I have not done any hilly rides or preparation for this because my
body has not cooperated since my surgery in February and 2 bouts of bronchitis.
I opted for the short ride which was only 55km but we were in for a 950m
elevation day.
I knew I could finish the ride with plenty of time to spare to get
ready before the lunch session at 1pm but I was also aware that I will be in a
world of hurt as I am not a climber – my legs and lungs really do give out far
too quickly these days.
With the location of the ride being at Cape Schanck it was
easier to get to compared to last year’s ride at Healesville. I arrived in time
to get my things ready, a quick visit to the toilets and then the short ride
down to the registration area to pick up the required stickers and timing
information.
We took a group photo of all the Probuild riders before the 85km
group set off on their ride. There were 3 others from work (whom I knew and
work with on various projects) who were doing the 55km ride with me. We started
the ride together and kept as a group for about 7km or so before the climbs
started and my little weak muscle legs couldn’t keep up. I had let them know
earlier on that if I get dropped that they are not to wait for me, I will see
them at the rest stop and/or at the lunch.
The route was along Boneo Road which was great as we were in the
tailwind and there was a slight descent which meant that our speed was close to
40km/hr without much pedalling and I was with the boys.
We turned right along
Browns Road and this is where I was dropped as there was an incline. There was
a left turn up Purves Road which is the back way up towards Arthur’s Seat. The
climb was not hard at all, it was just a good ride. I had the fast 85km group
go passed me that this point along with other 85km riders along the climb. Once
we reached Arthur’s Seat, it was straight down Arthurs Seat Rd which was nice
and fast. We then turned right in Red Hill onto Shoreham Road which was rolling
hills until I saw the rest stop at Pier 10 winery for a rest stop. I had a few
glasses of juice and the group of guys I was riding with thought we could start
the ride before the 85km riders arrived but we were held back as there needed
to be a lead car in front of us.
We rode off as a group when we were allowed to and the descents
down were very fast as my speeds reached beyond 60km/h. I was dropped again
when we started the climbs and I was back being a solo rider once again. The
rolling hills were great but I started to worry as I was getting a bit over
confident. I really didn’t want to crash during this event especially with cars
around me.
The final challenge for the day is the KOM climb which is timed.
There was no chance that I was to be winning this (QOM) so I just rode it with
consistent tempo and keeping my heart rate checked. My cadence went below 60rpm
but I knew that I would be able to hold that rhythm longer than if I was to
push beyond that.
The final 1km was along the driveway of the RACV club. I loaded up
my bike into my car and took a shower before the lunch event.
