Great Ocean Road 200k - A brilliant ride!

A week of feeling lethargic after a 600 in the worst weather conditions for some time had me concerned about how my body would perform on the ride this weekend. The climb from Deans Marsh to Benwerrin and the constant undulations along the Great Ocean Road are testing, and had me thinking a bit, but at least they are quite familar to me so I just needed to adjust accordingly.

Peter Donnan modified the route this year to start from Angelsea rather than Grovedale and I must say what a great decision. I chose the no lights 8am start, 11 hour time limit option and the plan was to ride within myself due to the residual tiredness I seemed to be carrying. In no time we were off in the chilly air and I immediately let the quickies pull away from the first climb out of Angelsea.

 In no time we were off

It wasn't long before Ian George and I settled in to a similar pace and we found ourselves swapping turns at the front on the way to Moriac.On to Cape Otway Road and we were making good time but I felt I was pushing a little too hard. I said to Ian I was going to back off a little. Once I turned into the Winchelsea-Lorne Road I stopped to shed the wind-breaker as the temperature was beginning to climb just as I would be every soon. Up to Bambra and then on to Deans Marsh before the steeper grades to Benwerrin at an elevation of about 430m then 10k of all downhill into Lorne - wheeeee! The controle was the usual bakery where the brevet card was signed and a hot cross bun gratefully received. That was 82 k in about 3 hrs which was pleasing.
One really good aspect of this ride now is that Apollo Bay controle and turn around now comes at the 128k point which is well over half way. As usual Peter, Eileen and Peter's sister were at Apollo Bay with oodles of great food to fuel the riders for the return leg.

 Apollo Bay controle

There had been a slight tailwind on the way out so the slight headwind on the way back certainly slowed my pace but by the same token kept me cool and relaxed on a beautiful sunny day. The ocean looked a magnificent greeny blue and some nice little rolling waves had quite a few surfers out at the popular spots along the way. The traffic generally behaved itself and was not too bad in terms of volume. A stop at the Lorne bakery again broke up the return leg nicely. Food and drink and I was topped up for a 4:35 pm finish and a riding time of a touch over 7hrs 45 mins. Some good conversation after the ride at a beautiful finishing point on the Angelsea River helped make this another one to remember. Yes it was a brilliant ride!

Beautiful finishing point on the Angelsea River

A 600k to remember

For the past 3 years I had ridden either 400 or 600k at Heywood in SW Victoria on this long weekend but with the cancellation of the Southern Series Merryn and Stephen Rowlands kindly filled the breach by running "You Would Have to be Crazy" from Lancefield.

I chose the 600k as this would complete a super series for me this Audax season and I felt I need the longer ride to put me into the right shape and mindset for my first 1000k event next month

A group of about 25 riders set off on various distances at 7am on Saturday morning. My plan was again to ride conservatively and this was how I set off. A bit towards the back of the field on the way out of Lancefield but slowly moving forward. Eventually a reasonable size group formed as we headed through Carlsruhe and in through Kyneton. Things split up a bit on the way out of town and I seemed to be between two groups so I  pushed a little harder to catch the front group. This eventually broke up and for the next 40 to 50k to Bendigo I yo-yoed with Kathryn Temby, Peter Curtis and Peter Martin. Spending minimum time at the Bendigo controle I set off in the rising humidity. The afternoon was warm on the return leg to Lancefield and as I reduced my effort a number of riders passed me but that was fine as most of them were riding a lesser distance. I topped up my water bottles at a Kyneton servo and just around Carlsruhe the first rain began. On with the wet top when it got heavier but 5 minutes later the rain had stopped. I arrived at Lancefield around 3pm and then the first serious rain began with some decent sized hail to boot. After eating some lovely soup I then set off in light drizzle that proceeded to get heavier as I climbed into the range just out of town. This cleared soon after for the ride through Kilmore then Wallan. Once on the road to Wandong the heavans opened up - big time! It rained torrentially for more than 20 minutes. I made it into a servo to escape the deluge, and took a break, but they had water gushing through the roof as well.  Once it eased to normal rain I set off again and 10 minutes later the sun came out. The rain top was on  and off several times for the rest of the leg back to Lancefield. The enthusiasm was now waning a little for it was now wet and dark. The leg out to Riddells Creek wasn't that much fun in these conditions and with a reasonable amount of traffic on the road. My plan to ride through the night went out the window as I was having lighting troubles and it was wet and it was cold. After 350k I decided to grab some food, baked beans on toast, and  some sleep and see what Sunday morning would bring.
Not feeling like eating I headed off at 5:45am and it was still raining for the ride to Woodend and the grind to Trentham. I stopped at Trentham and had a homemade pie and cappuchino that really hit the spot. A further stop at Kyneton for a flavoured milk and I felt like I was now fuelling appropriately for the day ahead. I arrived at the Lancefield controle about 11 am and had some lovely pumpkin soup.

