Luke O'Shea
Where are you from? Born in Tasmania (Small Island south of Australia), currently live in Hong Kong and divide the majority of my time between here and Sydney. What do you do for living? Head of Asia Pacific for Rapha Why did you begin cycling? We used to spend our whole school holidays on our bikes in Tasmania so I guess fairly early. How long have you been cycling? I have been cycling my whole life but more seriously, probably around 7 years ago. Why do you love cycling? I love cycling because of the sense of adventure and freedom a bicycle give you, as I said we used to spend our whole summer holidays on our bikes, leaving just after breakfast and making it home in time for dinner, every day for 2-3 months so I guess it still reminds me of that sense of escaping and exploring, but I guess it has extended to exploring one’s own limits in terms of performance in the last few years.
When do you ride in a day? Usually morning, pretty hard to get out any later I Hong Kong as the traffic builds up pretty quickly, plus the morning is the best part of the day – quiet, sun coming up sort of gives you a head start on the day.
What’s your routine route? and your favourite route? Any to be honest! Since moving to Hong Kong I have the Peak ride as the morning ride so you are pretty blessed to ride up to view that harbor every morning. Watson’s Bay in Sydney is also a favourite for an early morning roll around. Usually unless I am training for an event, rides are pretty easy with a few efforts put in when the group feels good or we hit a climb but then I get my more specific training routines done on the trainer.
What do you ride? Cervelo R3
Your favourite brands related to cycling? Rapha (Of Course!), Cervelo etc etc. But to be honest I l have admiration for anyone involved in the industry – it is a lot more niche than people think when it comes to the serious cyclists, so anyone that is having a go in this market has my respect – it’s a tough market and in the end we are all here to grow the sport so I think no matter what product or brand you are pushing we are united by the bicycle, it sounds cliché but it’s something I believe in, creating authentic relationship no matter what.
What was the most unforgettable experience in cycling? Crashing – it sucks and not just because of the physical damage but the mental battle to get back to trusting your bike.
Do you have a cycling team? Rapha Cycling Club
Any other word to share? Full Gas Empty Tank
Instagram: @theother12hours