3 Peaks Challenge - The Climbing Cyclist

September 20, 2018September 21, 2018

The ups and downs of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

As the 10th edition of Bicycle Network’s Peaks Challenge Falls Creek approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on my experiences in the early years of the event. The following is a story about my relationship with the single toughest but most satisfying one-day ride I’ve done. Read more

March 14, 2014April 4, 2014

3 Peaks Challenge 2014

For the past four years Bicycle Network's 3 Peaks Challenge has been the focal point of my cycling year. But this year a niggling knee injury stopped me from doing enough training and, ultimately, taking part in the event. But my brother Brendan de Neef was able to take my place and he wrote this report. Read more

March 15, 2012April 23, 2012

Episode 19: 3 Peaks Challenge 2012

Route: 3 Peaks Challenge
Distance: 235km

There was a brief moment on the lower slopes of Mt Hotham when I thought to myself: ‘Finishing 3 … Read more “Episode 19: 3 Peaks Challenge 2012”

March 9, 2012

Episode 18: Let’s roll!

The fact I’ve already completed the 3 Peaks Challenge before doesn’t feel like an advantage at this stage. I feel surprisingly nervous for Sunday and I’m more than a little bit scared of how my ITB is going to hold … Read more “Episode 18: Let’s roll!”

March 1, 2012

Episode 17: Beach Road vs. Mt. Dandenong

Route: Thornbury, Emerald, Olinda, Dandenongs loop
Distance: 183km
Duration: 7 hours 11 minutes

Do you ever have one of those days where you wake up … Read more “Episode 17: Beach Road vs. Mt. Dandenong”

February 22, 2012

Episode 16: the magical Reefton Spur

Route: Warburton, Marysville, Lake Mountain loop
Distance: 140km
Duration: 5 hours 32 minutes

Over the past nine months it’s been inspiring to see the Donvale … Read more “Episode 16: the magical Reefton Spur”

February 16, 2012

Episode 15: pushing through pain for a Buller PB

Route: Bonnie Doon to Tolmie, via Mt. Buller
Distance: 146km
Duration: 5 hours 32 minutes

I’ve spent more on physiotherapy bills in the past three … Read more “Episode 15: pushing through pain for a Buller PB”

February 9, 2012

Episode 14: a bittersweet hundred-miler

Route: Heathmont to Inverloch, via Emerald and Pakenham
Distance: 159km
Duration: 5 hours 11 minutes

It’s a little over a month until the 3 Peaks … Read more “Episode 14: a bittersweet hundred-miler”

February 1, 2012

Episode 13: climbing the Crucifix (and suffering in the sun)

Route: Heathmont to Thornbury, via The Crucifix
Distance: 119km
Duration: 4 hours 39 minutes

I made two mistakes on Saturday morning. The first was a … Read more “Episode 13: climbing the Crucifix (and suffering in the sun)”

January 27, 2012

Episode 12: Mt. Baw Baw revisited

Route: Noojee to Mt. Baw Baw, return
Distance: 101km
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

There are few hills in our fine state of Victoria that … Read more “Episode 12: Mt. Baw Baw revisited”

January 16, 2012January 19, 2012

Episode 11: climbs galore (and then up some more)

Route: Warrandyte, Kinglake, Healesville and Yarra Glen ‘loop’
Distance: 130km
Duration: 4 hours 34 minutes

It took me two full days to recover from my … Read more “Episode 11: climbs galore (and then up some more)”

January 11, 2012

Episode 10: Mt. Hotham doesn’t get easier, you just go faster

Route: Germantown to Mt. Hotham, return
Distance: 102km
Duration: 4 hours 5 minutes

This is the final of three posts about my recent trip to … Read more “Episode 10: Mt. Hotham doesn’t get easier, you just go faster”

January 9, 2012

Episode 9: backing up with the Back of Falls

Route: Falls Creek to Anglers Rest, return
Distance: 103km
Duration: 4 hours 32 minutes

This is the second of three posts about my recent trip … Read more “Episode 9: backing up with the Back of Falls”