Pedalling pensioner is gearing up for 90-mile cycle for 90th birthday

Aretired Forfar teacher has revealed plans to complete a 90mile cycle – to mark his 90th birthday.

Harry Racionzer will cover a mile for each year of his life on his exercise bike next week.

He wants to complete the challenge in City Square, Dundee, over the course of two days.

The inspiration for the challenge is late wife Etta, who died last September due to complications from dementia.

Harry said: “I thought it would be a nice thing to do, to say thank you for all the support from the charity.

“I’m partially sighted so I can’t do this outside in nature – but I’ve got an exercise bike.”

The sprightly OAP, former head of Dundee College’s science department, is preparing for the challenge at home in Forfar, and has already had hundreds of pounds donated online.

It is not the first time Harry has caught the eye with his physical feats. In 2018 he told The Courier how he was still walking marathon distances for charity, using a treadmill.

He had taken a break from walking on public roads after completing a sponsored walk from Dundee to Edinburgh.

Harry walked the equivalent of a marathon on the treadmill at Forfar Community Campus, again to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Another challenge saw him undertake a 100-mile walk round Forfar Loch.

Over the years he has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

He added: “I used to cycle and walk around the foothills of Angus and Forfar Loch.

“Three or four years ago I walked a marathon around Forfar Loch.

“However my eyesight isn’t what it was, so I use my exercise bike now.”

“I’m partially sighted so I can’t do this outside

A90th birthday is a remarkable occasion in anyone’s book, but for Harry Racionzer it promises to be something far out of the ordinary.

The retired teacher will mark his big day by cycling 90 miles on his exercise bike in City Square, Dundee.

He’ll be raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his late wife Etta.

Let’s hope for cheering crowds as he crosses the finish line in his enduring display of the power of love.

Etta. Pictures by Mhairi Edwards. SPRIGHTLY: Harry Racionzer at home in Forfar preparing for the fundraising feat which is inspired by his late wife,

Harry aims to cover a mile for each year of his life.