 450 of 600k completed

The next leg was again warm and humid and very hilly as I worked my way to Pyalong and on to Tallarook. Cold drinks and a toasted sandwich and the knowledge I had less than 100k to go boosted my confidence. Climbing out of Pyalong on the return it started to rain. Then it started to pour. Then it just pelted down with lightning and cracks of thunder close by. As I was descending approaching Lancefield the wind was stripping bark off nearby trees and moving the bike a half metre at a time. I was pleased to get to the shelter of the final controle which had moved from the tennis clubhouse to the Lancefield caravan park where I was greeted by my wife Carol, daughter Kelly and Stephen. Two bowls of pumpkin soup warmed me up and when I finally hit the road for the last 35k it was still raining and a bit of lightning was still around. I was initially quite cold and shivering was causing my steering to wobble but I soon warmed up and rode strongly to finish before dark. Thanks Merryn and Stephen for organising the series of rides, all the work they put in to the club, and thanks to the other helpers over the weekend

Another 200k Permanent

This ride began at the South Geelong Railway Station. I was accompanied by John and Geoff who are regular Geelong Touring Club riders. We left at 6:30 am. The forecast was for strong north winds and temperatures in the mid 30's. The ride out to Moriac then on to Winchelsea was quite pleasant.

 John and Geoff - Wichelsea railway crossing

It was on the leg from there to Teesdale that the gale force northerlies started to blow across the Golden Plains. We used my place at Teesdale as the first checkpoint which was at about the 75k mark.

 

My place at Teesdale was the first checkpoint

Fed and watered it was time to move on towards Meredith. It was already very hot and the wind was gusting upwards of 60 kph. The heat, wind and long gentle climb had me slowing to a conservative pace as these are conditions I generally seem to do poorly in. After the Meredith stop the climbs and descents of the Brisbane Ranges were helped by the tailwind that we had worked so hard to earn throughout the morning. By now the heat was taking its toll on me and the first signs of cramp were apparant in my legs.A few short stops then a longer  stop in the shade before climbing the Pollicksford Road hill. Geoff had been riding strongly all day so he was first to the top, I was next and then we waited for John but he did not appear for some time. He had got in a bit of a tangle with his recently acquired recumbant which he was taking on its longest workout to date and had toppled over. I  welcomed having another break while Geoff helped John to adjust his steering that had gone a bit awry. It was pretty much down hill to Moriac again and after some refreshments we set off on the last 20 odd kilometres. My cramping was increasing in intensity and I could put very little pressure on the peddles. Twice a stop was required for me to relieve them. Turning into the final straight 300 metres from the finish the fluid in my stomach said it would rather be out than in so I had to stop for another 5 minutes to compose myself. Finally I pulled into the car park where Geoff who had finished a good 20 minutes earlier and John were wating with my wife Carol wondering where I had got to.

 Finally finished

Clearly the heat took its toll on me again so I am looking forward to some cooler riding weather in coming months. A big thanks to John and Geoff for their company.

Greendale Jaunt - 200K Permanent

Up at 4:30am to ensure an early start for my solo 200k ride from Werribee. Cereal and fruit for breakfast and a 50 minute drive to the start followed. I set off on the bike at 6:10am about 20 minutes before sunrise so lights, reflective vest and anklets were the order of the day. The air was heavy, clouds were low and a slight mist was present for the ride out of town. There was plenty of cars already on the road which was a surprise. This ride slowly climbs into the hills around Toolern Vale and passes Lake Merrimu before the first checkpoint at Bacchus Marsh. More serious climbs follow as you ascend into the Pentland Hills with views back towards Werribee Gorge. As I gained elevation today  the clouds became lower and a mist, almost a light fog, hung around the hills.

  "almost a light fog hung around the hills"

I headed through Myrniong, Korobeit and Greendale making regular short climbs and descents. I then passed through Ballan then down into Morrisons before arriving at Meredith right on midday.

"down into Morrisons"

The ride through the Brisbane Ranges after lunch was very pleasant and not even the short but wicked climb in DeMotts Road near Anakie was a bother. The last part of the ride was probably the most difficult as the SW wind had picked up a deal so sections of the route that pointed towards Geelong and Lara were quite tough but the last 5k along the railway to Werribee was a breeze. I pulled in to town at 3:20 pm feeling quite fresh and relaxed. A good day in the saddle!

Buckley's Ride

In 1803 convict William Buckley escaped from a settlement near present day Sorrento. He survived for 32 years in the Port Phillip region living with the aboriginals. On the last day of January 2010 Chris Rogers ran Buckley’s ride.

Buckley’s Ride is a 219 km circumnavigation of Port Phillip Bay that for any experienced randonneur would normally be quite straightforward and routine. A flat and scenic ride ride with no real hills to speak of.

