1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in 1972. The year of the Rat apparently (which is a shame, as I was hoping for a Tiger or Dragon).
2. What got you into cycling?
Whilst studying Einstein’s theory of relativity, it dawned on me one day that covering the distance to college was quicker on a bike than walking. Not enough to bend space-time, but enough for me to arrive at my lectures on time. It’s made such a quantum change to my life.
3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
Moved to posh end of Wahroonga (aka Turramurra). The guys at Turramurra Cyclery put me in touch with Goose, who simply advised “Gordon 6:45am”. I think BT was my mentor on that first ride, guiding me through the labyrinth that is North Sydney. Regrettably, got hammered with my ride name “Stealth” in about 5 seconds of turning up. [Editor’s note” Stealth turned up for his first ride on a bike sheaved in plastic like a strange cloaking device.The ride name was inevitable.]
4. Tell us about your bikes?
Trek’s have been my favourite (before Lance came along). First serious bike was a Trek 970 mountain bike. TSS is restoring it to its former beauty. Hopefully this summer, I’ll saddle her up for the commute in. The dream machine is the Pinarello – riding up hills is so easy; it feels like cheating.
5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Pyrénées please. Less pretentious then the Alps, but no less rugged. Second to that: Falls Creek on a cool summer’s day, so will be down for 3 Peaks next March
6, Tell us a riding story.
3P training weekend in Thredbo. First big ride out on the Pinarello, and whilst I was in awe with the handling and climbing ability of my new machine, I slowly found myself near the front of the peloton. Imagine that. Loved the ride, loved the scenery, loved the hills.
[Editor’s note (again) I’m surprised he didn’t mention his ride with Cadel Evans – ask him about it]
7. Do you have any advice for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Advice……hmmm tough one. Life is like riding your bike. To keep your balance you must keep moving. Does that count?
8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
Hmmm. Tough one again. So many secrets, so little time. I used to be a weather man – worked at the Meteorological office. My area of expertise was low cloud visibility forecasting. A surprisingly complex field of meteorology, that once you’re into, it is very difficult to see a way through. Also, I’ve always wanted to be a comedian, but could never get my head around irony.
[Editor’s note (yet again) Does BT know he is a meteorologist? Don’t let them sit together or if they do – stay out of earshot]