Pittwater Life June 2023 Issue

News
McCarrs Creek cyclists’ push
When the McCarr Creek Cyclist Club was formed in 1994,
it was before lycra became the figure-hugging cycling
uniform of choice.
“We started riding in T-shirts and shorts,” says John Florin,
one of three founder members. “It was a while before we got
into lycra. I’m afraid we’re all lycra warriors now.
“It’s much more comfortable to ride in.”
So it’s not that club members want to look sexy? “Lycra only
looks sexy on some!” John admits.
Stuart de Jong, who joined the MCCC around 2005, credits
John, the late Lindsay Harvey and Richard Farago (who is now
unable to ride because of dementia) for the group.
Lindsay was the keenest and most talented cyclist of the trio.
He also rode with the Audax Australia Cycling Club, which specialises
in long distance rides of between 200 and 300 kilometres
under the auspices of Audax Club Parisien and Union des
Audax Français.
He persuaded several of
these elite riders to join the
MCCC, and was always on the
lookout for new members.
At its peak, the club had 50
members on its email list,
though a typical ride would
feature around 20.
Richard, according to Stuart,
was the club’s self-appointed
fashion director, not
holding back if he thought
a member wasn’t dressed to
standard.
“He was also the ‘Scone Nazi’,” Stuart laughs. “He was an
advocate of healthy food.”
Now the club is looking for new members, especially women
since female numbers have been depleted recently.
Most members are men in their 60s and early 70s who cycle
to keep up their fitness but younger members are welcome.
Despite its name, the MCCC is not a registered club, John
explains. “It’s more a group of loosely connected friends.
“We’re extending an invitation to anyone who would like to
join us for a relatively gentle ride and a cup of coffee.
“People need to feel comfortable riding at our pace. Our ride
average is between 18 and 22km/h. If someone wants to ride
a lot faster or a lot slower, they probably wouldn’t enjoy it as
much.”
There are two rides a week, both starting at 7.30am. On
Wednesdays, they ride the 30 kilometres around Akuna Bay
OUTINGS: Members at their
regular ‘pit stop’ (top right)
at West Head; and on tour
at the top of Mt Hotham.
and back – starting and
finishing at Tempo, the
popular cycling cafe in
Terrey Hills run by Dan
Forsythe.
For a while Dan rode with
the MCCC. “But he’s a much
better cyclist than us,” John
admits.
“When we first rode to
West Head, we’d be the only
cycling group there,” Stuart
recalls. “Now it’s standing
room only.”
On Saturdays, the routes
16 JUNE 2023
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