For SurveyMonkey Asia-Pacific managing director Tony Ward, the online training game Zwift combines two of his biggest passions: tech and cycling. He answers our Time Out Q&A.;
First memory of riding a bike?
My dad nearly dropping dead chasing after me, when he was first teaching me to ride a bike.
How many bikes and how do you know when you have too many?
I own three bikes. You know you have too many when you can't get your car in the garage because they take up too much space. Fortunately, I'm a few bikes short of that.
How much did they cost?
I couldn't tell you exactly, as I've gone through various components and accessories, but I'd imagine around $5000.
Dream bike and equipment?
Canyon Ultimate with a Dura-Ace groupset.
Kind of riding?
Back in the day, I was a four-time Canadian cycling champion, but now I mostly cycle for leisure and fitness. I alternate between road cycling, mountain biking and Zwifting [online training game] which combines two of my biggest passions: tech and cycling.
Tips for becoming a better rider?
If you're serious about improving your performance, there's no better substitute than riding more, and with better cyclists than yourself. The more time you spend on the saddle, the better results you'll see.
Kilometres per week?
100 to 150 kilometres.
Hills or the flat?
Flat. Gravity is not my friend.
Love most about cycling?
The speed, the freedom and the tech. As a technology buff, I can really appreciate the work that goes into engineering a high-quality road bike.
Dislike about cycling?
The danger, particularly when cycling in Sydney. The harbour city has a lot to work on when it comes to cycling infrastructure.
Most like to go on a long ride with?
Greg LeMond, an American former professional road racing cyclist and two-time UCI Road World Championship winner.
Will you ever be too old to ride?
On the contrary, I feel like cycling keeps you young.
Favourite refuel station?
Bay Ten Espresso in Lavender Bay, Sydney.
Favourite piece of cycling gear?
Garmin 530. From analysing your performance to planning your next ride, it's an amazing piece of tech that every cyclist should invest in.
Favourite ride?
Sydney's northern beaches for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and spectacular views.
Dream bike holiday?
I'd love to follow the Tour de France, although I'm not sure I could keep their pace.
How does your partner feel about you taking long rides at the weekend?
My wife is happy for me to be outside and keeping fit, but she does occasionally worry about inconsiderate drivers and dangerous roads.
Crashes? Catastrophes?
At the 1989 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, I was racing on the back of a tandem sprint, which is as crazy as it sounds. On the back, you have no control, so when our bike got a puncture, I could do nothing to stop us from crashing, at about 70 kilometres per hour, with the other tandem cyclists. It was an ugly sight. We picked ourselves up and somehow managed to place fifth, but we were cut up pretty bad. Let's just say sitting down during the 10-hour flight back to Canada a few days later was very uncomfortable.
lifeandleisure@afr.com.au