'It's not exactly a spectator sport': Kerry granny gets saddles up for World Naked Bike Ride in Cork

Elayne Van Keulen says: 'I was very body conscious when I was younger. I’m confident now, however, because I know my body tells a story.'

Elayne Van Keulen, who will be among dozens of cyclists shedding their Lycra on Saturday, July 18 for the Irish leg of the World Naked Bike Ride.

While some grandmothers enjoy knitting, one Kerry nan has found a more daring way to get her kicks as she prepares to cycle naked through Cork city.

Elayne Van Keulen, 64, will be among dozens of cyclists shedding their Lycra on Saturday, July 18, for the Irish leg of the World Naked Bike Ride.

Organisers are remaining tight-lipped about this year’s planned route in order to prevent potential traffic disruptions. Previous starting points have included City Hall and Grand Parade.

The WNBR features body-painted cyclists in varying states of undress. It was founded in 2002 to highlight the dangers cyclists face on the roads every day after six cyclists were killed on the roads in Zaragoza, Spain. 

Elayne, who has six grandchildren ranging in age from two to 14, has been participating in the event for a number of years.

“I can’t remember exactly when I started doing but it must have been at least 10 years ago,” she said. 

“A friend of mine was involved at the time. I couldn’t believe that anyone would even think of doing something like this but then he told me about how fun he had found it. 

"He suggested that I try it and while I didn’t sign up that time I did take part the following year.” 

The grandmother began seeking out different adventures after turning 50.

“It seemed like a bit of craic, to be honest," said Elayne. 

They say that life begins at 40, but for me it stayed the same. Then 50 came along and I thought, 'Do you know what? This is just too boring.' 

"I needed to do something more than what I was doing. I began doing all kinds of crazy things, the naked bike ride being the craziest of them all.” 

Elayne Van Keulen, who will be among dozens of cyclists shedding their Lycra on Saturday, July 18 for the Irish leg of the World Naked Bike Ride.

Elayne recalled her first naked bike ride. “I was a bit conscious about taking my clothes off at first, but then there were other people there that had no qualms about it. 

"This helped me relax. I knew that if they were OK with it then I could be too.” 

Elayne, a retired stained-glass artist, admits it was only later in life that she became comfortable with the idea of being naked in public.

“I would have conformed a lot as a teenager. However, I began to see things differently as I got older. 

"My husband was Dutch and he would have been very open about nudity and things like that. I opened up a lot after I met him. He opened my eyes in many ways. 

"I thought to myself that if he was OK with it, then why shouldn’t I be?” 

Despite her husband’s death a number of years ago, Elayne continues to take part in the cycles.

“My grandchildren are quite shocked by it,” she laughed. 

“They’ll ask me, 'Nana, did you really take your clothes off and go cycling?' 

"I don’t have any friends or family coming along to see me. 

It’s not exactly a spectator sport. I would never have thought about parading myself around Cork city naked on a bicycle before. 

"Having said that, when you're painted up, it's like you're not naked. It’s funny to think about the reactions you get while cycling around town. 

"I have an air horn on my bike and it's fairly loud and similar to a car horn. People jump when they hear it. They will normally glance at you and turn away before taking a second look.” 

Elayne isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. “I have 14 tattoos and piercings so I'm not your typical grandmother. The first tattoo I got was of a dolphin so Fungie had a lot to answer for. 

"Now, I have ladybirds and fairies and sunshine and all kinds of designs. 

"I was very body conscious when I was younger. I’m confident now, however, because I know my body tells a story.” 

The Kerry native has made a string of friends through the naked bike ride event. “It’s the best fun you can have on a bike. 

"Honest to God, they're the nicest bunch of people you could ever meet. It’s difficult to explain. They’re just like-minded spirits, I suppose.” 

The event embraces diversity. “The cyclists involved are all different shapes. The variety of the human body is unreal. 

"You have everyone from the peacocks who love strutting their stuff — mainly bodybuilding types — to grandmothers like me.” 

Organisers of this year’s event have issued a callout for volunteer body painters and stewards. To volunteer or find out more visit [e-mail].