The multi-faceted Australian cricketing legend seems to be at home behind a microphone or television camera today as he once was standing in front of the stumps some years ago. Now it seems Michael Slater has discovered a new passion where he can use his love of competition to push his limits.
Suffering from a rare form of spinal arthritis known as Ankylosing spondylitis that he has battled with since a young age, Slats says cycling is a great way to stay fit and minimise inflammation and pain in his spine.
Slats only recently pulled on a set of knicks and begun taking a more serious approach to his cycling since December 2015, here is what he told us in March this year…
How were you introduced to the sport of cycling?
I inherited my older brother’s road bike in my teens and it became my mode of transport for years in Wagga Wagga, but in terms of riding for fitness it started with a love for spin classes. I was eventually convinced to don the Lycra and buy a serious road bike!
Obviously a fan of most sports, what is a stand-out factor that has drawn you toward cycling?
I was drawn to it for fitness. As a long term Ankylosing spondylitis sufferer, cycling is a much better option than running.
Prior to cricket, hockey was something you were also talented at, had you tried cycling as well?
I rode a bike as any normal country child did and used it to commute around Wagga Wagga.
Any chance of getting Tubby Taylor on the bike?
I’ve actually had a number of rides with Tubby (hired hotel bikes) in Adelaide and Perth over the years but getting him in Lycra on a serious road bike would be next to IMPOSSIBLE! In fact, I’m not sure if 120psi will suffice!
What benefits do you find cycling brings?
– The freedom and fresh air
– Overall fitness and weight management
– The camaraderie among cyclists and team element when riding in a group
– I love all the gear! Strava and my Garmin are my new best friends!
What similarities if any do you see between cricket and cycling in terms of training and strategising?
– I find it hard not to take my competitive approach to cycling
– Similar focus and commitment to improve
– Working in a team
How has your cricketing career helped you to train and prepare for events/rides?
I think it’s helping to goal set and slowly build the length of rides each week, hopefully building to the 160km required for The Bowral Classic.
Since retiring from cricket have you created any personal fitness goals? Are there some you might be able to achieve through cycling?
My main goal has been to remain as fit as possible so I can be an active dad for as long as possible. Problem is I’m finding this cycling caper completely addictive, so the Tour might be just around the corner! Not! But 1st stop… The Bowral Classic!
Have you taken part in any events like the Bowral Classic before?
Never. I’m freaking out about taking the whole peloton down!
Have you got a highlight from your time on the bike?
The first time I took down one of my mate’s (James ‘Contador’ Yaffa) Strava segments!
Great.
I played Judo nationally and internationally for manybyears, but damaged shoulders and knees stopped me. When I retired 11 years ago I still dived, but it became too expensive, sob5 years ago bought a reasonable carbon fibre road bike. Since then I upgraded. I have done the Sydney-Gong 4 times, the 100km Around the Bay three time and last year the 210 ATB at 23 km/hr average speed. I gab raised close ton$10,000 for cHarities through riding, but most of all enjoy the serenity,comradery of the open road. Looking forward to the classic.
Turn it up Slat’s. It must have been a downhill section cause Mr JC Yaffa (we call him another name) is a mountain goat strong on the climbs, not so on the descend.
As a septuagenarian I try to ride up to 150km a week. Around Bowral that’s easy,mand you have a choice of flat rides, rides on great cycle/walking paths or scenic rides on some killer hills … some of which are included in the two longer Classic routes. I have a carbon fibre Jamis Team Di2 and usually carry a Garmin Edge520 and a GoPro (as well a a rear mounted “Fly6” that records the cars that try to kill me. But, in truth, Traffic/ cars in the Highlands is used to cyclists, and there are rarely bad interactions between cyclists and drivers. I usually average around 25km, so time dictates that I restrict my choice to the 90km ride. This has two difficult hill sections, but overall is not too hard. It does have some spectacular sections.
I have about 60 YouTube videos under “cycling innBowral” ranging from just OK to not too bad for anyone interested in seeing what our local cycling is like. I am currently doing a series that cover the Bowral Classic routes under “Cycling in Bowral. The Bowral Classic” on YouTube. You might find it of interest.