Meet Our Team - The BBCC Committee

President
Rachel Pearson
Hi I’m Rachel . I’ve had a long term relationship with the fitness industry & cycling in particular.
Along the way I’ve had lots of incredible experiences both here in Australia and racing , riding & training overseas.
I’ve raced with the Australian Team on the road & track , raced the Commonwealth Games , one day races & international tours including the Giro Rosa , World Championships as well as many Australian titles .
30 years later I am still racing and representing Australia.
My occupation as a qualified strength & conditioning coach , PT & sports nutritionist enables me to help others become fitter & healthier. I’m able to work from our own strength studio in Byron Bay.
As part of the BBCC one of my goals is to highlight women’s cycling in our region & help to create a fun & engaged cycling community.

Vice President
Andrew Hoskins
I spent a good amount of my childhood riding bikes and onto road bikes later in my teens but after that, and apart from a brief foray into mountain biking, I didn’t get back into my cycling for another 25 years. Nowadays, I’m a bit more serious and a lot more consistent. I’m trying to add some gravel races into my cycling year and I really want to do some longer bike packing trips. Mostly though for me, cycling keeps me happy. And that’s why I love to ride a bike.

Secretary
Alex Catron
Hi everyone, I’m Alex catron and I’m excited to be part of the cycling committee! I’ve been passionate about cycling for a few years now. particularly road racing and cyclo-cross, which are my favorite ways to challenge myself and stay active. I enjoy joining club rides, whether it’s for the camaraderie or the thrill of pushing limits on tough routes. Beyond the saddle, I’m always keen to help organize events, share training tips, or chat about all things bikes. Looking forward to working with you all and contributing to the club’s success!

Committee Member
Glen Hannan
Club Member from 2003. The early days back when it was Byron Freeiders club was racing the mountain bikes in Qld series, back in the day meeting at the hinterland trails.!Racing now on the road Club Handicapper. Besides the club racing a passion for touring rides in Europe mostly France. Tapping up iconic Pyranean mountains or Sportive riding including Etap de Tour a TdF stage.

Treasurer
Pete Whittle
You might think, because I’m Treasurer of Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders and now Byron Bay Cycling Club, that I know what to do. Well, not exactly – I’m no accountant, but I have run my own business for the past eight years. Both clubs needed the role filled, and both clubs bring me a lot of joy, so I was happy to step up. I figure it’s a bit like riding a bike – ask experts, do some research, throw the leg over, pedal like hell, don’t lose momentum, watch where you want to go, i.e. don’t look at the potholes, and learn from your mistakes. Oh and brakes are bad for speed. Fortunately, Gianluca left the position in good shape, gave me a clear briefing, and is available to help when needed (thankyou mate).
I love BBCC for the way everyone jumps in to help other riders enjoy their cycling. This gives the club a great friendly feel, reflected in the ride program, races and social events. I come down from the border on Saturday mornings and the monthly vintage rides because BBCC is the best bunch to be found within cooee. I’m looking forward to being involved further and getting to know you all better, but I do live 40 minutes away.
My plan is to serve the club by providing current, correct and useful information about club finances – and hopefully some wisdom as well. It will be ‘steady as she goes’ (a nautical term for Gianny’s benefit), with an eye to moving from Excel to an accounting platform if warranted and in consultation with the Executive. I’m also keen to help the Murwillumbah CC get back on its feet, with help from BBCC.
At the age of 65, I’ve been riding for 55 years, since my brother and I found two bikes built of gas pipe in my grandpa’s garage – our freedom machines. I’ve ridden a lot of kms in the Adelaide Hills and today I loved Urliup Road, although my all-time favourite ride is Cap Formentor in Mallorca. My past clubs were Cairns CC and Uni of Queensland CC. I had a triathlon phase and then hung out for years with the Park Road Wheelers in Brisbane, where I met many of my friends before I moved to the Tweed Coast in 2020. Other detours have been cycling advocacy (helped form the Brisbane CBD BUG), fixies, MTB, gravelling, bikepacking, fatbiking, adventure riding, cyclocrossing, track and commuting. A bit tragic, I know. Plus a bunch of other interests.
Personally, I’m from Adelaide originally but moved to Queensland over 30 years ago and moved around a fair bit with different jobs, adding to my story. I live in Banora Point with my partner Kath and we’re getting married in April 26. I have three sons 28-36 years and three granddaughters under two. It’s a matter of pride to me, that all three sons ride bikes, and I’ve gifted the girls a bike seat and a balance bike, to get them started on the best hobby there is. I’m an agricultural scientist and have a small IT business providing software for working outdoors - but the universe is telling me to retire and enjoy the next chapter of my life, here in Paradise. I had best stop now 😊.







