PwC assurance partner David Kelly keeps a bike at the family home in Ireland – and dreams of riding down the wild west coast. He answers our Time Out Q&A.;

First memory of riding a bike? 

When I was eight, I fell off a friend's bike going down a steep hill. I vividly remember the wobble in the handlebars as I lost control. I lost my two front teeth that day, leading to a lifetime of dentistry.

How many bikes and how do you know when you have too many? 

I have a Scott CR1 for general road riding and a Cannondale Flat Bar road bike for commuting and riding with my 10-year-old son. I also have a Giant Defy in Ireland, where I'm originally from, that I use when I visit family. A bike ride is a great cure for jetlag.

How much did they cost? 

Nothing too outrageous – the Scott is an entry-level carbon bike, which cost about $2500; the other two were under $1000.

Dream bike and equipment? 

I'm not one to get too hung up on technology, but I do like the look of some of the high-end European bikes.

Kind of riding? 

I love the inclusiveness of cycling. I ride recreationally with friends and occasionally in groups. When I can, I commute to work in the [Sydney] CBD and I am training for some longer rides, including the Bicycle NSW Spring Cycle on Sunday (October 16). It's a great ride for all levels, and includes the thrill of riding across the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Tips to become a better rider? 

Just ride. Ride with people who are better than you, ride alone, ride to work and the shops, ride when you travel. And for the best motivation, sign up for a challenging ride and get sponsorship, then you're committed to it.

Kilometres per week? 

I aim to do 100 kilometres a week and generally manage to get there – though time limitations mean it may take three to four rides.

Hills or the flat? 

Living in the northern part of Sydney, there is no alternative to hills. I'm not sure I would say I prefer hills, but I have learnt to tolerate them.

Love most about cycling? 

To me, the best part is that a ride is a great way to clear your head. Time and space to think are rare and I find I often come back from a ride with a fresh perspective on an issue or problem.

Dislike about cycling? 

Very little. I'm not a big fan of cycling in the rain but otherwise any time on the bike is time well spent.

Like to go on a long ride with? 

Any long ride with a group of friends or family is a treat.  

Will you ever be too old to ride? 

I hope not. I have ridden with people in their 80s and I'd like to think that the bike will still be an option when I am that age.

Favourite refuel station? 

On Friday mornings, a few friends and I ride to La Perouse and return for breakfast at Cook & Archies Cafe in Surry Hills. Great coffee, food and service, and we feel very welcome there.

Favourite cycling gear? 

I bought a bike bag for travelling – a Scicon Aerocomfort 2.0. It's brilliant. It takes 10 minutes to pack and unpack the bike and it counts as normal luggage on most airlines.

Favourite ride? 

I love the ride to West Head and the reward at the end is the best view in Sydney.

Dream bike holiday? 

A bike touring holiday in Ireland that includes the Wild Atlantic Way, down the west coast of Ireland, and the newly developed Waterford Greenway, on an old rail trail.

Ever felt scared on a bike? 

Touch wood, I have avoided any major problems. To encourage cycling, we need the right infrastructure – ideally separated from cars – with well-connected, well-designed bike routes.

lifeandleisure@afr.com.au