As we gear up for this year’s Bowral Classic, we’re excited to spotlight one of our largest registered cycling teams —Pastries CC. This Sydney-based group of dedicated riders has made a name for themselves not just for their cycling interest but for their passion for discovering the best cafes and bakeries on two wheels.
Born in the middle of COVID lockdowns, Pastries CC started when four friends—Anthony, Josh, Michael, and Elton—decided to take their bikes on a quest for the best local eats in their LGA. What began as a casual way to explore their surroundings evolved into a club with a mission: to elevate the post-ride parkup to an art form.
We caught up with Anthony and Josh for a chat..
How did your club come to be?
Our club was born in the thick of COVID lockdowns when four friends—Anthony, Josh, Michael, and Elton—set out on their bikes to find the best cafes and bakeries in their LGA. What started as a local quest soon expanded across all of Sydney, leading us to compile a list of top-notch parkups. We wanted to share this with the community and raise the bar on what makes a great stop, pushing beyond the mediocrity most cyclists settle for. For us, the bike was just a way to reach the good stuff.
This will be my second time riding the Bowral Classic. The ride is a great balance between challenging and achievable, and is a awesome opportunity to tackle a harder ride in a nice location with a bunch of mates!
We do regular weekday and weekend rides, but in the lead up to Bowral we have planned some weekend rides which are similar in distance and elevation so that we are prepared.
How many members are you in your team and how you support each other throughout a big ride such as the Bowral Classic? Currently we have 21 people signed up, with a few people sitting on the fence. We plan to ride together as a group (or maybe split into two). An important part of riding as a group is having a designated pace and clearly dictated rider etiquette. This will enable people to ride within their physical limit whilst also looking out for their own safety as well as others. Supporting each other can be as simple as letting the stronger riders sit on the front to tow the rest of the group, or offering a spare gel if someone is looking like they need a pick me up.
Your tag line is ‘All about the parkup’, what are some of your favourite cafes to parkup after a ride?
As a Sydney based cycling club we are spoilt for choice and have an ongoing list of our favourite places. If we were to choose only one spot though it would have to be Rollers in Manly.
Do you have any memorable or funny moments from your team’s rides or training?
We’ve recently added gravel riding to our training mix to sharpen our bike handling skills, build strength, and keep the good vibes rolling. But to be honest—our races have been more comedy than competition. From triple punctures sending it down unknown water crossings to packing road tubes for gravel tires, and even using faulty pumps that pulled out several valve cores, we’ve somehow managed to come last or close to last every time.
What will the Bowral Classic event weekend look like for Pastries CC?
Members have arranged their own accommodation, but a few of us are arriving the day before and plan to make the most of our time in the Southern Highlands. A easy shakeout ride on Saturday followed by some baked goods at Gumnut Patisserie is in order. We plan to have a nice dinner the night before and settle in for an early sleep before the big day.
What’s your go-to post ride treat?
I personally love a savoury snack after a ride. Can’t go wrong with a meat pie and a well deserved coca cola!
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We’re thrilled to have Pastries CC back for another stellar event! To keep up to date with their rides, park up tips and more, make sure to chuck them a follow on insta @pastries.cc
If you’re planning to ride the Bowral Classic this year, register as a team of 4 or more and score a 10% discount! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the event with your cycling mates and save along the way.
