Well I have finally got back on the bike after a very nasty illness. I've missed some great Audax rides in the last few months and lost the opportunity for my second year round randonneur award. Guess there is always next year.
Anyhow this weekend I made my comeback! Although still very much uncertain about my capability I entered Lorraine Allen's Wandong Winter Wander 200.
Registration
It was a pretty cool crisp morning that saw the riders heading off on the variety of distances up to 200k. The day turned out to be a beautiful winter day with lots of sunshine and with no wind to speak of. The course heads off from Wandong to Seymour, then up to Nagambie across to Longwood then back via Avenel to Seymour and back to Wandong.
Henry De Man on arrival at Nagambie
There's a few sharp climbs with an overall elevation gain/loss of 1400 metres but in reality the ride is not too difficult and the roads are quiet. I spent a good bit of the first half of the ride riding with Steve Xerri and Richard Freemantle. The second half I rode solo finshing around 4:30 with a riding time of 7hrs 52 mins for the 204k. Thanks to Lorraine, George and the crew for a great ride.
