Great Ocean Road 200k

Last weekend I undertook the no lights 200k option of the Great Ocean Road ride. Like last year the ride started in Anglesea. Peter asked me to lead the bunch out of town but I knew as soon as we hit the climb  I would start to go backwards raher quickly. By the time I reached the top of the climb and the Forest Rd turn off 9 or 10 riders had passed me and formed a bunch about 200 metres ahead. I sensed that they were travelling at a pace I might be able to stick with so over the next kilometre or so I made an effort to catch them. I slotted on to the back and chatted with Peter Curtis and Fraser Rowe for a while. I rode with the bunch into Moriac and along the Cape Otway road into the Deans Marsh road but then knew I would not be able to stay with them as the climb to Bambra began. I dropped off to settle into my own comfortable climbing pace through Bambra and onto Deans Marsh. As I approached the high point of the ride at Benwerrin I caught Richard Freemantle and we started the long fast descent into Lorne. A few riders who had taken a break at Deans Marsh came past me on the way down and most of the lead group were already enjoying a coffee and bun from the bakery when I arrived. The ride onto Apollo Bay was into a solid south west wind but it was good to know that it would be of benefit on the return journey to the finish. A great spread of food was available and I took advantage of some lovely hot soup. Refuelled, bottles filled and the knowledge that more than half the ride was done I set off back along the road towards Lorne and Anglesea. A stop at Lorne for a little more food and drink and I was feeling good so I was able to ride on for a strong finish. This was another quality ride staged by Peter Donnan and crew.