Looking around there were a sea of people participating in this years ride.  More than I remembered back in 2016, the first time I did this event.  The event announcer hit it on the head when he broadcast how great it was to see people returning to the surf coast in numbers.    This was evident as Torquay was literally humming the night before when I went to the event village to pick up my event paraphernalia.  There is a sense of comradeship when you see other vehicles with bikes atop their roof as you head down the Princes Highway.  It’s a great motivator.   Today, the weather was particularly conducive to an enjoyable couple of hours.  2016 had served up that relentless drizzle that soaks you through to the bone.  Although the wind was up, there was only a threat of rain and I was betting with these numbers of participants that I was going to be able to shelter with several groups along the way.

This is the perfect event for those that may ride 40 to 50 k’s per week.  It’s an undulating ride, with nothing above 8% gradient of climbing, with the largest gradient being a fun 14% dip at Bellbrae early in the event.  There is no scenic Great Ocean Road about the 60km; you are basically riding the backcountry of the Surf Coast, out beyond Torquay and Angelsea.  Picturesque in it’s own way, as Western Victoria is.  I can’t recall any views of the coast, but I may be wrong as my head was permanently tucked in against the wind for two-thirds of the action (and the majority of the climbing).   The rest stops are perfectly placed at Moriac and prior to turning on to the Surf Coast Highway closest to Point Adis.  I was a bit filthy with the lack of lollies at the first stop, but that is very much a first world problem!  I just gotta say there were a few comments about this fact.  So, some advice, take some jubes with you if you are one that craves a sugar hit on your ride.

The Surf Coast highway bought the joy of a tailwind pushing you towards Torquay.  Excellent for increasing the average speed of the ride, but slightly wasted as you start hitting the traffic lights on the slide into and through Jan Jac.    Torquay proper comes up very quickly and  ocean beach views are front and centre as you hit the event village to end the ride.

Very satisfying ride.  Well organised event.  Just over 61 kms in distance.  Just under 400 metres of elevation.  Average speed of over 27 kmh, which is good for me.    I must do the classic ride of 145 km next year, but I’ll leave you with this thought.  As I was putting my bike back on the rack, an older lady out on a walk asked me how I went and what distance had I done.  “60 k’s” I replied.  “That’s great” she said.  “My husband is doing the 145 km for the first time.  He’s never ridden that far.  As he left he told me, don’t worry,  if I don’t make it, at least I’m doing something I love!”   With a look of bemusement, she quipped “How generous of him” and I thought to myself – Cycling!  It’s a bit of heaven.