Trail- Ready
Hobby Hustles for Happy Retirees
Passion Projects That Pay Off
SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
Just because you’ve clocked out of work for the last time doesn’t mean you have to put your passion projects on hold! Retirement can be a perfect time to cash in on your craftiness or hustle with your hobbies. Whether you’re a master gardener, love to paint, or have an RV you rarely use, your favorite pastimes could pay off as side hustles. So, get ready to turn what you enjoy into a little extra income — and have a whole lot of fun doing it. Start Blogging You can profit from your favorite hobbies without leaving the comfort of your home or favorite chair. Retirees can start blogging about the pastimes they love, whether that’s gardening, crossword puzzles, dog walking, or knitting. A blog can be a handy tool to sell related items, like used puzzles or handmade scarfs, or you can even earn advertising revenue if you build a large enough fan base. Think of this as an online journal where you can share your niche expertise and joy while making extra cash. Sell Your Creations If your hobby produces a product, like paintings, baked goods, or photography, you can sell your creations in various ways. Many retired artists sell their works at local coffee shops, art fairs, or other community
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
spaces. You don’t need much computer savvy to set up a small shop online through sites like Etsy, which caters to handmade and unique items. If you are a
photographer, you can earn income from stock photography sites like Shutterstock, where browsers can use your images for a licensing
fee. Every time someone downloads one of your photos, you get a little richer.
Relax and Rent Out Unused spaces or vehicles can also be
surprisingly profitable. If traveling is your hobby but your RV has been sitting in the driveway for months, you can rent it out to other travelers. People are also lining up to rent unique spaces like swimming pools, homes, and even extra acreage for camping or room for their dogs to stretch their legs. So, that space you’re not using could be your next side hustle in disguise.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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