I thought it strange.  Why would you have a rest stop at the 55 km mark for a 63 km event?  Don’t get me wrong, Hepburn is a welcoming, scenic village.  Similar in ambience to Kuranda in FNQ or Mystic, CT.  Pre-race, it looked to be weird placement; but after some persistent climbing, I decided it was a stroke of genius.   The climbing from Franklinford had seemed relentless, leaving a litter of dismounted cyclists along the way.  “Rolling countryside” the brochures had said.  I think the marketing was taking the piss.  Funnier still would have been the surprise of the 33km events riders.  They didn’t escape the climbing – “”perfect for family and friends of any keen cyclist”, the brochures said.  It should have said for those that only want the pain of the climb without the thrill of the downhill.  I for one, didn’t get off my bike – but it was tempting with so many others doing so, but believe me, I was happy to utilize that rest stop.

Ride Daylesford is a well organised event.  Starts at a civilised hour (8:30 am – well the 63 km event anyway). Funniest master of ceremonies that I’ve come across; and the head of sales from friendsurance was brilliant.  What did he say? “Be careful out there, but if you can’t, get some f..king bike insurance”.   Rude but clever!   The ride is shaped like a skate bowl.  The first half is downhill and you’d miss about a third of it if you ride the 33k event.  You take a left at Guildford, another left hairpin approximately halfway at a place called Strangeways, then the climbing begins.  Not 14% style climbing, but repeated 7 – 8% efforts – until Hepburn.

You pass some great locations.  Mt Franklin (no idea if any relation to the mineral water – but hey! you are in mineral springs area) and Cricket Willow (what a name to attract cricket tragics).    You will have to Google it to see the beauty of region.  I was either ripping it downhill or suffering on the up to take the time for photos.  However, take it from me, it is a great location for a ride.

Back to that rest stop.  Again, it is will thought out by the organisers and I would suggest for non serious weekend warriors, take it while you can.  Hepburn village is relatively flat and provides the comfort that you are going to cruise home.  Not going to happen. The ride into Daylesford has a few category five efforts, with the hardest just prior to Victoria Park.  The start/finish line for the event.   It left a trail of destruction with many, even those that had looked comfortable all ride, doing the walk of shame.

With 785 metres of climbing, this event had me researching how much is involved in riding some of the 7 peaks.  A bit more than this I’m afraid, but I was very content nonetheless.   Perfect morning finished off with a magnificent ale providing some well deserved hydration.  Apologies, but I can’t remember who the brewer was.  If it comes to mind, I’ll update the blog.