Athlete of the Week: Stuart Dalgleish

Stuart Dalgleish has been riding a bike since he was 9 years old — for six decades. He has been riding on a daily basis since he retired in 2006. He brought the bike he uses now from England when he came to live on Longboat Key the same year he retired. He takes a daily five- to six-mile bike ride that takes him from his Winding Oaks neighborhood to the south gates of the Longboat Key Club and back. Dalgleish and his wife, Rosemary, became U.S. citizens Nov. 9.

Why did you start biking on a daily basis?
It was for weight issues, and I was trying to get my weight down. I like to swim daily, too, but it has been a little too cold. I’m waiting for our new swimming pool at Winding Oaks.

Did you lose any weight?
Yeah, I lost about 20 pounds.

What’s the hardest part about riding?
Getting on and off (the bike)!

What do you enjoy most about bike riding?
I just enjoy riding on Longboat Key.

Where is your favorite place to ride?
The Harbourside Golf Course when there are no golfers, after about 6 p.m. I haven’t ridden a bike for years, except on Longboat Key. So, I suppose it’s my favorite place.

What is the breakfast of champions?
I eat fruit and cereal only. I like Quaker Oatmeal Squares with a touch of honey. It’s good. I’d recommend it.

If you could have any actor portray your life story in a movie, who would it be?
Snoopy, the dog. He would play me to a tee.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Meeting young ladies in the road who ask me questions I have to answer. (Those pesky reporters!)

If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?
I would have a Bugatti (Volkswagen motor car). Then all the young girls would stop me and ask me questions!