Injury no barrier to biking

CHRIS HILLOCK

ON YER BIKE: Inglewood's Lee McKinley is all set for Bike Wise Month in February.

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If Inglewood's Lee McKinley can get out on her two-wheeler during Bike Wise Month in February, then most of us have no excuses.

The 46-year-old is one of many riders who will take up the New Zealand Transport Agency initiative which encourages New Zealanders to give cycling a go.

Cyclists are encouraged to make a personal goal or challenge, as the recreation saves on petrol, parking, and 30 minutes of bike exercise per day is recognised by the World Health Organisation as being able to cut chances of obesity and diabetes in half.

Mrs McKinley has a spinal disability, as four crushed vertebrae in her back were glued together to move as one unit.

Her injuries were the result of a vicious assault by her former partner in the Hawke's Bay when she was 26.

"That resulted in a 20 per cent disability for the rest of my days, and an eventual wheelchair," she said.

"Whatever I do I pay for, like vacuuming, gardening – if I do an hour's gardening I've got four hours of pain to pay for it."

Now living with her husband and children in Inglewood, her condition left her struggling with weight issues and frayed nerves in her back from simple movements.

But one day she saw an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show which discussed lifestyle cycles.

"They were showing pictures of overweight people, people with disabilities, on these bikes. I thought `that looks like so much fun'.

"But being America, I thought `how would I ever get one of these things here?' Then it was years later and I passed Cycle Inn and here's one hanging in the window, and it's half price. It was put there for me."

Her Giant Revive semi-recumbent bicycle has low suspension and an adjustable "Lazy Boy" seat, rather than making the rider lean forward to the handle bars.

"You're cycling straight up and down, and that's how I sit – straight up and down.

"I can go over bumps, I can go over ridges, anything, and it's just nice and soft."

Although the bike is rare in New Zealand, Mrs McKinley was able to find another on Trade Me which she keeps for spare parts.

She started cycling around the village with her husband after dinner – carefully and only in good weather – and this expanded into a 10km circuit.

After completing 143km during the 2009 Bike Wise Month, despite 10 straight days of rain, she now has the goal of doing a 17km circuit and completing 160-170km during February.

She encourages anyone to have a go. "It's an absolute pleasure. Especially if you've got your partner, your daughter or son, to go out after dinner or before tea.

"We've got lovely country roads, it's just wonderful. There's enough stress in the world and this is what de-stresses you."

There will be a number of events in Taranaki, including the Go By Bike Day on February 17.

For further information visit http://www.bikewise.co.nz/regions.html.

- © Fairfax NZ News