TRIBUTES have flowed for Mount Gambier cycling legend Gordon Robert Cram, who died doing what he loved most.
Gordon – also affectionately known as Crammy or Cramminator – was killed in a crash last month while cycling on the Riddoch Highway near Mount Schank.
The iconic Mount Gambier resident was a much-loved member of the city’s tight-knit cycling fraternity and was farewelled in a poignant service last week.
Born on October 29, 1937, Gordon was the son of Clare and Susan Cram and was loved by his brothers Arthur, Eric, Max, Kevin and sister Joan.
The Cram family lived on O’Halloran Terrace in Mount Gambier, in the same house where Crammy lived until his sudden death.
Gordon lived an idyllic childhood attending Mount Gambier Primary School on Wehl Street.
His first job was at Rose Electroplaters where he was an electroplater, chrome-plating steel.
From there he went to OG Roberts and Co, where it is understood he was an employee for more than 30 years.
Dave Stevens Crash Repairs was Crammy’s final employer as a spray painter before his retirement.
Crammy pursued a life of simple pleasures and leisure on his bike as a committed and devoted sportsman and artist.
“It was after Gordon’s death that we were all amazed to find some of Crammy’s unique and beautiful artwork,” Mount Gambier Cycling Club member and friend Tina Opperman said.
“Crammy had mastered many artistic mediums such as the use of oil paints, Indian ink, pencil and water colours to create some truly beautiful pieces.
“Gordon was remembered as a very quiet person who was not known for talking about himself, but many may be surprised to know that not only was Gordon an accomplished sportsman and artist he was also a yodeller.
“Gordon’s family recall a hidden talent that has surprised all of us.”
In Crammy’s many training diaries were meticulous records, personal bests, running shoe evaluations, running and riding times, drinking sessions, weather conditions, a record of his health as well as a run down of how his bike was set up.
According to his training diaries, Gordon sometimes road 2500km per month to get in top shape for races.
Some weeks before big races, he managed to fit in 600-plus kilometres per week while working full-time.
“We all know Crammy best as a dedicated and extremely good bike rider,” Ms Opperman said.
He was a Mount Gambier Cycling Club member and a predicted starter in all the races in the district year after year.
A snapshot of his sporting achievements include winning the Melbourne to Bendigo 88 Mile Road Race in 1962 and the following year backing up the success with a second place.
He won the Hamilton 75 in 1963 and was the MGCC Senior Road Champion in 1963, 1964,1965, 1969 and 1970.
He was the senior track champion in 1970 and ’71.
Crammy also rode the “exclusive” Sun Tour in 1971, an impressive 1200 mile tour under the Swan Hill Cycling Team.
He was selected to represent the team and always spoke of the honour it was to be chosen.
Gordon also won the two most prestigious races in the district – Casterton 40 Mile and Casterton 50.
“Joan his sister recalls Gordon riding in New Zealand,” Ms Opperman said.
It was in 1992 that he won his home race – The 100 Mile Classic.
“For all of us, Crammy touched us in different ways – he had a daily schedule visiting Matthew, Tim Koopman, Tony Noonan and Ray Bilney to pass the hours of the day,” Ms Opperman revealed.
“It is difficult to imagine him not being around. For our family, Matthew will miss him dearly. It is strange to think that he will not park his car out the front of our house and wait until he sees Matthew’s car pull in.”
“Duty, decency, reliability, honour, dignity, respect – these are all qualities that Crammy not only held in high esteem, but also practised every day during his time with us.”
He was a serious and disciplined man, but he could never resist the opportunity to have a coffee and chat with the ones he loved.
“Crammy lived a long and happy life, and was taken too suddenly doing something he loved to do,” Ms Opperman said
fondly.
