Dynamic duo ready to ride on tandem bike

Tucked away down one of Rotorua's quiet cul-de-sacs Kimberley Burr has become a familiar site on her beloved bike. The seven-year-old is in training and surprisingly you can't wipe the grin off her face.

The year 3 pupil at St Mary's School is preparing to complete Saturday's 28th Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge with her dad Mike on a modified 21 speed tandem bike.

After weeks of training - including a five-hour ride to Opotiki - she is confident about peddling her away around the undulating 160km course.

"It's going to be fun," she enthuses.

"I've been training five days a week and go 20 times around the field across the road.

"Sometimes we go on longer rides and one time I counted 16 dead possums and saw pukekos, wood pigeons and sheep."

While Kimberley completed the 4.8km children's Heart Rider race last year, this will be her first attempt at the popular cycle event.

Assuming the dynamic duo cross the finish line, it's believed Kimberley will become the youngest person to cycle the 160km distance.

In contrast, Mike, a traffic constable, is no stranger to the back hills of Taupo - having completed the race several times before.

"The first time I rode was in 1980 as a 13-year-old," he said. "It took me six hours and 14 minutes and only had 120 competitors."

The self-confessed cycle nut and former competitive rider, who also boasts an impressive collection of vintage bikes, admits the only obstacle that will stand in the pair's way is the weather.

He said if the weather gods are unkind on Saturday, commonsense will prevail.

"Jillian [wife] and I have said the minute Kimberley stops having fun, is the minute she stops cycling. At this young age it's important to care for her growing body and ensure she's happy," he said.

Thankfully Mike's modified bike boasts a comfortable seat and upright handlebars for Kimberley.

Fuelled by Jillian's special apricot sandwiches and family support, Kimberley and Mike plan to take their time around the lake - having fun and chatting with the 10,000 riders expected to tackle the course.

As an added incentive, Kimberley is determined to catch a glimpse of her hero and Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ulmer.

"She's really cool and I'm looking forward to seeing her," she said.