Dave Simpson’s report on his ride:
I had a great day, conditions were perfect. I had planned to start further back than usual this year to avoid being constantly passed by other riders so got away from the line at 07:25. I rode on Boundary Rd with Peter Horan, occasional WoW rider, until South Barwon reserve where I made a quick pitstop. I had a good ride down to Barwon Heads as we had a closed road in the Southerly direction and I managed to keep up a 30-35km/hr speed. I saw Doug along Blackgate Rd until he turned right, heading back to Geelong, and I turned left towards Torquay. Further on I saw Jeff Peck at the Torquay rest stop. Then it was on through the hills at Bells and onto a fast ride up Forrest Rd with a slight tail wind. I saw David Salamy fixing a puncture on Barrabool Rd at Ceres but flashed past and couldn’t stop! Then it was up the final climbs of Challambra, Westbury and Melville and then the annoying sets of traffic lights (all red 🙂 on the way back to the finish line. I managed an overall average speed of 23.5km/hr, slightly slower than last year. I briefly stopped to say hello and congrats to Margy, who was at the finish line, then I headed home to rest! A great day (and I’ve already signed up for next year’s ride).
I’ve attached a couple of pics (one taken by Linda Salamy on Challambra).
…and I watched the men’s race yesterday at the summit of Westbury. It’s amazing the way the pros ride up that climb! Shame that Caleb couldn’t get the win, he was looking good each time we saw him go past.
–Dave S
David Salamy also completed the long course. Thanks to Linda for the photos of David and Dave on Westbury (the last part of the Challambra Climb).
