The Weekly Rider - Carl Pfeiffer

Carl Pfeiffer is the La Velocity Weekly Rider. Carl runs cycling apparel brand FYF, find your freedom. We love the idea of his FYF monthly 'Mystery Rides' something that every bunch should do! We talk to Carl about why he loves to ride!

Name: Carl Pfeiffer

Lives: Brisbane, Australia

Dream Bike: Ha ha, this changes every week, but at the moment I have my eye set on a new Look 695.  I don’t need a new bike, I already have a number of high end bikes in the stable, but the continual innovation within the industry keeps you lusting after new shiny toys!  N+1 so the saying goes...

Favourite Local Ride: That’s a hard one, there are so many good rides up this way. It’s one of the reasons we started the FYF monthly mystery rides.  A different ‘Director Sportif’ each month is responsible for finding new unexplored routes with a secret cafe to enjoy.  

Beyond the mystery ride, I enjoy a spurt up Mt Nebo onto Mt Glorious and down. It is a good long climb up through the national park with some awesome views and conveniently placed cafes at the top.  And the descent back down is spectacular! 

Cycling Goal: The Bicycle Network Peaks Challenge down on the Gold Coast in August which looks like a bit of fun.

When I am on the bike I: am happy.  I love the anticipation when you throw the leg over the bike and set off for the day.  Every ride is different so whether it’s soaking up the atmosphere in a bunch ride or hammering it home and pushing your body’s limits, you’re at one with the bike in that moment and it totally frees your headspace.  I love that I can get a workout, find amazing new places and have a chat all at the same time.

How did your love for bikes come about… I’ve loved riding bikes since I was a kid, my brother & I lived on them and skateboards.  We used to make gnarly jumps with other kids in the street, or head up the bush and just get lost for hours.  The bike gave us freedom to explore.

Share a cycling memory: Riding the French Alps around Le Bourg D’Osians a few years back was pretty special.  It’s a mystical area, especially the scenery heading up Alp D’Huez with its 21 hairpins, and just the history of it in cycling folklore.  That was a lifelong dream that I want to go back and do again sometime soon.

I love to ride because: of the sense of freedom it allows.  Whether it’s the tranquility of cutting though the country side, or the adrenalin of racing a bunch of mates around the suburbs, nothing frees the mind as much as the bike.  

I’ve discovered so many places I wouldn’t have otherwise found on the bike, and I love meeting new people to share the experience with, to test yourself against and to enjoy a chat and a coffee with at the end.  

The full FYF range can be viewed at Findyourfreedom.com.au