Tell us a bit about yourself

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a cook and for the better part of 17 years worked in restaurants! Both in Australia and the US.
Cook books, live shows , tv shows , radio , podcasts – pretty sure I’ve done it all. Even cooked for the king last September.

I would consider myself a farm boy at heart, having grown-up on a dairy farm in the little town of Brooweena, Queensland. I say little because when I started school, the total roll call was about 18 kids

My career really kicked off in 91 when I started my chefs apprenticeship in Sydney, which very quickly became head chef at the age of 23 at Bistro Moncur in 98 and then hosting “Fresh Cooking” my own television show on channel 9 in 2000.
It’s pretty crazy to look back over my career with the number of opportunities that presented themselves, the people that I’ve met,the friendships that have been forged and the memories I’ve banked, all of which seemed forever ago.

I’ve travelled the globe a number of times, cooking on stages and sharing my love and career around food

But all that food and travel means you need to exercise , lucky I found the bike , a good group of humans and some humbling charities I’ve been able to lend my legs to.

How did you get into cycling?
I got into Cycling about 15 years ago after my father had been diagnosed with diabetes type 2 .

I was reluctant at 1st to jump on a road bike. I wasn’t a fan of lycra nor being on the road after growing up on a farm and having my own BMX track.
Road cycling just didn’t seem cool enough till I realised I could build a relationship with a father who was absent for the first 18 years of my life. It was quite strange to think at 36, my father metaphorically was teaching me to ride a bike for the first time. It was a very special place for us both.

Your best day on the bike
Best day on the bike is everyday , I’ve never got off the bike hating it , maybe sore legs , some chaffing , cold fingers , broken collar bone, ribs – but I love everything about it , the people, the bikes and the continual lessons.

Your worst day on the bike
Maybe the worst day is looking at the bike in my apartment , wishing I could ride when I have days I have to be an adult and do the work thing !

I’m about to head back to the states for “chefs cycle “ in Bend Oregon , a bike ride I started over 10 years ago to help feed hungry kids at school level through a partnership with @nokidhungry @shareourstrength !

Together along with an army of chefs and restaurant people we’ve raised over $10 million and connected 10’s of millions of children to meals.
Something I’m very proud of.

Fun Fact
Covid was a real pivoting point for me ! I’m a mad potter , and create functions ceramics for chefs around the world.