In the heart of the Southern Highlands lies Bowral, the starting point for our magnificent cycling classic. Boasting some of Australia’s best cycling terrain and a supportive community, what better place to ride your bike than here in the Southern Highlands.
The Southern Highlands Cycling Club harbours the cycling culture in the area and has a rich history of world-class athletes who have come through their ranks.
Club President Zac Hulm took a few minutes to introduce the cycling club and mark the beginning of the Bowral Classic ‘Club Series’ that features NSW cycling clubs.
Can you give the readers an introduction to the club?
The Southern Highlands Cycling Club has an amazing history that goes back to the 1930s. We have had many Australian and World Champions, Guinness records broken and some amazing events in all disciplines of cycling. We embrace our juniors and with the success of Caleb Even who is still a southern highlands club member, we continually work with our youth to sustain the amazing club we have. The Southern Highlands Club currently has over 300 members across Mountain Biking, Road, Track and Cyclocross. The culture of our club is all about being inclusive, we are like a big cycling family! “We all look after our mates”
What are some unique aspects of the Southern Highlands Cycling Club?
- We have the opportunity to race on 8 different sanctioned race courses
- These courses have magnificent scenery with gruelling yet rewarding terrain
- We have the opportunity to ride from the mountains to the sea and return on any given day.
Has the SHCC had any recent members ride to fame on a national or international level?
- Caleb Ewan the Moss Vale Missile
After much success in the under-23 ranks, Caleb raced his much-awaited first full year with ORICA-Green EDGE in 2015 with incredible results. The young pint-sized sprinter claimed 11 professional victories in his first season, including a stage at the Vuelta a Espana on Grand Tour debut and will continue to go from strength to strength in 2016.
- Nicholas Smith
Nicholas Smith at the age of 16 was youngest member of the Australian team competing at the 2014 Cyclocross World championships in Hoogerheide, The Netherlands in February. Since then Nick has represented his country in Europe three times at World Championships.
- Leah Childs
World Solo 24hour Champion
- Karen Evans
Represented Australia at the Cross Country Masters World Championship in Spain 2015.
- James Williamson
James won the Sydney Solo 12 Hour race in 1999 at just 19 years of age. James went on to win many eight and twelve-hour races, before attempting his first solo 24 hour Race in 2005. One year later, he became the 2006 Australian Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion. In 2008 he took out the World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championship in Canada. He was 24 years old.
James was the editor and founder for the popular mountain bike magazine, Enduro Magazine, but sadly passed away in his sleep whilst racing in South Africa in 2010.
What are some options for non-members who want to begin to race in the Southern Highlands?
- We have Mountain bike training every Wednesday with level 2 coaches
- We offer supported training rides with experienced riders
- There is a multitude of different group rides for all levels every day for both men and women together and or in separate groups
Can you briefly offer any tips to those hoping to conquer the 160km Bowral Classic ride around the Southern Highlands?
- Lots of hill training
- Remember to ride within yourself and know your limits
- Be an expert on what your body needs with nutrition and hydration
- Make sure your bike is in exceptional order and recently serviced
Does the SHCC have any events that will help riders prepare for the Bowral Classic?
The Southern Highlands Cycling Club winter series races cover many different parts of the Bowral Classic courses. Jumping on one of the many daily group rides would be the best way to familiarise and learn the challenges of riding in the Southern Highlands.
