Victorian cyclists are blessed with a number of great, hilly challenge rides to choose from, not least the Audax Alpine Classic and the 3 Peaks … Read more “Guest post: Fitz's Challenge 2012 (205km edition)”
7 Peaks Domestique Series ride #1: Lake Mountain
In the weeks before our first 7 Peaks Domestique Series ride, the number of cyclists confirmed as 'Going' never seemed to stop growing. I remember it passing 30, 40 and then 50 riders, at which point I thought 'this is going to be bigger than the Dirty Dozen'. And it was. Read more “7 Peaks Domestique Series ride #1: Lake Mountain”
Burning up the boards: beginner track session at DISC
With several visits to the venerable Brunswick Velodrome under my belt, I figured I was ready to tackle Sunday night's track session at the Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC). How hard could it be? I mean, track cycling is just about riding fast in a circle ... and repeating that until you're done. Right? Read more “Burning up the boards: beginner track session at DISC”
Donna Done Dirty 2012 (a Hells 500 epic)
After a week of checking snow and weather reports religiously, and after many weeks of build-up and anticipation, Donna Done Dirty finally landed on Saturday. It was well worth the wait, and if there's one thing I took away from the day it's this: the Hells 500 crew do an amazing job of putting on interesting, challenging and well-supported rides. Read more “Donna Done Dirty 2012 (a Hells 500 epic)”
Group ride: Donna Done Dirty (a Hells 500 epic)
The Hells 500 crew don’t do things by halves. They hold the record for the fastest completion of the 7 Peaks Alpine Ascent Challenge (less than 35 hours), they’ve ridden 500km in the Victorian Alps over two days and, more … Read more “Group ride: Donna Done Dirty (a Hells 500 epic)”
Around the Lake (a Hells 500 epic)
Two days before Around the Lake I still didn't know if I was going or not. Sure, I'd forked out $110 for a set of 25mm 'puncture resistant' tyres to combat the ride's 50km of dirt, but that didn't mean I could get the tyres on my wheels. In fact, two hours of stretching and straining on Wednesday night yielded nothing but frustration, blood blisters and a burning desire to stay at home come Saturday morning. EXCERPT Read more “Around the Lake (a Hells 500 epic)”
Return to the Reefton Spur (of climbs, cold and KOMs)
I've only ridden the Reefton Spur twice but I can comfortably say it's one of my favourite cycling roads. Amazing scenery, great views, a long, sustained and rewarding climb and, for the most part, a nice quiet road. So when Andy and Evan of Hells 500 fame said they were planning on heading out there last Sunday, I had no hesitation in agreeing to come along. EXCERPT Read more “Return to the Reefton Spur (of climbs, cold and KOMs)”
Guest post: Three Long Five High (a Hells 500 epic)
There’s no shortage of epic challenge rides to be found in the great state of Victoria. Bicycle Network Victoria’s 3 Peaks Challenge springs to mind, … Read more “Guest post: Three Long Five High (a Hells 500 epic)”
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”