Tell us about yourself in a few words.
I’m a middle-aged white guy who spent the first 7 years of their working life being a suit. After falling back in love with bikes in my late 20s, I decided to start a bike-shop (without ever having worked in one!). 15 years later, I also have a wonderful partner, two kids, a dog and we live in Castlemaine, 130kms from Melbourne.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in inner city Melbourne, but have always been drawn to the countryside.
What do you do at Commuter?
I’m the Co-Owner, so I see my role as to keep staff and customers happy and engaged.
What did you do for work before Commuter Cycles?
I worked in Marketing for AMES, a quasi-government organisation that provides support services to migrants and refugees.
What got you into riding?
I started mountain bike riding as a young teenager inspired by the likes of Missy Giove and John Tomac. For no good reason I had a break from bikes in my early 20s when I got distracted by cars, smoking and drinking.
What was the first bike you bought with your own money?
A Giant ATX 760 Steel 26″ MTB in around 1994. I stripped it and re-sprayed it myself!
Tell us a little about your current bikes?
– I commute on a SOMA Wolverine Mk1 set up risers bars, single speed with a basket and full fenders.
– My Mountain Bike is a Salsa Spearfish short travel dual suspension bike for riding trails in Castlemaine
– My Bikepacking bike is a Surly Karate Monkey running 29 inch wheels
– My Gravel bike is a SOMA Wolverine running 700c and a 1x SRAM drivetrain
Favourite riding and non-riding food?
On a bike I can’t go past Peanut Butter & Jam Sandwiches, off the bike, beer and pizza is hard to beat.
Best day on a bike?
Day 3 or 4 (I forget!!) on the Hunt 1000 in 2017. We had a beautiful day of riding and an amazing campsite high on saddle near Mt Hotham. We’d brought a can of beer and a bag of chips each from our last stop in Harrietville and we savoured every mouthful as we watched the sun go down and the fire roar into life.
Favourite route/riding accessible to Melbourne?
Dry Diggings Trail between Castlemaine and Vaughan Springs. Vaughan Springs is a beautiful little campsite and the trail is easily accessible from the V/Line train to Castlemaine.
What do you do when you’re not at Commuter (other than ride bikes!)?
Spend time with my family, or work in my garden.
What is the kindest thing that anyone has ever done for you?
I travelled to France as a teenager and was hosted by a woman who my family loosely knew. It was incredibly generous of Marie-Rose to look after a kid from the other side of the world, but it was an experience that really gave me a sense of being able to do anything I set my mind too.
Anything we missed?
I find that people who ride bikes are almost universally good folks, and I feel privileged to be able to spend time and learn from them on a daily basis!