Davidson resident Sara Fox finds peace in exercise

A Peaceful Ride

Davidson resident’s passion for biking is legendary

BY » Jean Spangler

The Davidson area has quite a few people who draw curiosity. One, in particular, is Sara Fox. Maybe you’ve seen her slowly riding her bike down Davidson-Concord Road in what looks like a zone of enviable serenity.

Many area residents have asked “who is this suntanned, mature woman riding her bike down this stretch of road every day?” Well, it took some digging and a notice on Nextdoor to track her down to ask her about her dedicated bike habit. People throughout the area were concerned during COVID when they didn’t see Sara riding her bike, so this story should not only put her well-being to rest, but to give insight into the kind of person who thinks it’s nothing at age 74 to bike 20 miles a week, seven days a week.

That first ride

A native of Charlotte, Sara grew up loving her bicycle. She remembers her father taking the training wheels off her bike and “taking off” and feeling a sense of freedom she felt with the wind on her face. Throughout elementary, junior high and high school she loved all the feelings that are familiar to regular bike riders.

Sara says she’s always loved sports and has been outgoing throughout her life. A graduate of Myers Park High School and UNC-Greensboro, she says she was voted “Most Popular” in high school and was a cheerleader. After graduating from college, she worked in several secretarial and administrative jobs.

“I’ve always been energetic and a go-getter,” says Sara. “And to some extent I still am.”

A break from the roads

She has suspended her daily bike riding down Davidson-Concord Road because of her husband Wesley’s concerns about traffic. Since Sara has paused her bike rides, she’s become an even more active participant in yoga, a practice she performs several days a week. She also has a stationary bike in her home and gets in her bike rides without leaving home. Sara says she has also loved swimming as a sport. “But biking,” she adds, “has also kept me in shape.”

Sara also attributes being in shape to eating right, meditation and prayer.

“I think it helps you mentally and physically to have a heart of gratitude,” says Sara. “I also love plants and spend a lot of my time gardening. I’m simply an outdoor person so that’s in part responsible for my tan skin.” Sara always preferred riding her bike because it gave her a sense of peace.

Residents of Bailey Springs, Sara and Wesley, lived on the lake for 38 years before moving to Davidson. Her route, until her husband convinced her a few months ago that the traffic in the area posed too great a danger to his wife, was from her home to the Davidson Library and back.

The life of a cyclist

Sara says like anyone who bikes, she’s had her share of injuries, but gratefully, nothing serious.

“I was on the greenway when I had to brake suddenly and fell off my bike,” she explains. “I was able to ride home where Wesley took me to the hospital for 13 stitches in my left leg. I’m just lucky I’ve had no broken bones or other serious injuries.”

Sara laughs when asked if people stop her to ask questions or yell to her when she’s on her bike.

“Oh, I’ve gotten a lot of people yell from their cars “keep going!”

Although Sara has suspended her bike riding for now, she has not given up on biking in the future.

“There just isn’t anything like the peace I get when I ride my bike,” says Sara. “I will keep moving with yoga, gardening and other activities because it makes me feel good and I think it’s the secret to a long and happy life.”