Searching for the Fountain of Youth? Look no further than biking. "It keeps you young," said Frank Smith, who turned 67 Tuesday. "It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and it’s the perfect means of transportation for Hawaii."

Smith first came to Oahu in 1947 — when his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor — and attended Aiea Elementary. He ended up in Japan for high school, then graduated from the University of Virginia.

Smith’s own stint in the Navy returned him to Pearl Harbor as a food service officer on a submarine, and he has been here since 1975.

Smith turned his background in bike repair into a career, establishing Island Triathlon & Bike in 1984.

Smith has done some serious events, including the 1987 Coors Tour that opened on the Big Island. His focus now is getting more people onto bikes, which reflects his cyclo-touring philosophy.

IT&B hosts a beginner’s ride the first Sunday of every month at 8 a.m. starting at Kapiolani Community College. There’s also "Tantalus Tuesdays," a morning ride up Tantalus that is Smith’s personal favorite, and Wednesday afternoon rides from the shop (569 Kapahulu Avenue, 732-7227).

On Sept. 26 is the 30th Honolulu Century Ride, Hawaii’s largest family bike ride, with the choice of a 25-mile or 100-mile route. (Information at HBL.org).

"It’s not a race; it’s a celebration of cycling," Smith said. "It’s huge, 3,000 to 4,000 riders of all skills."

Cindy Luis, cluis@staradvertiser.com