Chris Laperuto and Bill Roznowski have always believed in living life to the fullest, with their feet on the pedals and eyes on the road ahead. Now in their seventies and residents of Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, the longtime Burr Ridge couple is as adventurous as ever, proving that an active lifestyle doesn’t slow down with age.
This year, they’re gearing up for their 21st year participating in Bike the Drive, Chicago’s beloved recreational ride along DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The annual event shuts down the entire route to motor traffic for several hours beginning at dawn, allowing riders to enjoy the lakefront in peace. Chris and Bill have completed the full 30-mile route, from 57th Street to Bryn Mawr and back several times. “But you go as many miles as you want,” said Chris. “The views are spectacular and it’s so quiet without cars.”
Bill added, “The lake is so pretty early in the morning with the sun coming up. It’s magical.”
Active by Nature
Chris and Bill’s love story began on the slopes. They met skiing in Aspen and it’s been nonstop motion ever since.
For Chris and Bill, cycling has always been a favorite pursuit. Their “sweet spot” for rides is 10 to 15 miles, and they take their bikes with them or rent them often when they travel. Their adventures include biking at Mount Rushmore, Arcadia National Park, the Mount Vernon Trail, Wisconsin’s Elroy-SpartaTrail, the Fox River Trail, and even a downhill ride on Hawaii’s Haleakala volcano, one of the longest continuous downhill bike rides in the world.
They’ve hiked among the towering Redwoods, braved winter trails, and have gone Heli hiking in the Canadian Rockies, where a helicopter took them to remote mountains for a four-day adventure. At one point, they even flew an ultralight in Maui.
“We’ve always biked and hiked,” said Chris. “And we still do.”
The Right Time to Move
Despite their boundless energy, Chris and Bill knew the importance of planning ahead. “First of all, we had an appreciation for never knowing what’s going to go on in life,” said Chris. “My dad had lived with us. I’m a cancer survivor. We know things can turn on a dime. We don’t have children, and we knew we needed to plan.”
That mindset led them to an Oak Trace educational luncheon in 2018, where they learned about continuing care retirement communities. “Once we understood the concept, it was a no-brainer,” said Bill.
After researching a few options, Oak Trace stood out. “We liked the fact that they were expanding. The campus is beautiful with a lot of walking paths and gorgeous grounds. Fairview Avenue is a quiet street but with easy access everywhere,” Chris said. “We knew some people who’d lived here and loved it. It all added up.”
A Perfect Fit
Downsizing from their longtime home was a big step, but one they’ve never regretted. “At first, we thought the apartment might be a little small,” said Bill. “But once we moved in, we realized it was just right.”
“We can actually find things now,” Chris added.
Oak Trace has offered them everything they hoped for, and more. “Everything has exceeded our expectations,” said Bill. “It feels like a luxury apartment.”
Chris agreed. “It’s like living in a luxury apartment but with built-in backup plans. We know couples here where one has transitioned from independent living to a higher level of care. We’ve watched it happen, and it works really well.”
Still Riding Strong
Whether biking on the Fox River Trail, at the Morton Arboretum, or Waterfall Glen, Chris and Bill continue to find joy on two wheels.
Their passion is infectious. “We always go to Bike the Drive, and if friends or relatives want to come along, they’re welcome,” said Chris. “We’re big advocates. We’ve taught children in our life to bike. It’s fun, it’s different, and if you love to bike, it’s one of the best things you can do.”
After 50 years of marriage, successful careers, and countless miles traveled, Chris and Bill are still riding together, with no plans to slow down anytime soon.
Oak Trace Senior Living
Oak Trace senior living community in Downers Grove, Illinois, is set on more than 40 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds featuring gardens, walking paths, ponds and abundant green space. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, Oak Trace offers a full continuum of care: including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Oak Trace is owned by Lifespace, a not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years of experience in senior living. To learn more about Oak Trace, visit www.OakTraceSeniorLiving.com.
