Alwyn Miller is a true Grafton to Inverell veteran, facing his seventh race this year. He's done time on the B Grade podium, and was a C Grade champion 22 years ago.
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He's keen to prove that age doesn't need to slow him down.
"I've always managed to be in the top 10, but I haven't got a B Grade win," he said.
"I'm probably a bit older but hopefully I'm a bit wiser and can look after myself."
He said age doesn't have to be a negative and those aged 40-45 can still win the race with the right preparation.
Miller admits that at 228 kilometres, the Grafton to Inverell is a punishing ride, but says he enjoys the endurance challenge.
"The longer the race the better for me. I tend to come good after I start getting a few ks in the legs. The older you get I think the further it takes to warm up."
Clever strategy is key to Miller's approach. He says it's essential to conserve energy and watch for competitors' strengths and weaknesses.
Miller likes to stay in the top 20 all day; the perfect place to watch for breaks or headwinds and not get caught behind those who are struggling to keep up.
"There's a lot of people think bike riding is just all about being the strongest rider on the day, but for me it's the opposite," he said.
"I've won races and I've done well in races not through being the strongest but just through looking after myself and just being aware of what's going on, not just going out the front and showing that you're the strongest rider." He remembers one cycle classic where he felt he was the strongest B Grade rider but lost the race because he didn't conserve his energy.
"I'm pretty happy with where I'm at. Personally I'd like to finish in the top 10."
Having trained with most local riders, Miller believes Ryan Thomas and Dylan Sunderland are both potential A Grade winners, while his Zak Sunderland and Callum Dolby are both riding well in the B Grade.
"I think it's motivated me a lot more to just go out on training rides with them. They're half my age but it's been good to know that I'm still competitive and I'm still riding well," Miller said.
Much of Miller's training has been mountain bike based, after competing in the Australian Championships last month and facing a five hour marathon in Tamworth on the weekend.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
