or the bike won ’ t run ,” said Roxanne .
“ They allow us to bike in conditions we might not be able to otherwise ,” Mike said .
The bicycles have a small battery-operated motor , generally mounted somewhere under or just behind the bike ’ s seat . The function of assisting starts when the pedaling starts . The electric bikes come in all styles : mountain , road , cruiser , folding , etc .
“ It ’ s really something that ’ s grown in the past few years ,” said Mike . “ It allows the Baby Boomer generation , who don ’ t have as much energy , to bike . It allows us to keep biking more miles .”
“ It ’ s become our favorite activity , our go-to activity ,” Roxanne said .
“ We can get outside , see more scenery , and we get to do something we like to do ,” Mike added .
The Kanes often ride the Wobegon Trail , going either direction from where they live . It ’ s generally an afternoon trip and can be made longer or shorter as the need arises . Sometimes
Photos submitted
Roxanne and Mike Kane discovered electric pedal-assist bikes while in California . It ’ s become their go-to activity . When they ’ re back in Minnesota , they usually ride the Wobegon Trail , often going to Alexandria .
they stop for a meal .
From April to October in the first year they biked , they rode 1,700 miles . Their average now is about 1,200 per season .
When they first started with the pedal-assist bikes five years ago , there were very few manufacturers , but now “ all the namebrand manufacturers have them and they are readily available ,” Mike said . Although the Kanes are both retired , Mike keeps his hand in farming by helping a cousin in western Minnesota with his harvest every year .
“ I just help him out ,” he said . “ It ’ s something I enjoy and I look forward to .”
Staying active is very important to the Kanes . Going to California during the winters is one way to do that .
“ Some people worry about retirement and spending so much time together , but we do a lot together ,” Roxanne said . “ We hope we can do this for many , many more years . As long as we can , we ’ ll keep at it .”
While in California for the winter , Roxanne and Mike participate in golf tournaments .
Mike and Roxanne Kane stay active during their winter months in California , not only biking and golfing but hiking in the desert too .
Time with family is precious . During their family summer vacation week , there is plenty of pontoon time . Gathered together are ( in front ) Grandkids Avery , Natalie , Kit and Lou . Middle row : Roxanne and Mike . Back row : son Marty , daughter Maggie and son-in-law Brent .
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