The Weekly Rider - Ryan O'Keefe
Ryan O’Keefe is the La Velocita Weekly Rider! What started as a way to cross train while playing for the AFL’s Sydney Swans has become a true passion.
Ryan is committed to being strong and fit and taken his riding to the Himalayas and beyond. Now working as a development coach with the Adelaide Crows Ryan still clocks up K’s morning and night…
La Velocita’s Aaron Mulkearns talks to Ryan about why he loves to ride.
Name - Ryan O'Keefe
Lives - Adelaide
Dream Bike - Giant Propel SL 0, Di 2, very nice and fast bike
Favourite Local Ride - Adelaide hills. There are so many different climbs directions, roads, it's a cyclist's playground
Cycling goal - Not sure yet, but probably to start racing. Coming from one professional sport for so long I’m enjoying riding for fun at the moment.
When I am on the bike... I’m still as competitive as ever and always push myself. I feel free and energised.
How did your love for bikes come about… a friend from school came and lived with me about 12 years ago, he was into his cycling and I thought it would be great cross training for football and running, I bought a bike and haven’t looked back since.
From that day on I have ridden to training in Sydney and now to work in Adelaide everyday. When the football season finished, the off season was my cycling season in Sydney with a great crew. It continued right through the Football pre season until games started.
Share a cycling memory - riding through the Himalayas in south west China and Tibet, I experienced amazing scenery, climbing and food.
Also, riding the Camino Trail in Spain on mountain bikes, totally different but an awesome experience.
I love to ride because... it is the best release and enjoyment, whether on my own or with a group. Retiring from AFL after 15, years cycling has been my solace. It is the best way to explore and discover a country, city, any destination.
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Jo's on the Cycling South Australia Women's Commission, hoping to help progress opportunities for female cyclists...
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I'm not throwing shade but I've heard a lot of people talk about this thing that you're either a "soul rider" or a "racer"....
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