Not tearing around at the rear of one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Geoffrey Hawkins, of Callala Bay however prefers the latter.

He spent two weeks cycling behind this year’s Tour de France.

His daughter-in-law Lisa Hawkins said he found the tour online and signed up.

“There were mainly Australian and US riders on the tour, but they were all a lot younger than him,” she said.

“He said it was an amazing experience.

“He had never been to the tour and it was something he always wanted to do, he never thought he would ride on the actual course.

“Some mornings they would get up and ride ahead of the tour and then stop and watch it go by.

“They covered the same course as the professional riders.

“Some of the climbs they had to cover were amazing.” 

Mr Hawkins, who has beaten two bouts of cancer, is well known in masters cycling circles.

He moved to the Shoalhaven last November after living, riding and racing in the Bathurst area.

A successful cyclist as a young man, he rode constantly before giving up the sport to try fishing.

“About 10 years ago he got back on the bike, gave the boat to his grandson and hasn’t looked back,” Mrs Hawkins said.

“He trains six days a week and on his day off the bike he is in the gym with a personal trainer.”

He recently returned from the New Zealand Masters with four gold and five silver medals.

His next big adventure is the MS Ride from Sydney to Wollongong on November 3.

To support Mr Hawkins’ efforts in the Sydney to Gong ride through sponsorship phone Lisa on 44465725.