THE Mount Gambier Cycling Club is dedicating the 2018 100 Mile Classic to local rider Gordon “Crammy” Cram.
Cram was tragically killed while cycling between Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell on March 22 this year at 80 years old.
Born in 1937, Cram started his cycling career while a teenager.
He was not a gifted athlete, but set about improving every year with a training program as rigorous as time permitted.
He was “old school”, which meant the more pain and difficulty, the better.
His legendary training rides, runs and gym sessions resulted in a hard, tough, determined competitor.
He won a number of open road races including the Casterton 50, the Hamilton 75 and the Melbourne to Bendigo, as well as several state titles and inter-club events.
At the age of 53 he finished fourth in what was then named the Mount 100.
Not one to give up easily, the following summer saw Cram embark on a preseason training program that was rigorous and daunting.
He ran further, lifted more weights and rode further and faster.
It is history now that Cram did win in 1992 by riding down two young guns in the final 100m who had dropped him on the golf club hill only 3km from the finish.
At that time Gordon had competed in over 25 events.
He continued to prepare and ride this event until he was 69 years of age, finishing fifth as a 59-year-old.
Records do not show how many 100 mile races Cram participated in, but it is estimated to be at least 40 events.
Cram was an icon to his friends, supporters and the cycling community and will be fondly remembered.
