Simon Veitch

Simon is a 44 years old, Real Estate agent with Toop & Toop and started riding about 6 years ago. He was previously a runner but 2 knee reconstructions and getting sore from running was starting to get to him.   His wife Victoria started riding a year before he did, bought him a bike for Christmas and told him to stop running. He has not looked back since. He is very competitive and loves racing, mostly road races and crits, but believes TT’s are the invention of the devil and should be avoided at all costs unless they are a hill climb.

His favourite rides are long and hilly, and he does the Alpine classic most years.

• What are you currently riding?

Training bike is a Daccordi Grinta. This was my 40^th birthday present and a beautifully built bike, climbs beautifully.

Race bike is a Bottecchia Emme 2 with Record Gruppo and Fulcrum Zero Nite wheels. This bike is an absolute weapon. It weights about 6.5 kg, is very stiff and aggressive in its position and acceleration but has a surprising amount of comfort built in and the handling is amazing. Even I can be a half decent descender on this bike.

• What bike do you covet?

I was lucky enough to get the bike I covet late last year with the Bottecchia but I’m sure that itch will re emerge

• How many bikes do you own?

2

• How do you store your bikes?

In an unused hallway at home

• What cycling specific tools do you have in your “bike shed”?

Really just a work stand, allen keys, and a chain whip for removing cassettes.

• Do you do all your own maintenance or do you use a LBS? If so, which one?

I use Phil Mittiga for the Daccordi and Euride for the Bottecchia. I’m not much of a mechanic.

• What is your pet hate about cycling?

Bad weather because I’m a bit soft, and traffic.

• What do you love about cycling?

I love the freedom and physical exertion

• Other than yourself, who is your favourite cyclist?

Alberto Contador, every race he is in is more interesting because he always rides to win.

• What is your craziest/fondest cycling memory?

My favourite week of cycling was the week we spent at Lake Como a few years ago. Just fantastic riding that included a day trip to the Stelvio.

The craziest was riding up Mont Ventoux on the same trip.

It poured with rain all the way up, except the last 5 km where it was sleeting. Somehow I was really enjoying myself anyway. My wife started the desent about 5 minutes ahead of me. She was so cold she took the road to Sault instead of Bedoin where we were staying. I spent several hours looking for her whilst she finally found a local goat farmer to give her a lift back to Bedoin.

She didn’t speak any French, him no English and she did not know the name of our hotel. They found it eventually and safe to say neither of us will ever forget Mt Ventoux.

• What is your favourite post ride coffee spot?

Nano’s at Ebenezer place just off Rundle Street in the East End. I’m addicted to their Pancetta doorstops.

• If you were to buy a post ride reward, what would it be?

Beer

• Do you have a nickname on the bike?

Nope

• Finish this sentence “When I’m on my bike I…..” Let my cares slip away
• If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Current dream trip is The Dolomites

• What is your favourite training route and who with?

Anywhere in the Adelaide Hills with my wife

• What is the biggest cycling lie you have told your partner?

She is a cyclist too so I can’t get away with anything, besides I’m a terrible liar

• What would you like your partner to buy you for your next birthday?

Trip to Europe

• Is there a local cycling outfit/company/cycling club/cycling group/person that you would like to plug?

I would like to plug the Adelaide Hills Masters cycling club. A great bunch of people who will make you feel very welcome. Everyone should give racing a try. There are races for all ability levels. Without exception everyone I have got to pin a number on loves it and says they should have done it years ago

• Is there anything else you feel like talking about?

I also ride a tandem bike a fair bit with visually impaired riders. It’s great fun and very rewarding to be able to share your passion with someone else. I think they are so brave getting on the back of the bike with me in charge. No way I would.

Thanks Simon,