Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down.

For 2008 Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong, it’s meant a whirlwhind of activity to promote healthy lifestyles and activities.

“It’s going well. I’m keeping super busy, with lots of different events,” Armstrong said, noting her women’s cycling academy among the demands heading her list of involvements with the community.

Armstrong will also return to Twin Falls for the second straight year next Friday to kick off the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s “Blue Cruise of Idaho” summer initiative.

She and several hundred riders participated in last year’s Blue Cruise, which was a hit in the community.

“We had a good time last year,” Armstrong said. “It was nice to go and meet new people, ride new roads. I had a lot of fun, and the weather was great. Hopefully we’ll have a great time out again.”

Riders from all fitness levels can register for the Blue Cruise, which has three different route lengths as part of the event. The shortest, at 15 miles, kicks off at 10:30 a.m., which the other two beginning earlier due to the extra mileage.

The only major difference from last year, Armstrong said, is the route. This year riders will begin and end at O’Leary Middle School. Two of the routes will also be longer this year, according to the official Blue Cruise website. The intermediate and long routes will cover 32 and 64 miles, up from 30 and 50, respectively.

Armstrong said the main focus of the Blue Cruise is cycling, but her goal is to get the word out about healthy living regardless of whether it includes a bicycle.

“Blue Cross of Idaho really wants to encourage people to get out and be active,” she said. “This particular event is obviously being out and being active on their bike, but we really just want people to go out and be healthy.

“It’s a great community, and we want to encourage people to come out. Hopefully we can get people from all levels of fitness levels out.”

The registration cost is $40 per rider, with discounts available for early registration. Forms can be printed out from the Blue Cruise’s website.

A lunch event, at which Armstrong will speak on the merits of a healthy lifestyle, will be available after riders complete the course. Non-riders can participate in the lunch event for $7 in advance, or $8 on the day of the event.

Proceeds from the event will go to Twin Falls Parks and Recreation to help develop the Canyon Rim Trail system.

David Bashore may be reached at david.bashore@lee.net or 735-3230.