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Let me tell you of my excursion to Melbourne to take
part in the “Round the Bay in a Day” ride on October 21st. This is an
annual event I had heard of, and always had visions of challenging.
Well, this year I decided to take the challenge - and I’m so glad I did.
The “Bay ride” is a community event which started in 1993. As the name
suggests, the aim is to circumnavigate Port Phillip Bay in a day. In
case you don’t know, the Bay is one of the biggest of its type in
Australia - so we’re talking 210km of riding. To the more experienced,
this may sound like a doddle, bit for myself, it was the biggest test
since regularly jumping on a two-wheeled machine five years ago.
My previous longest day in the saddle in a day was 110km so, as you may
appreciate, I was a little apprehensive on reaching the start line in
Melbourne’s city centre for the 6am departure. Despite the nerves, I was
brimming with confidence. Along with the estimated 13,000 that turned
up, we were off.
There are various ways of completing the distance. I chose to take the
anti-clockwise course which heads west over the Westgate Bridge down to
Geelong and onto Queenscliff for the ferry ride across Sorrento and then
the return journey back to the start. With temperatures forecast to
reach 32 degrees, the aim was to approach the ride with caution and have
plenty in reserve for the run home.
But not everything goes according to plan. I took on board plenty of
fluids to combat the expected heat. I didn’t want to hit the “red zone”
too early. The pace to Geelong was relatively fast and flat, averaging
speeds of 32km/h.
The aim on ride like this is to find a group you’re comfortable with and
stay in touch as best you can.
With this in mind, the first half of the journey to the Queenscliff
ferry was completed in a touch over three hours.
It seemed the Gods were smiling on me, or was that a smirk?
After taking in good hydration and nutrition on the ferry, I was back in
the saddle by midday, but an ill wind blows.
A stiff, persistent, hot northerly pierces the body, cutting into my
reserves and resolve. Within an hour, the packs are a shambles, everyone
trying to hide behind everyone else, but there’s nowhere to hide, and we
haven’t climbed Mt Martha yet.
Then the temperature soars past the forecast max. Ambient road
temperatures must be around 40 degrees.
Everyone is suffering. The wind billowing from a hot blast furnace. Each
crank is like a tip-toe through a fry pan.
Heart and mind tested to the limit. Hell on wheels!
It wasn’t so much the pain in the legs, but the aches screaming down my
neck and back from sitting upright for so long. My back side was
ordering me to get off! I chose not obey.
With 20km remaining, the physical battle became a battle of wits and
mind.
I knew I would make it, but something within insisted I stop and give-up
in the murderous heat.
I was a sorry sight.
All my energies and inspiration were draining away. I had no choice but
to momentarily park my bike.
Cramps descend upon the resting legs.
Laughter masks the pain but one last effort is required.
Back in the saddle again, on instinct alone.
In the end, I finished - a badge of honour.
A time of 8 hours 10 minutes is posted, but I don't care it's taken so
long. I was proud to complete the hardest challenge of my life. Other
fitter and more experienced endurance athletes told me the conditions
were tougher than any ironman or triathlon they’d ever entered. I won
and I'll definitely do it again.
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
Official Live Broadcaster of:
2007/2008 UEFA Champions League
2007 Tour de France
2007 IAAF World Championships
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