MOST people in their mid-seventies could be forgiven for settling for the easy life, but not Frank Kerry.

Far from easing up, the 74-year-old from Egerton is still cycling thousands of miles a year and continues to break records at speeds averaging 25mph.

Helping strike a significant blow for the older generation, the Lancashire Road Club rider has just retained the Veteran Time Trials National Championship he won last year and set a new national record for his age when he clocked 4hours 9mins 52secs for 100 miles — knocking eight minutes off the previous best.

Modestly he admits to being “rather surprised” when he retained his national title, pointing out that he was only 37 seconds faster than his rival, Derick Hodgins of Stockport, over the entire season. But he is nevertheless proud that he continues to set new marks.

More importantly, though, he believes his achievements prove that age should not be seen as a barrier to sporting success. “You don’t need to settle down with your pipe and slippers just because you are a little older,” he said, reflecting on another successful season of time trials.

“There are a lot of older people still riding — many of them my age and even older — and still recording very competitive times. One guy who is 81 rode 25 miles in under an hour.

“People don’t realise what the older generation are capable of.”

Between March and October the Bolton veteran rode in 25 events, ranging from 10 to 100 miles and received no fewer than 27 awards. In addition to his season’s best for 100 miles, he rode 25 miles in 58mins 31secs and 50 miles in 2hours 2mins 9secs.

And he plans to be back again next year, averaging 10 hours a week in the saddle.

“I’ve just had a good year and done some good times and you wonder whether to call it a day, but I’m sure I’ll be riding again,” he said.