Peaks Challenge Cradle Mountain 1/11/2015
- humanbeing
- Posts: 709
- Joined: 26 Feb 2013, 12:16
Paul,
Bel & I are booked into a B&B "Tranquilles" on the Saturday and Sunday nights. In Port Sorell which is about 5km out of Devonport.
Peter
Bel & I are booked into a B&B "Tranquilles" on the Saturday and Sunday nights. In Port Sorell which is about 5km out of Devonport.
Peter
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: 15 Feb 2014, 18:40
Hello all, am entered for this one as well.
I have a mate from the Gold Coast who is trying to twist my arm for the Gold Coast 3 peaks in August as well. Any takers?
Adrian
I have a mate from the Gold Coast who is trying to twist my arm for the Gold Coast 3 peaks in August as well. Any takers?
Adrian
- humanbeing
- Posts: 709
- Joined: 26 Feb 2013, 12:16
Neil,Hi my wife is a dietician (some time I don't listen to her till she hits me with a big stick) but she is working on my needs for this if anyone would like a chat let me know
That's very interesting to me and I'm sure there's others who'd be interested as well.
Peter
Lonely Planet rates this area one of the world's best for cycling, and justifiably so.
It was quintessential Tasmania: quiet roads, hospitable locals and stunning alpine scenery. At times, you almost felt like you could've been riding in Le Tour: a couple of lads on the side of the road dressed as Batman and Robin; supporters fervently cheering and ringing cow bells as you rode past; and, near the top of the steepest climb of the day (Spellmans Road), someone waving a sign saying "It's just a hill; get over it".
The ride was challenging, but not beyond the realms of anyone willing to have a crack at a decent full day ride. No climb, individually, was harder than the Back of Falls (on the 3 Peaks circuit). But the elevation did add up: +5,000m climbing over ~240km distance (according to Strava). The organisation by Bicycle Network was, once again, first class.
Congrats to my club mates, Peter Bownes (approaching 20,000km for the 3rd year running) and Neil Moxham (on his longest and most challenging cycle to date).
Cheers
Paul M
It was quintessential Tasmania: quiet roads, hospitable locals and stunning alpine scenery. At times, you almost felt like you could've been riding in Le Tour: a couple of lads on the side of the road dressed as Batman and Robin; supporters fervently cheering and ringing cow bells as you rode past; and, near the top of the steepest climb of the day (Spellmans Road), someone waving a sign saying "It's just a hill; get over it".
The ride was challenging, but not beyond the realms of anyone willing to have a crack at a decent full day ride. No climb, individually, was harder than the Back of Falls (on the 3 Peaks circuit). But the elevation did add up: +5,000m climbing over ~240km distance (according to Strava). The organisation by Bicycle Network was, once again, first class.
Congrats to my club mates, Peter Bownes (approaching 20,000km for the 3rd year running) and Neil Moxham (on his longest and most challenging cycle to date).
Cheers
Paul M
- humanbeing
- Posts: 709
- Joined: 26 Feb 2013, 12:16
All smiles. Neil Moxham, Paul Mayson & yours truly before the start.
This was a great event.
The scenery was fabulous, the weather very Tasmanian (changeable) and the route challenging.
Punishing climbs, and very steep, tricky descents.
Neil and I started in the last wave of riders. It was pretty wet and miserable as forecast. We leap frogged a couple of bunches, towing riders behind us joining a large bunch whose pace was suited to us. Soon we saw the 12 hour pace riders at the front of the bunch. A feature of the Peaks Challenge rides are the Bicycle Network riders who are labelled with the pace they are riding - 8 hrs, 9 hrs etc. It certainly helps maintaining a schedule and I made use of them at the last 3 Peaks and a target of approximately 12 hrs suited me on this day.
There were 5 identified climbs on the ride - Union Bridge, Echo Valley, Cethana Rd, Cradle Mountain and Spellmans Rd.
Unlike the Alpine Classic and 3 Peaks where the climbs are distinct, on this route you climbed, then descended and then climbed some more. Most of the time I wasn't exactly sure what part of the climb I was on. I probably should've studied the route more beforehand but that wasn't going to make it easier.
Luckily as the morning finished the mist lifted, the clouds parted and the sun came out.
Reaching Cradle Mountain was the highlight. The fact that I finally saw this natural wonder by bicycle only made it that much better.
The route planners made sure we returned to Devonport over every hill they could find, even sending us on a detour up a side road that led to the diabolical Spellman's Rd climb. Though no contest with the back of Falls, this still was a slap in the face after 200 kms. I would compare it to doing "the Wall" twice - nothing to be sneezed at.
The last part of the ride rolled through gorgeous farm country south of Devonport and we still had to ride every incline that seemed possible to find.
Crossing the finish line in 12 hrs 4 mins was satisfying.
Kudos to Paul Mayson who finished in 10 hrs 15. An incredible achievement!
And Neil Moxham who finished his ride in 12 hrs 8 mins. Neil set himself a goal and has accomplished it in style. Chapeau!
And thanks Neil, for the great company on the ride and Paul for your encouragement and support.
Have a great ride,
Peter
Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain
If you're considering this one next year, here's a snapshot of what you might expect: https://vimeo.com/145043834
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