He’s only been cycling for five months, but the man they call the Donvale Demon is not one to shirk challenges. He’s already completed the 210km version of Around the Bay in a Day and he’s just signed up for … Read more “Guest post: Heading for the hills (3 Peaks here we come)”
Episode 1: the Great Ocean Road ride
Route: Torquay to Morengo, via the Great Ocean Road
Distance: 94.4km
Duration: 3 hours 57 minutes
What better way to start training for the 3 Peaks Challenge than with a ride along one of the most stunning pieces of road … Read more “Episode 1: the Great Ocean Road ride”
Prologue: back on the bike
In the weeks after the 3 Peaks Challenge in March, a bunch of people asked me the same question: “So, do you think you’ll do it again?”
At the time, riding 3 Peaks again was the last thing on my … Read more “Prologue: back on the bike”
Science and cycling at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour
Arthurs Seat is already a pretty amazing place to visit. Throw in a hundred elite cyclists, some gorgeous weather, a large crowd and some great bike racing, and you’ve got the makings of a terrific day.
And so it was … Read more “Science and cycling at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour”
Categorising the Victorian climbs
You don’t have to be Cadel Evans to know there’s a difference between climbing the 1 in 20 and climbing Mt. Hotham. One’s a short and relatively easy climb on the lower slopes of Mt. Dandenong, the other is … Read more “Categorising the Victorian climbs”
What comes after the 3 Peaks Challenge?
Route: Laps of Kew Boulevard, Col du Burgundy and connecting roads
Distance: 58.7km
Duration:Â Â 2 hours 28 minutes
A little over four months ago I completed the greatest physical challenge I’ve ever faced: Bicycle Victoria’s 3 Peaks Challenge. It … Read more “What comes after the 3 Peaks Challenge?”
Episode 22: The 3 Peaks Challenge
Route: Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Omeo and Anglers Rest loop
Distance: 237.7km
Duration: 10 hours 39 minutes
Five months ago I signed myself up to compete in Bicycle Victoria’s 3 Peaks Challenge for 2011. It was an ambitious move – … Read more “Episode 22: The 3 Peaks Challenge”
Episode 21: The finishing touches
Route: Eltham to Geelong via Altona and Werribee (including World Championship circuit)
Distance: 121.4km
Duration: 4 hours 53 minutes
According to every cycling manual and advice column I’ve read, I would be crazy to do any more training between now … Read more “Episode 21: The finishing touches”
Episode 20: A climb into the clouds
Route: Eltham, Healesville, Toolangi & Kinglake loop, via Myers Creek Road
Distance: 108.9km
Duration: 4 hours 37 minutes
When I woke up this morning with rain pouring down outside my window, I thought I had missed my chance for a … Read more “Episode 20: A climb into the clouds”
Hells 500: 48 hours of pain
For the majority of cyclists, riding 100km in a day is cause for great satisfaction. Throw in a few solid climbs and you are looking at a boast-worthy weekend hit-out. But for a handful of cyclists, 100 hilly kilometres is … Read more “Hells 500: 48 hours of pain”
Episode 19: Return to the Dandenongs
Route: Eltham to Sky High return via Ferntree Gully, The Basin & Mt. Evelyn
Distance: 111.1km
Duration: 4 hours 41 minutes
When I looked at the Bureau of Meteorology’s website last night I thought there was no chance of getting … Read more “Episode 19: Return to the Dandenongs”
Ride report: Audax Alpine Classic (200km version)
Over the last few weeks we’ve heard about the 130km and 140km versions of the 2011 Audax Alpine Classic. In this expansive but beautifully written guest post, David Sutherland recalls the difficulties he faced during the gruelling 200km version … Read more “Ride report: Audax Alpine Classic (200km version)”
Episode 18: The high country double-header
Route: Myrtleford to Dingo Dell, return
Distance: 109.5km
Duration: 5 hours 4 minutes
Part of me wishes that the Victorian Alps were a little closer to Melbourne. That way, you wouldn’t have to spend 3.5 hours to get to … Read more “Episode 18: The high country double-header”