It was a great day for cycling, but then I think almost any day is a great day for cycling. No it really was a nice day to get out on the bike. So we did not see too much sun, but on the positive sunburn and dehydration were not problems either.

The day was forecast to be showers clearing to a fine day. I didn’t see any rain but it was definitely overcast. Southerly wind meant the trip out of Melbourne was into a head wind. Better than coming home with a head wind that's for sure. I was really hoping it did not swing around.

 After a normal breakfast I left my home at 5:00 and rode to the start line. Its only 15km away so the easiest way to get there. Got there in time for a banana, drink and a Mars bar. The guys doing the 250km ride started at 5:30am with the 210km starting at 6:00am.

This seemed to go well. The trip out from the start line to the Westgate bridge needed more sign posts as the route had changed from last year and there were some corners with no signs. I hope no one got really lost.

The speed of the riders seemed very slow as I went past lots of guys at my cruise of 35km/hr. After the Westgate bridge I joined a father and son that were also doing a similar speed and we zipped along together. Still we went past lots of groups that must have stared much earlier. I like my sleep so I would start as late as I can but I suppose they have some reasoning to an early start.

 Heading through Werribee we were joined by another guy and our little group was now 4. A good size and we shared the lead from time to time. The Freeway down to Geelong is boring and there is always crashes. Our group of 4 stayed out of trouble with some guys joining the train from time to time.

Geelong is a nice place to cruise through and have a stretch as you go through some traffic lights. Our group had swelled to quite a few as we lead it out of Geelong. On the first real hill of the day, the smaller riders (not really me) of our 4 flew up the hill with me in hot pursuit. My hill climbing has got better but these two were a rung above. At the top out group was back to 4. We then motored along with any taggers mostly getting dropped on the hills. The road has a good shoulder that you can ride on and the scenery is a lot more pleasant than the Geelong road. The undulations make this a nice part of the trip.

I arrived in Queenscliff at 9:20 in time for the 9:30 ferry. Pity it didn’t leave until 10:20 or latter. Lunch was a bottle of Poweraid, sandwich, piece of chocolate cake, power gel, power bar, banana and some fruit/nut mix. Ate the lunch on the wharf and snoozed on the ferry. Really don’t like these early mornings.

At Sorrento there is always lots of BBQ's and activity. I never have a support crew so dont really take part in the activities and no BBQ. It does look good and the big teams that put on a great day - do you need another member?

The trip back from Sorrento came with a tail wind so that was well received. It’s always hard to get going again and just getting to 35km/hr was a real struggle. I started chatting to a Dutch guy took my mind off the peddling and when the legs warmed up and felt much better.

It’s flat along the bay until you head inland towards Mount Martha and into Frankston where there are some steep hills. At the 150km mark the legs are not as fresh as the start, and in the past years these hills have seemed like mountains. This year the training must be better as I felt like I flew up them at 18-20km up the steepest parts.

After the steeper hills that are followed by some fast descents, there comes a few grinding long hills that also seemed much easier than usual. As riders get tired it’s a good idea to keep clear of groups as there are more crashes.

It’s a relief to come down Oliver’s hill into Frankston as you know that all the climbs are over. It’s just a flat dash to home. This is the part that I dislike the most as it the busiest in the number of cars and riders competing for the road and also the number of traffic lights. Cyclist can be so rude (Macquarie Bank riders – some of you guys are the worst I have seen) to both cars and other riders.

I found more interesting people to talk to and the trip really flew past. Lots of tired and sore people working their way into Melbourne.

The faces of people as the completed the ride were a mix of jubilation and tiredness. Some collapse in a heap on the grass, other go for a massage while the coffee carts are all busy. The mateship of the cyclists is great to see and I hope that everyone had a good day. Don't let the flat tyres, sore legs or other parts, long day put you off from coming back next year. Its the achievement and the people you meet along the way that really make it a great day and keep me coming back for more.

I felt the best I have for any year around the bay. The last 15km is the ride home to make a total of 250km for the day. A great day in the saddle. Next year I might just try the Melbourne Sorrento and back.

And for all of you figure heads the trip down at an average of 33km/hr and the tail wind on the way home a 35km/hr trip. Yes I like my figures as well but don't get stress while doing ARB.

Congratulations to Bike Vic for another well organized event. Keep it up as next year will be bigger again I am sure.

Now Noosa Triathlon in two weeks so back into training. Starting with the commute to work on Monday and the lunch run. Can’t wait.

Tri Boy

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