HAVING asthma has not slowed Olivia Lowson.
The active 11-year-old will be one of the riders two-wheeling it in the Freeway Bike Hike this Sunday.
Her mum Suzannah said that although Olivia was a severe asthmatic, using a preventative puffer twice daily and medication as needed kept the condition in check.
“We also watch what she eats, because milk products, lollies with artificial flavours and foods with MSG can have a bearing on her asthma,” she said.
While making time for swimming each week, Olivia also plays teeball during summer, netball in winter as well as a bit of bike riding.
“Asthma doesn’t really stop her from doing anything, and she’s also in her third year singing with the Australian Youth Choir,” Mrs Lowson said.
Serving as an ambassador for the Freeway Bike Hike, Olivia has already prepared for the event by checking her two-wheeler for safety and riding several laps around her suburb.
Olivia will take part in the 10km family ride along with her brother William, their parents and grandparents. Cyclists wanting to pedal a longer route to the Joondalup finishing point can enter the 30 or 60km rides.
The fundraiser for the Asthma Foundation of WA in West Perth is the only bike ride in Australia held on a closed freeway, with riders able to head down the southbound lanes of the Kwinana and Mitchell freeways.
More than 8000 riders took part last year.
Visit www.freewaybikehike.com.au for details.