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Interview with Andy from fyxomatosis: Melburn-Roobaix
By Jarrod Patridge
Q. Now in it's fifth year, Melburn-Roobaix is becoming a cult classic. Can you tell is how the idea was born and what makes it such a great success?
The idea was born from a lack of what I believe were fun/cool events in Melbourne. Something that had broader appeal than alleycats and club racing, less extreme and with a good sense of humour. I think of lot of club racers and commuters haven't been exposed to the type of event where riding for 'fun' is the primary objective. The theme was developed by Ugly and I modelled on Paris Roobaix, and each year it has evolved slightly to continue the appeal for those who have ridden in the past. It has become a cult ride that people email me through the year wanting details of, preparing special bikes for and travelling from interstate and overseas to participate. Crazy!
Q. We need to stress to people thinking of coming along that it's not a race. What can people expect on the ride?To see new parts of Melbourne, to see bikes and cyclists of all types, have a laugh from start to finish, and hopefully be inspired to ride more often. The course isn't long. Less than 30km and you have a 4 hours to complete it. Which is plenty of time to allow for mechanical issues, coffee stops, making new friends, getting lost, and still making it to the pub for the raffle on time.
Q. Despite stating that it's not a race, people can't help themselves when they get on a bike. Is there anything for the 'winner'?While it is true that it only takes two people to have a race - absolutely nothing is given to anyone for finishing first, second or otherwise. In fact, you don't have to complete the course to win prizes. You could ride straight to the pub! It really is a 'fun' ride. The trophy and champagne is raffled to a random winner. I'm hoping a girl wins this year. Over 50 females have registered which is great.
Q. For first time riders, are there any do's or dont's such as do turn up in circa 1930's kit don't ride without brakes?
Melburn - Roobaix 2009 from cycling tips on Vimeo.
You can ride whatever bike, dress however you like. The cobbles are rough! The ideal bike would be a cross or mountain bike. There is already a tandem and unicyclist coming, BMXs, townies, step throughs.... I'm not one for rules other than respect others, the road rules and have fun. The course is challenging on any bike, and for the safety of the field I've recommended front brakes for those riding fixed wheel bikes.
Q. There's a somewhat controversial rumour going around that Federation Square isn't in this years route. Can you confirm or deny, and can you give us any inside info about the rest of the route?
Q. There's a somewhat controversial rumour going around that Federation Square isn't in this years route. Can you confirm or deny, and can you give us any inside info about the rest of the route?
Just like Paris Roobaix, the start has moved because it has outgrown the space. As iconic as Fed Sq is, it's no longer suitable. The famed Col D'Ugly sector of pave does not feature in 2010, and for the 'Hell of the Northcote' the route doesn't even include that suburb. The Koppenberg in Travancore which was on last years course does feature. For those who have been riding since 2006, they will recognise another few sectors, there is more 'dirt' and more climbs on this years event which isn't easy to find within the CBD.
Q. fyxomatosis is well known as the home of everythig fixed wheel. What sparked your passion for the fixie obsession?
Q. fyxomatosis is well known as the home of everythig fixed wheel. What sparked your passion for the fixie obsession?
Cycle couriering. I'd killed my passion for bikes working full time on one, and then weekend in bike retail. At the time I was an avid mountain biker. In London, that meant catching a train an hour out of the city or flying to Europe for quality trails. I discovered track bikes from a fellow courier and all of a sudden my passion was riding was re-ignited. Here was a bike that was simple, fast, light, classic looking and fun to ride fast. Only a small group of couriers in London and the US were riding them 10 years ago, even fewer in Australia.
Q. The photography seen on the fyxomatosis web site is world class, but sometimes unsafe for viewing in the office! Do you ever get emails from readers who got caught or angry wives/girlfriends?
If I've learnt anything from having an online velo-portal it's that you can't please everyone. One of the models IS a 'readers wife' - which was a cool surprise for that reader when his partner turned up on fyxomatosis. Always looking for more models - I have a list of bike a mile long that I want to shoot for pin ups.
And finally...
Q. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My wife's food. It's always delicious.
Check out details of the ride and register via www.fyxomatosis.com And ladies, email Andrew on onlinefyx@gmail.com to discuss being a model for a day.
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