Twilight start at Albert Park

About a dozen riders left an Albert Park carpark just after twilight on their counterclockwise circuit of the bay. Gale force crosswinds dominated much of the trek to Queenscliff with an occasional direction change bringing the wind behind to accelerate riders to higher speeds. The temperature rose steadily during the morning so when riders arrived at the ferry the mercury was already above 30 degrees. The ferry crossed a very choppy bay to drop the riders at Sorrento for the return leg back to Melbourne up the east side of the bay. The afternoon was a scorcher with the temperature around 36 or so with a hot strong wind generally retarding one’s progress and sapping ones strength. A cool change finally brought relief and assistance to some of the riders later in the afternoon.

I am sure all riders felt they had been challenged on this ride with some us even suffering but surviving in the trying conditions. Congratulations to all riders and survivors. Thanks to Chris for organizing the ride.

A day focussed on Cycling

A Morning Ride

The day started with a 40k ride with Carol.

First we headed to the rural hamlet of Shelford.

Then along the Leigh Valley

To a coffee stop at the Inverleigh General Store

Then climbing gently along Common Road

With views across the farmland

Eventually reaching the outskirts of Teesdale.

It was a very pleasant ride.

A visit to the Bicycle Store

To buy some shoes and clipless pedals for Carol

Then to Eastern Park, Geelong

To watch the pros at the Jayco Bay Classic Criterium series

My 2009 Cycling Year in Review

January
Two rides, both with serious climbs, started off the year. Murchison Gap (100k) and the Mt Wallace 150 were both ridden in mild conditions. Late in the month I rode my first true Audax 2.2.5 200k event which was held under extremely hot and trying conditions

Relaxing during a training ride @ Lismore, Vic.

February
The month started with a good ride in the ABBA 300 and also included a fast 100k at Maryborough.
 March
This month provided two of the years highlights,  a succesful Southern 600k at Heywood and the Fleche Opperman. This year teaming with Peter Donnan, Hans Dusink, Leigh Paterson and Frank Preyer.

Not One Moore - Oppy Team 2009
From Left: Leigh, Peter, Hans, George, Frank

 The Merrimu Meander 120k also  ensured I got my share of hill training.

Car Park finish for Mal's Merrimu Meander

April
My third Great Ocean Road 200k and a 100k at Malmsbury lead on to a 400k titled "You would have to be Crazy" at Lancefield. I really struggled on this ride which included rain, severe winds and cold. Peter Donnan pulled me through on this one which gave me my first Super Series for the Audax year.

Great Ocean Road finish

May
Two 200k rides for the month. Wheels on Fire at Drouin and Blackgate Saunter at Grovedale were both a bit of a struggle in cool to cold conditions.
June
Back to back 200k rides at the Queen Royal Tour at Creswick started the month. Day one was very wet and very cold, day two was very windy. A foggy start for the Wandong Winter Wander 200k rounded out the month.
July
Only one 200k ride in July, Gales East of the Prom at Foster provided a  wet ride down to Tidal River and a very scenic ride through the hills at the back of Fish Creek.
August
Three 200k rides in this month. The most memorable was Ballarat Bertie for the extremely high winds throughout the day. The King Parrot Creek ride took me through the Kinglake area devasted by bushfires 6 months earlier.
September
Spring into Seymour 200k lead on to a strong solo 300k ride in the Wild Wild West from Werribee. Mallee Routes 200k was a tale of two halves brought about by very high winds.
October
A tough hilly 200k to Noojee and a challenging Greendale Jaunt 200 Permanent laid the foundation for my highlight of the year for me. The Gran Tourissimo Series provided me with a second Super Series for the year, earnt in the space of 9 days. A bit of illness on the 400, a beautiful ride over Mt Hotham on the 200, a tailwind 300 and a hot and sleepless 600 made this series something to remember.

Setting off from Winchelsea 400k down 200k to go - Gran Tourissimo Quarto

November
A humid, wet and windy Indigo Classic 200 and a wet and windy Bellarine 100 startd the new Audax season.
December
The longer distance bug started biting so a 400k at Maryborough and a 300k Eildon Endurance finished off the year.

Total distance ridden in 2009 = 16, 444km

Weekend Ride

I have been enjoying  having a regular ride with Carol over the past few weeks. She has really been enjoying getting out on the road in our local area. On todays ride she clocked up 40 kilometres with me. We rode from home to Shelford, along the Leigh Valley and on to Inverleigh. A caffeine stop at the local shop before heading back through the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve to Teesdale. The photograph below is of Carol descending the hill into Shelford. I use this hill regularly for training on, its around 8% for a bit under a km.

