Local endurance cyclist keeps cycling despite multiple health scares 

Aug 08, 2023

Mike Adsit has survived multiple cancer diagnoses, triple bypass surgery, and even being hit by a car.

Despite setbacks that would knock most people off their feet, the 73-year-old Plymouth resident and endurance cyclist recently competed in the 2023 National Senior Olympics Games, which took place July 7-18 in Pittsburg. Adsit raced in the 20K endurance cycling competition in the 70-74 age bracket, finishing in 30th place.

The National Senior Games brought in more than 11,500 senior athletes (ages 50 and older) who competed in 20 medal sports. Adsit has competed at the national level multiple times since his first time in 2007. He’s been an endurance cyclist for 20 years, owns several bikes and trains about 12 hours a week, five days a week. He bikes at various locations around the Plymouth and Ann Arbor area.

Adsit’s journey as an endurance cyclist started in an unlikely place. In 2001, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent intense chemotherapy treatment. It was while recovering from those treatments that he watched the Tour de France and became interested in stories about racer Lance Armstrong.

“There was a big story about how he had testicular cancer and almost died but then he recovered and became a better bicycle rider,” he said.

Inspired by Armstrong’s story, Adsit decided to take up endurance cycling himself. He retired from his high-pressure job and hired a trainer to work with him on cycling. He has been hooked ever since, despite setbacks related to bicycling, including multiple bouts with lymphoma in 2004 and 2012. In 2019 he was treated for prostate cancer and in 2021 he underwent triple bypass surgery. In between treatments, he continued to train and compete.

Just before leaving for the National Senior Games, Adsit was hit by a car while biking, he said. He walked away with minor injuries, but believes the fall contributed to his performance at the games.

Despite that scare and others, Adsit keeps pedaling because he believes that physical fitness and a healthy diet are the keys to a long, happy life.

“When you exercise, there’s endorphins and a chemical thing that happens in your brain. You can feel your brain and your body as you get more fit and that well-being feels good,” he said.

Adsit, who is also an organic farmer and cycling trainer, inspired author Barbara Bradley Hagerty, who profiled him and others in her book “Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife.” Adsit inspired the author to become a cyclist and with his coaching, she went on to compete in the National Senior Games herself.

In addition, GetSetUp, an online learning community offered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Library of Michigan, sponsored Adsit at the National Senior Games. As a GetSetUp Athlete, Adsit served as an ambassador for the program, which is described as an online community of people aged 55 and older who want to learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences.

“After having gone through cancer four times, I’m lucky to be standing,” he said. “Exercise is the formula for success and it’s doable for everybody. It’s just a matter of setting your mind to it and doing it for your health and for your family.”

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