Meeting Mark during a week that completely takes over Adelaide seems fitting — the Tour Down Under is in full swing. The city buzzing, bikes everywhere, Lycra at every coffee stop.

Mark had retired at the end of 2020, just as the world hit pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a long career in quality assurance, where he was the go-to person for systems, processes and all things SharePoint, retirement didn’t mean slowing down. It simply meant changing gears, as Mark soon found his way to Meals on Wheels.

Like many volunteers, Mark’s introduction to Meals on Wheels came through personal connection. His mother-in-law had been involved previously and when he noticed an advertisement calling for volunteers, it felt right.

Mark began at the Hindmarsh branch by doing a bit of everything — kitchen work and deliveries — before settling into a rhythm that suited him. These days, Tuesday and Wednesdays are his “Meals on Wheels Day”, focused largely on soup preparation and deliveries. “I like the kitchen because it’s quite self‑contained,” Mark explains. “And I really enjoy making soup.”

One of the things Mark values most about volunteering is its flexibility. Retirement has brought time for travel, cycling adventures, and time with friends, and Meals on Wheels fits nicely around that.  “If I want to go away, I can,” he says simply. “It gives me something to look forward to each week.”

He speaks fondly of regular customers who enjoy a chat and of one man, affectionately remembered for his endless stories. “There’s sadness too,” said Mark, acknowledging the customers who pass away and the absence they leave behind.

Cycling has been a constant thread throughout Mark’s life. He’s been riding since primary school, commuting to work for years and spending weekends exploring Adelaide and beyond. These days, he averages around 100 kilometres a week and recently added a gravel bike to his collection.

Mark is particularly drawn to this week’s coming event - the Adelaide Epic, which is part of the Tour Down Under. This race has a mix of hills, fruit cake stops and community. It will be his fifth Tour Down Under group ride.

The future holds no shortage of plans. From completing sections of the Heysen Trail, weekends away with friends, and a glamping walk in the Flinders Ranges. Another overseas trip is planned too, this time to South America with a bit of cycling included.

When asked to reflect on volunteering, Mark speaks fondly of the organisation. Meals on Wheels offers the right mix of purpose, people and community. “It’s enjoyable,” he says. “You feel like you’ve achieved something. And you’re helping people in a real, tangible way.”

As Mark looks ahead, his days remain full — of volunteering, delivery routes, bike tracks and walking trails. Volunteering, like cycling, is part of Mark’s everyday life.