Every afternoon for the past 11 years, AI Merritt, 83 years old, has been a reliable and cheery presence in his southeast Carlsbad neighbourhood, California.
His doctor suggested he get more 1 after he had some heart trouble about 12 years ago. AI started to 2 around the local road and hills. At first, his rides were about five miles long, then 10 to 12 miles, and 3 the length of his outings grew.
Since 2010, Merritt has been on a personal 4 to cycle the circumference(周长) of the earth—24,901 miles without even leaving his own neighbourhood. 5 , over the years, he got to know many of his neighbours and send them 6 of love and kindness.
"Every day I see him 7 on his bike. He is totally cheerful and takes time with everybody," Keene said. "He gives us 8 and shows us how you can be in your 80s and still have a good time."
It was not until October 24 that the old man finally realized his 9 bicycle trips were as important to them as they were to him. At 3 p. m. that Sunday afternoon, nearly 200 people 10 near his home to surprise and congratulate him on the completion of his "round-the-world" adventure. As he rode down the hill towards his house, an 11 erupted from the crowd, who were 12 international flags and earth-shaped balloons. The outpouring of love 13 Merritt.
Although Merritt has now 14 his cycling goal, he has no plans to change the 15 that has become the highlight of his life.
