COFFEE trade in Buninyong is booming with cafes reporting the biggest build-up ever to Super Sunday in Cycling Australia Road National Championships.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And the early influx has taken them all by surprise.
Cyclists, and more of them, have been lingering longer after time trials in the township. Traders also say far more athletes, support crews and enthusiasts have been riding through town for training and tourism.
Espresso Depot owner Michelle Ran said her cafe had been flat-out all week but it was about embracing the festival spirit and trying to keep up with demand.
“We’ve never had this big a build-up, we’re prepared more for Saturday and Sunday,” Ms Ran said. “We really look forward to the cycling. The people are really positive, they like it here and they like the track.”
Fruit salads and cool drinks had become a priority with a scorcher predicted for Saturday and a warm Sunday ahead.
The Buninyong Bakehouse, like most hospitality in town, is rolling with whatever happens. Bakehouse owner Ashley Murphy said weather tended to have a big impact on customer numbers but a likely sunny 23C on Sunday was perfect for cycling and business.
Prepared for anything with earlier racing on Saturday, Mr Murphy and his team have also been cooking an extra 50-dozen pies to cater for Sunday.
“It has been absolutely crazy the past couple of days,” Mr Murphy said. “Cycling boosts the economy both little business in town and in bringing more people to the region.”
Professional cyclist and vlogger Chris Miller was lapping up sunshine and lattes with his NeroKOM teammates at Pig and Goose on Friday morning to relax between duty. Mr Miller said cycling tourism and culture was growing across the nation. People loved to learn about cycle-friendly towns they could and should visit on their rides.
His team enjoyed Buninyong’s vibe and the “superb” road race course.
Pig and Goose owner Wendy Kirby is ready for her third nationals and, while the week is getting bigger, Sunday was the big chance to serve-up. The foodstore will adopt a smaller menu with more grab-and-go options.
Chocolatto, also near the Warrenheip Street finish, will again prepare a set-up outdoors to reach more foot and bike traffic and be part of the festive atmosphere.
