A New Year Jaunt

I needed a long ride with a relaxed effort to continue the build up of my base fitness after a few months of easy training and just a few Audax rides. So Meredith just before 6:30am was my starting location for a 200k ride through the Brisbane Ranges, the western plains of Melbourne and the Pentland Hills. It was decidely brisk so a long sleeve windbreaker kept me warm for the lumpy ride to Anakie. The Moorabool River valley, Steiglitz and the DeMotts Road climbs made sure I wasn't too cold and shortly after Anakie the air began to warm and I was able to function well with my summer top and arm warmers. I paused after the long downhill into Staughton Vale at the Anakie Gorge turn off.

at the Anakie Gorge turn off

Then onwards passing the You Yangs on the way to Werribee (72k) and a stop and a servo for some refreshment and food. Out along Tarneit Road through the endless sea of houses then through Rockbank and on past the Windmill before turning west towards Toolern Vale.

past the Windmill

There were now some good views back over the Werribee Plains, with the You Yangs in the distance,  as a good bit of elevation gain had been achieved. As I passed Lake Merrimu it was pleasing to see it holding much more water than the last time I had passed.

I passed Lake Merrimu

A rapid sweeping descent to my next stop at a servce station in Bacchus Marsh (136k) at about noon. A bite to eat, some more drink then off for the climbing into the Pentland Hills. Up to Myrniong, then Korebeit, Greendale and Ballan all with challenging grades to negotiate but all very rewarding with great views of the countryside. A fight with a stiff headwind for the last 35k to Meredith including a bone shaking ride through Morrisons and my 200 was finished. Then a quiet 30k ride home meeting up with Carol on the way to ride with.