Retirement brings time to probe roads less traveled

These days, those who are over 55 are more likely than ever to view their golden years as a time to explore a passion or hobby, or even discover a new one.

Ronald H. Gall, president of R'Ode to Joy Tours (http://www.rodetojoy.com) in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is himself in his early 60s. He started his bike tour company to combine his interests of "cycling and eating well." Gall offers luxury bicycling vacations (select inns, gourmet meals) to small groups — just 8 to 14 people. Routes can be modified to accommodate all levels of cyclists. Tours traverse the northeast region, such as in the Adirondacks. Bikers ride at their own pace, secure in the knowledge that the tours are fully supported; staff provides refreshments, mechanical assistance and even a van available for an occasional lift.

"You find that a lot of people who have retired are in relatively good health; we've been keeping ourselves in better condition than our parents did," Gall says. "They want to do something exciting and something physically challenging."

The Shepherdess (http://www.shepherdessbeads.com), a charmfall over the country with ongoing classes. Owner and bead artist Marcie Stone also leads two bead retreats every year. Recently, about 20 people attended the spring retreat at the Inn at Sunrise Springs, a resort and spa in Santa Fe, N.M., which included instruction by four teachers, including Stone.

"In 2004, Marcie did one in France," says store manager Cooky Schock. "They stayed in a private little B&B. There were about 12 people. One lady in her 90s came from Florida and she loved it!"

For Beth Wadden, a busy 65-year-old reading teacher from Massachusetts, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (http://www.kripalu.org) in nearby Lenox is her slice of heaven. She participates and assists teachers twice a year in yoga, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing."Lots of seniors are comfortable at Kripalu," Wadden says. "The building is comfortable. You don't have to trek across the campus."

The allure of the good time — Tuscan-style — drew a small group of women ages 55 to 73 to Italy last spring. They were part of a tour given by L. Serenella Leoni, owner of Toscana Mia (http://www.toscanamia.biz).

"We did a trip based on the book 'Under the Tuscan Sun,'" Leoni says. "We started in my part of Tuscany, that's the part I love to share best." Packages include deluxe accommodations at a luxury Tuscan villa, most meals, gourmet cooking lessons from a James Beard House chef, and an evening with a master sommelier.