23 degrees.  No, not the temperature.  The maximum gradient on this ride.  Touted as “a healthy ride through the countryside”, this event stands out from all I’ve  done before.  The “sumptuous lunch and great wine at the cellar door” may be the end goal, but believe you me, you are going to have to work for it.   The sag wagon comes in handy for many and those pushing their e-bikes up three hefty gradients may have been ruing their weight and the wine and cheese on offer mid way.

But, beside the effort that 559 metres of climbing requires, this is a experience that just you have to do.  Offering 58 km road and 33 km gravel versions,  neither are to be missed.  The gravel ride takes in the elevation and views of Mt Alexander Regional National Park and Sutton Grange, just north of Castlemaine in central Victoria.  It passes through various terrain; road, gravel,  grasslands and sheep farms.  Having to navigate through a flock of sheep on the muster only added to the excitement and drama of the morning.  On Richards Rd, between the loose gravel and 17% hill, the sheep were a welcome excuse to stop and smell the sh.. roses.   Do not believe the event hosts when they tell you this is the worst of the hills, as the last climb, seven k’s from the finish, is a bit of a brute, topping out at that nasty 23 degrees as aforementioned.   Suitable for all but road bikes, the gravel ride is one for the senses. The partaking of a bottle or two of the wineries finest, affords the time to swap stories with others who also felt in need of the reward such a challenge deserved.    You’ll see me at this again next year.    Bring a chair and a picnic rug, as this is an event more popular that the wineries seating capacity caters for.