Eildon Endurance

A change of mind saw me ride the Eildon Enduance 300k out of Shepparton on Saturday in lieu of doing the 100k Bah Humbug out of Wandong. I thought I would take advantage of the mild temperatures (mid 20's) that were forecast and get in another longer ride before the summer heat sets in. I find the really hot days take a toll on my riding performance and much perefer it cooler.  The 6am start from the Victoria Lake Caravan Park saw a dozen or so riders who were doing either the 300 or 400k option for this ride.

Prior to Eildon Endurance start

The course for the 300k ride is basically Shepparton, Violet Town, Euroa, Merton, Yarck, Alexandra, Eildon, Alexandra, Yarck, Terip Terip, Euroa, Shepparton. The 400K adds Euroa and back. The day although not hot was quite windy and combine that with the two crossings of the Strathbogie Ranges with some pretting serious climbs along with a few reasonable passes to negotiate near Alexandra meant it was a   reasonably challenging ride. I rode with Rodney, Ben and Kev  for a fair bit of the first half and a bit of the second half.

A short break at top of the Strathbogie Ranges

I had areasonably strong ride for the first half but found my performance tapering off significantly in the second half. I finshed the ride before 7 pm. Ride time of 11h 40m , total time around 12h 55m

Highs and lows of the week

Well it didn't start out as  a great week at work. Last Tuesday I was taking a minibus load of new starters within the organisation on a tour of our operations at my workplace. Whilst travelling innocently along the Princes Highway our bus was struck by an out of control vehicle.The oncoming car was spinning as it's rear hit the bus front and centre. It was travelling quite quickly whereas the bus had just negotiated a roundabout and was doing no more than 30kph. I was in the aisle seat of the bus behind the driver and upon impact was thrown forward hitting my head on the dash. I sustained only minor glass cuts to the forehead and a decent knock to my lower leg. Other passengers had minor knocks and most of them were quite shaken as was the bus driver. The driver of the car faired far worse and was in a poor condition when taken to hospital.

The week improved considerably on Thursday as my new car was delivered. Its the same vehicle type as the old one, Ford Territory TS, but this one is a different colour. Among other things it has plenty of space to fit my bike inside.

Carol's New Bike

It's Carol's birthday tomorrow and she has a new bike. She has been riding religously over the past month and is regularly exceeding 20 kilometres a day. Her new bike which she received on Sunday is a Diamondback flat bar road bike and she reckons it goes really well. All I can say is that she had it moving very quickliy tonight. I can see an Audax ride for her coming up in the future.

Jump the Gun - 400k

A 6am start with a forecast of temperatures in the low to mid 20's made this an ideal ride to get a reasonably long ride under the belt. I chose a 400k as I'd had a week that was less than relaxing and also lacking in adequate sleep and thought a 600 would be pushing things a little.
Setting off a bunch of about 6 of us moved away from the remainder of riders. The group held together through Carisbrook as we looped back around to Dunolly for the first control. Things broke up after that and I rode with Martin Chambers who was doing the 100k. Another control at  Avoca and then on back to Maryborough. I said farewell to Martin and pulled in to a cafe for some food at 9:45 with 100k covered. Before I could get in the shop a mountain bike enthusiast got talking to me about everything from GPSs to bike frames. My wife happened along and saved me from a losing too much time in conversation. In for a pastie and cappuchino but I made the mistake while waiting for the order of going back out to my bike briefly only to be consumed again in talk with the same guy. Sorry I said but I better get back to the wife. Phew!
After the break I was off on my way to Newstead via Maldon. Peter Horsley rode with me from around Maldon to the outskirts of Maryborough. Just out of Maldon we had an incident where we were abused by a yobbo who did his best to brake suddenly in front of us then try to drive as close to Peter as he could. Later another driver in a 4wd bomb screeched brakes behind us in an effort to slow down to avoid running into us. Fortunately that was to be the last hillbillies we encountered. Newstead was the next control and after that a push into a firm wind on the way to Campbelltown before turning towards Majorca. Peter was doing 300k and I eased back over the last few k's into Maryborough to complete a bit over 200k by 2:20pm.

  Part way through the 400k at Maryborough

The day to this point had been relatively overcast and the temperature mild reaching about 20 C. A half hour or so break for lunch then on towards the Newbridge control. Stopping at the local pub had its humour as about half a dozen locals well and truly lubricated  argued about the performance of various individuals in the local footy competition. Back to Maryborough to have 300k wiped off by 7:10pm  Another break of about three quarters of an hour including an evening meal and a shower to freshen up had me feeling confident of finishing aroud nidnight. Out to Avoca as the sun set and back to Maryborough. A quick change to put on arm warmers and wind vest then a glorious ride under clear night skies to Dunolly and back. I pulled into the caravan park base at a quarter after 12. I was pleased with the total time as I had spent a considerable amount off the bike during the ride. 25kph average whilst riding was also pleasing. Some pleasant conversation with Simon Watt who was running the ride about all things associated with distance riding rounded out a great day.