Nat Bromhead
Semi quincentennial. Yes, that’s the official name for it, but to keep things simple we are celebrating the two hundred and fiftieth edition of Bicycling Australia Magazine.
Starting out in 1989, November 2024 delivers the 35th anniversary of the national title that was born in Phil Latz’s back shed in rural South Australia. Phil has penned an extraordinary feature in this landmark edition of the iconic Australian magazine – he documents the early days of BA and includes fascinating details of key contributors along the way. Legends such as Rupert Guinness, Graham Watson, Allan Peiper, Cadel Evans, Mike Tomalaris, Brad McGee, Robbie McEwen, Rob Arnold, Kathy Watt, Charlie Walsh, Anna Wilson (Milward) … some of the biggest names in cycling.
Three decades is a long time in anyone’s language, and that’s how long veteran cycling photo journalist Steve Thomas has been contributing to this title. From breaking the land speed record on an MTB in the ’90s, to his latest gravel travel adventure to Turkey, you can read more from Steve inside the 250th edition.
Peter Maniaty is a pillar of Bicycling Australia and he too has penned a fascinating piece for this final edition of 2024. Looking back at the changes in the sport over the past 35 years, Pete compares many aspects of 1989 cycling with what we have today.
Speaking of 1989, I don’t recall reading BA that far back, but do vividly remember the lead up to a dooring while riding one morning in early ’89. One moment I was happily blasting along South Brisbane’s Merrivale Street on my custom-painted Ricardo, next minute I awoke in an ambulance thinking “is my bike OK?”. A lot has changed in 35 years, but sadly not our safety on the roads – be careful out there!
Farewell, Not Goodbye
After eight years here it’s time for me to say farewell. Being Editor of the title has been brilliant, an absolute dream role being a long-time reader and tragic of the sport for years. But life is flux, nothing lasts forever, and it’s time to move on to new challenges. An enormous thanks to you the readers, all our contributors and James Yaffa. Congratulations to long-time contributor and new Editor Nicola Rutzou!
