This week we ask 26 questions of new committee member, and regular Supervet, Laurie Fitsimons, and it appears that his sporting prowess extends beyond cycling.
Name: Laurie Fitzsimons
Where were you born: Wangaratta
Occupation: Retired – previously Technical School and TAFE Teacher
Family: Wife Anne and daughter Claire
Favourite Sporting Teams: Melbourne Football Club,
Favourite Athletes: Ken Rosewall, Adam Scott, Jeremy Howe
Favourite Movies: I know everybody says “The Shawshank Redemption” but I didn’t like it. “Paths of Glory” and “Billy Budd” impressed me in my youth.
Favourite Music: Simon and Garfunkle, Queen and Eddie Mercury
Favourite Food: Pasta (Will eat almost anything except lambs fry)
Childhood Ambition: Pass on this one
Hobbies: Reading, Woodworking with recycled timber, gardening
History:
How long have you been riding? Rode to school wearing the school cap (no helmet) and balancing the kit bag on the handlebars. Only been riding seriously and consistently in last three years
When did you start racing? Two years ago (2012)
What other sports have you been involved in? Football (played for Tarrawingee), Basketball (A grade referee for 10 years) Cross country skiing (Best sporting activity in the world), golf
Age Group and Handicap mark – 65- 69 Racing off second scratch at Supervets
Goals:
Why did you join the club? I enjoy testing myself against others and was encouraged to join by members of the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay riding group. Also cycling is an excellent way of maintaining aerobic fitness for cross country skiing.
Do you have any goals to achieve? To be more competitive in Sunday racing, at the South Pacific Championships at Maryborough and perhaps in the Australian Championships
Your greatest racing achievement? I am building up to one in the next couple of years
Riding experiences:
Best? Riding with Cadel (very occasionally) impresses many friends and acquaintances
Worst? Riding in the rain for three hours around Apollo Bay as part of one of Andrew Thornton’s Warnambool to Lorne rides
What’s your favourite training or social ride? The Mad Monday and Frantic/Frenetic Friday rides of the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Torquay riding group
How often do you ride? Four or five times a week
Equipment:
Race Bike: Avanti Quantum 2
Training Bike: As above
Other Bikes: Rock Machine Mountain Bike
Dream Bike: Anything that costs $10,000
