Fat-tyre riding hooks cycling grandmother

Linda O'Keeffe launched into fat-tyre riding in the late eighties because it was something the family could do together.

That was 26 years ago and she's still hooked.

In the early days it was riding to work, 4WD tracks and the Rimutaka Incline, but latterly she has ventured into more demanding single track riding.

Mountain biking keeps her fit, just as running used to. Living and working in Upper Hutt with work mates who were similarly inclined she did a few triathlons - "just for fun".

Since moving to Whanganui in 1990 she has taken up road riding, competing a little, but mainly for fun. She has ridden "Round Taupo" three times.

She started riding at Harakeke in the mid '90s and has biked in the Rotorua redwoods and the Queen Charlotte track. Some of the Rotorua tracks have stretched her technical skills.

She's had her share of falls and is always sporting bruises. The soft sand at Harakeke took her out recently and she fell in the path of a closely following rider.

Now she tries to keep some space between herself and other riders.

Described by fellow bikers as a gutsy rider, Linda is modest about her abilities but is very willing to give it a go. Along with husband Rob - also a biker - they are the principal sponsor of the Harakeke Mountain Biking Park.

Why does a grandmother pursue such a demanding sport? "Why not" she replies. "Mountain biking gives access to areas you wouldn't otherwise get to, it keeps you fit and it's a great social activity."

When she's not biking Linda works with Rob and relishes the role of being a grandma knitting for her granddaughter.

Linda rides a Trek Rumblefish 29er and appreciates the support and encouragement of other riders and the team at Trek. She's looking forward to a time when she can take her granddaughter mountain biking, and she'd love to ride the Mountains to the Sea.