Training, working and family are the three responsibilities most cyclists choose to juggle. Northern beaches local and Manly-Warringah Cycling Club member Brendon Cropper manages 300 kilometres a week whilst handling everything else. He’s biked across the Australian alps on a touring adventure with the Offroadies and conquered the 1500km Tour de Cure.
However, the 160km course will be a cinch for him and he has some great tips to offer the Classic hopefuls as this week’s ‘In Focus’ ambassador.
Who is Brendon Cropper?
Born in Sydney and now living on the northern beaches with three beautiful daughters and one stunning wife. They are all very understanding of my cycling addiction, which makes everything possible. I’ve been riding all my life but only semi seriously for about four years.
How many hours/kilometers a week do you average on the bike?
This year my weekly average is a little over 300km per week but that gets lifted by joining Tour de Cure in the first half of the year on their signature tour which delivers about 1500km over 10 days. Normal weeks generally include 3 week day rides, two of which might be either steep or fast. Friday are always coffee rides with good friends. Living on the beaches we get to see lots of amazing sunrises and generally find somewhere with an ocean view for coffee, which is important! I always try and ride a little further on Saturday or Sunday. Coast & Toast is a great Saturday ride and I like riding out to Berowra and Galston on Sunday’s when there’s a group going.
What are your fondest memories of being a cyclist?
Great Ocean Road. Descending into Dorrigo. Jens TT. Every road out of Bright. Alps with my mates all great times shared with good friends.
What aspects of cycling motivated you to take up the sport?
I think my body shape lends itself to cycling. My legs were always a little to big and my upper body a little too small. That kind of works on a bike so riding feels like the sport that fits me.
When I first got into riding it was more about adventure. Now it’s more social with friends and corporate networking.
You have ridden the Tour de Cure, can you tell me a little bit about your involvement in the ride?
My brother in law talked me into joining the Offroadies a few years ago. We rode fully packed touring bikes from Vic to Canberra over the Snowies and while it was beautiful it nearly killed me. When I heard the riders doing the Signature Tour de Cure ride were given coffee and food each day plus a place to sleep I jumped at the chance to join them the following year. I’ve now completed three signature tours and oOh! Media where I’m working have come on board with Optus and Lexus as major sponsors of Tour de Cure. We have several passionate riders at oOh! who rode the tour this year for the first time and smashed it. I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to link riding and work with such an amazing organization at Tour de Cure.
You’re also a member of the MWCC I hear, what drives you to compete?
Racing for me has been about trying to see what my body can do. I was over 40 for my first race so I so have to be realistic! I get a massive high before and during a race, if the group is still together at the end I believe I always have a chance to do well.
How are you preparing for the Bowral Classic ride? What are your training tips for those hoping to conquer the 160km course.
Right now I’m riding as normal.
I’ve heard from some of the riders who reconnoitered the course in May that it’s a hard ride so there will have to be some dedicated training in the build up. More Gorges, Mosman and Akuna loops, all the rides I like.
How do you think you’ll fair come event time in October?
I’ll finish. I’ll be hurting. That’s all I can promise. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
We would like to thank Brendon Cropper for his time and support for the Bowral Classic event.
