2010 Australian Alpine Classic

[Andrew]

Well. We came, we saw, we got smashed

An awesome ride, Buffalo is not easy after 155km. Falls creek is quite a nice ride!

Avi, Ingrid, Chris and myself have finished, G-Sav is on the way down Buffalo as we speak

Tor has finished the 250 (we hear there's some nasty climbs behind falls) and Dan is headed into Bright real soon now.

[Andrew]

And Dan has just arrived!

[LynV]

Awesome - well done all!!!

[Shridevi]

Well done!!! how was it?? nice?

[SueP]

Great effort guys - awaiting full ride reports....

[j_young_80]

Nice work guys - I recommend a swim in the Ovens and strict adherance to the following rules;

-Do not feed the local wildlife. It may become dependent.
-Each party will carry with it an alcohol indicator. The indicator will let the party know that alcohol consumption limit has been reached by falling backwards off a bar stool.
-GPS is highly recommended to improve the probability of a direct route home.
-The caravan park owner is King of his Domain.
-Do not disturb the mathematician.
-It is usually Avi's fault.

[SimonD]

Neg rep to Jamie for stealing jokes and reposting on the same forum.

Well done everyone else!

[Bean]

Nice work all. Very jealous... well sort of.

[LynV]

Dan finished 250 under 12 hours, Avi and Chris smashed the 200 in under 10 and Ingrid and Andrew came in just after - WOW :thumbup1:

[bosworth*]

well done, guys

[Ingas]

Dan finished 250 under 12 hours, Avi and Chris smashed the 200 in under 10 and Ingrid and Andrew came in just after - WOW :thumbup1:

Avi,Chris and Andrew would of finished so much quicker if I wasn't weighing them down. Thanks guys for all the re-grouping :grouphug:

[Rocket]

Buffalo is not easy after 155km

That is a very true statement.

Well done to all and to Ironman Dan for riding at all after the crash, let alone finishing the 250km in under 12 hours.

[idol]

ACE250

The Alpine Classic Extreme - 250km taking in Mt Hotham, Back of Falls Creek and Towanga Gap. Despite a month off the bike, crashing through a windscreen and riding a borrowed bike, riding the 250km seemed like a good idea at the time. I opted for the 6.19am start, deciding that the 4am start was way too uncivilised and not wanting the extra weight of lights and batteries (Audax rules require 2 sets of front & rear lights, plus a very fashionable luminous yellow vest for riding in the dark).

I actually missed the bunch start for the 250km as I was stuck behind a sea of 200km riders. I realised this after 5km when the huge bunch I started with turned left towards Towanga, leaving me very lonely for the climb up Hotham. A couple of other riders who also missed the 250km start eventually caught up to me, and we had a little train of about 8 towards Harrietville. They motored up Hotham, I decided not to follow their pace but instead grind up leisurely on my own in the 39-25 of my borrowed Trek (thanks, Michele!).

I reached the first control point at Dinner Plain, about 60km in. The stragglers from the main bunch were just riding off as I rode in. I overheard the motorbike marshall saying there were only 2 more riders behind me. I quickly scanned my Audax wristband, grabbed some food and got back on the road determined to catch the bunch. The ride to Omeo was another lonely one, but this time I caught up with a bunch at the 2nd control point, about 100km in. Once again, I quickly loaded up on food and jumped on the back of a bunch as they were leaving. The ride was much easier from then, our bunch picked up many riders along the way, and we had about 20 riders by the time we reached the back of Falls Creek climb.

Here's where things got interesting. The climb up to Falls Creek was very unforgiving. After the ride, I heard people saying sections were 15% for km's at a stretch. I wasn't surprised. In the heat of the day, riders were cramping and many got off their bikes to push. Including very fit looking guys on Colnagos and Lightweight wheels. At every shady spot, there was someone sitting by the road taking a break. But here was my chance to gain some ground as I very slowly rode the 35km climb up to Falls Creek. The last 15km before Falls was my favourite part of the ride, a combination of false flat sections and undulating roads sweeping around a lake at the top of the mountain. Absolutely stunning scenery.

Falls Creek was the last control point before Bright, about 180km into the ride. I took a longer rest here, enjoying the fruit cake, quiche and tarts the volunteers so generously provided. The final part of the ride was relatively easy, a nice 30km descent to Mt Beauty followed by a gentle 7km climb up Towanga which I was very familiar with since racing the Tour of Bright. I got a call from Chris halfway up Towanga, and he reported that most of the 200km riders had come in. I picked up the pace and rode the last 10km TT style back into Bright, picking up (and subsequently dropping!) many riders along the way. I eventually rode through the finish line in a little under 12 hours. Not an impressive time, but I was just glad to finish and ride at my own pace....and not get off my bike and push (unlike some Norman regular who shall remain nameless).

Tor finished in a very respectable time, he probably placed within the top 10. Libby also did it a little over 10hours, very likely scoring the fastest female time. But remember....its not a race!

Avi, Ingrid, Chris, Andrew and G-Sav did an excellent job in the 200km. I believe they were taking it leisurely and breaking the spirits of many riders up the hills. And Sue K did the 200km on a MTB!