Says Karen Martin: "When I'm on a bike, I feel like I'm 12 years old. I'm as free as the wind." The Enquirer/M. HEATHERLY

Fort Mitchell resident Karen Martin had been a casual bike rider before she had kids, but she decided to call it quits when she was seven months pregnant with her first child, Michelle, now 26. In the last 10 years, she not only has returned to recreational riding but has embraced it locally and internationally. Martin, 55, leads a weekly ride with the Cincinnati Cycle Club from her fourth bike, which she has named "Prozac 4." Martin took a few minutes to chat about the sport she loves.

Question: How did you get back into biking?

Answer: A band parent knew I was into backpacking and canoeing and said. "I think you should do this ..." It was a 100-mile bike ride from Columbus and Portsmouth, and then the next day you go back. So I went to the Little Miami Bike Trail to ride for 10 miles, and I about died. But I did it, the 200 miles, on the Tour of the Scioto River Valley. I invested so much money I decided I better stick with it.

Q: What was it like?

A: It was probably the biggest physical challenge I'd had in my life. I was scared to death. Now, though, it's not so intimidating, because I know I can do it.

Q: Are you a competitive or recreational cyclist?

A: I don't think speed is an important factor for me. I believe in self-preservation. Everyone wants to know "How fast?" but I think it's more "How was the ride for you?" If you can get off your bike and walk to the Coke stand without falling over, that's a good job.

Q: Can you talk about your international experiences?

A: Three years ago, I went to France with a dozen friends and rented a chateau and bikes. ... We went between 20 and 40 miles a day.

Two years ago, I went on an organized tour by two Race Across America winners. We climbed close to the Swiss Alps and did part of the Tour de France, going from 60-75 miles a day.

This year I went to the Mayan Yucatan area of Mexico for 10 days in late April. ... We probably averaged 40-60 miles a day in the first week and 25-30 miles in the second - in 90-degree heat.

Q: Any upcoming plans?

A: My husband (David) and I celebrated our 35-year anniversary June 7 and are going to spend two weeks in Spain. We're biking from Madrid to Valencia, about 450 miles, in eight days.