Gavin Bannerman, Co-founder, Pushies Galore
Churning out some amazing homemade pizza and opening a good bottle of wine ...
Gavin Bannerman is a man of many titles. As an archivist at the State Library of Queensland and father to 10-month-old son Vincent, the bike enthusiast has also found the time to pursue his passion for bikes as co-organiser of Pushies Galore. After melding his passion for photography and telling bike lover’s stories through an exhibition at Bleeding Heart Gallery, Gavin co-founded Pushies Galore with Richard Butler in 2011 as a way to support and nurture the growing bike culture in Brisbane. Part bike-swap, part bike-meet, the third annual Pushies Galore event will be held on Sunday July 14. The Holland Park Bowls Club will come alive with a flurry of wheels as the event kicks off with trade stalls, kids’ activities, live music and show ‘n’ shine competitions. Everyone from the amateur weekend fixie rider to the roadbike pro is invited to join the festivities. The Weekend Edition caught up with Gavin to chat weekend rituals.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I love walking out of the office on Friday afternoon, thinking about all of the possibilities. Generally I’ll end up snuggling with Vincent, my 10-month-old son, on the couch watching Friday night football.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I’ve got a little ritual. Vincent and I go to get the papers to give Mum a sleep-in. Then it’s a lazy morning of coffee and breakfast. I give the little guy the Drive section of The Sydney Morning Herald to scrunch up. I never really read that part of the paper.
How do you like to unwind?
I always feel relaxed after exercise. Whether it’s a game of soccer, a bike ride or a good walk, I’m always better after some form of physical exertion.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A mix of time-out, time with friends and time with family. Throw in good music, food, coffee and a hot bath.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
We recently had home renovations done. It’s been more than six months since the builders finished their part and I’m still yet to paint the deck.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I’m in love with our house at the moment. Sunday would ideally be hanging out with my family, churning out some amazing homemade pizza and opening a good bottle of wine.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
The countdown to Pushies Galore! I’m looking forward to getting a million things crossed off my to-do list.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m dipping in and out of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Gambler. My attention span is shot to pieces at the moment – I’ve found myself reading magazines a lot. British Journal of Photography and VICE magazine are currently top of the reading pile.
What inspires you?
Seeing people do things with commitment and conviction.
What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player. I had it all planned as a little kid – I wanted to play in France and live the good life. I think watching the Tour de France on TV made me want to live in a provincial French castle.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My relationship with my wife Jody and our son Vincent.
What is success to you?
Having balance in my life – maintaining good relationships, having physical and mental wellbeing and doing meaningful work that makes a difference to others.
What are your words of wisdom?
Focus on what really matters to you. Don’t let trivial things get in the way of what you hold dearest.
Only a local would know that … West Toowong Bowls Club is a gem of a place for an afternoon beer.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … The Single Guys, Kenmore.
Relax … Anzac Park, Toowong.
Dine … The Alliance Hotel, Spring Hill.
Indulge … Craft, Red Hill.
Shop … Gear, West End.
Catch-up … Nowhere Espresso, Toowong.
Be inspired … My father-in-law Stephen Hart is a sculptor. His studio in Newstead is inspirational.