No conversation about the Beverley-to-Perth Race is complete without mentioning William Bonser.

“Toti”, as he was affectionately known – named after the Italian soprano Toti Dal Monte following an early-in-his-career post-race singing session in the shower – was originally from Coolgardie and completed his first Beverley-to-Perth in 1927 as a 17 year old.

He finished 18th off a 29 minute handicap. Not bad for a country kid from the flats racing against “race hardened warriors” well practiced on hills and pea gravel.

20 years and twelve Beverley-to-Perth starts later, the 37 year old Toti had on his trophy shelf three fastest times and four podiums. He finished in the Top 10 six times.

Toti retired from bike racing in 1947 to train racehorses. However, in 1975 after breaking his pelvis in a trotting accident, doctors told him he would always have trouble walking. He promptly jumped back on the bike to challenge that prognosis.

It took ten years, but in 1986 the spritely 74 year old would again climb to the top, this time in Masters Racing. Between 1986 and 1993, he collected a further 17 titles and podiums in various criteriums and road championships including “Best All Rounder” in the 1993 Australian Masters Games. He was 83.

And the Beverley-to-Perth? In 1989 at 77 years of age, he finished one more Beverley-to-Perth earning the “Most Courageous Rider” award.

The Collie “Bill ‘Toti’ Bonser Memorial” cycle race would be named in recognition of his cycling achievements. The highlight of the race was the ride up Heart Break Hill where Toti had launched a solo attack in 1934 and won. There in the bush near the memorial for Toti and his brother Edward ‘Stewart’, his ashes are scattered where in spirit he continues to ride with his fraternity.

With thanks to Kevin, Patsey and Kevin Bonser