At St. James Place, retirement isn’t about slowing down – it’s about rediscovering what you love and finding new ways to enjoy it. For residents like Kirby Guidry, Larry Vanderleest, and Bob Dilworth, that passion is the thrill of the open road.
From Ranch Life to Retirement Adventure
Kirby Guidry spent more than two decades living in Mexico with his wife, Faye, surrounded by wide-open land, horses, and his trusty 4-wheeler. When she suggested it was time to move back to Louisiana and settle into St. James Place, Kirby made a tough decision to leave his off-road bike behind.
But he wasn’t ready to give up riding.
After researching street-legal options, Kirby discovered three-wheeled motorcycles and purchased a Can-Am Spyder even before moving here – ready to start a new chapter of riding in Baton Rouge. What he didn’t expect was that this decision would spark a meaningful friendship.
A Shared Passion Brings New Friends Together
Larry Vanderleest had a lifelong love of motorcycles. He and his wife, Kathy, took cross-country rides spanning over 5,000 miles while living on Whidbye Island, in Washington State’s Puget Sound. As they began to age, their four children told them they needed to get off the island to be closer to medical care. “Our oldest daughter told us about St. James Place, so I sold my bike and we moved here,” he said.
“I thought my motorcycle riding days were over,” Larry said. “But then I met Kirby.”
The two bonded instantly over their shared love of motorcycles – and even discovered a surprising family connection… Kirby’s godchild is Garrett Graves, and Larry’s daughter is married to him.
When Larry saw he had a motorcycle, he asked him if he would buy one, would he ride with him. Not only did Kirby say yes, but he drove him to Lafayette and helped him pick one out. Their first ride together was back to St. James Place with Larry’s new bike, a Harley Davidson Trike.
“These bikes are best suited for older riders,” Kirby says. “They’re stable, and they let us keep doing what we love.”
Exploring Louisiana – One Ride at a Time
Today, Kirby and Larry regularly hit the road together, exploring the beauty of Louisiana. From scenic backroads to historic routes, their rides are filled with discovery and camaraderie.
“Kirby has been by tour guide. He’s a native. I follow him and I’m learning all of the back roads and history of Louisiana,” says Larry. “He recently took me on a tour and gave me a lesson of the Atchafalaya Basin.” They like to ride the Natchez Trace and take the River Road to St. Gabriel ride over the Sunshine Bridge. They have taken seven or eight 350+ mile trips together – proving that adventure doesn’t stop at retirement.
Keeping the Passion Alive
Bob Dilworth, another St. James Place resident, shares the same enduring love of motorcycles. He had a Harley Davidson motorcycle in high school. Once he had access to a car, he put the bike away. Thirty years later, he remembered how much fun it was, so he tried riding again. He’s never put it away since then.
Bob moved to St. James Place after retiring from being a physician in Meridian, MS, to be closer to family. He enjoys OLLI Classes at St. James Place, and faithfully visit the gym each day. And he said he really likes the food because he doesn’t cook, but what he really looks forward to is driving his bike.
He keeps his bike in storage in St. Francisville and drives up there to ride at least once a week. “I don’t drive it in Baton Rouge. I try my best to control and eliminate as much danger as I can, so I like to drive the back roads in St. Francisville… about 100-mile short trip,” he said. Occasionally he drives up to Natchez and rides the Natchez Trace, and even up to Tupelo, MS for an overnight trip.
Bob has riding buddies and they meet up for special trips together. They like riding in the Smokey Mountains and a yearly trip out west to New Mexico, where they ride through Arizona, Utah, Colorado… about 2,000 miles in a week. “Once you see Zion, the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons on a bike, you never get tired of it!” he says.
A Lifestyle Full of Connection and Possibility
What makes life at St. James Place special isn’t just the amenities – it’s the people and the connections formed along the way.
Whether it’s spontaneous road trips, shared hobbies, or simply enjoying a laugh together, residents like Kirby, Larry, and Bob prove that community living can be vibrant, active, and deeply fulfilling.
Larry said, “We drive like old men because we are old men.”
We welcome any newcomers to join us! “We might start a St. James Place motorcycle group,” Kirby thinks out loud. Larry adds, “Yeah, we can all get tattoos, grow out our hair and wear ponytails!”
Discover Active Senior Living at St. James Place
At St. James Place, you’ll find more than just a place to live – you’ll find a community that supports your passions, encourages new friendships, and makes every day an adventure.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Schedule a tour today and see how life at St. James Place can keep you moving forward – on the road and beyond.
Call: 225-215-4510
