2014 Gran Fondo Wrap

A very cool morning greeted the riders in this year’s Great Divide Gran Fondo but it wasn't unexpected with everyone dressed appropriately. Just after we had a quick brief and a customary photo, Schalk turned up after having returned home to get his water bottles he had forgotten about! After the take 2 photo it was time to roll out into the dark, the bitterly cold dark lol. 

The cold did help keep the pace nice and steady though and progress was constant, did I mention it was cold?. This year the bunch rode on each time somebody had to take a break and this made up for the late start by the time we got to Bilo, well almost. Everybody made the first climb on the range without too much trouble, no warm clothing coming off was a good indication of how cold it still was. The group broke up a little from here in as it normally does and everyone made it to Bilo in smaller groups for breakfast and most importantly coffee. This was where we said goodbye to Jamie and Vicky as they headed to Rocky in the car. Jamie rode to Bilo on a temperamental Sergio and Vicky played paparazzi all the way J  Thanks guys I’ve booked you a spot for next year, both of you all the way!!! 

We had a lengthy stop and everyone was in good spirits as we rolled out waiting to see if what looked to be a tailwind was actually a tailwind.

Well it wasn't as good as last years’ but we still sat on around 30 for quite some time before slowing ever so slightly as the day warmed up. The Fox, Marty (who was stuck in the big chainring all day with Di2 issues), the Dodgy Doc (Scotty) and Noel all took turns pulling on the front for this stretch and most of the ride actually. 40 odd k's after Bilo we met up with the support team for a quick stop and cold coke before making our way to the Dululu Pub, what I think is the most telling 30 k's of the ride. This stretch isn't hilly in fact it's quite flat, but the heat really starts to get to you along this 'unexciting' stretch of road. There were a few red faces appearing here. Everyone was more than happy to get to the Pub.

Lunch isn't gels and bars on this ride, its hamburgers and chips, steak sandwiches and seafood baskets! Beer was a popular choice also J

Time to complete the next leg of the ride - the 30 odd k's to Mt Morgan. This stretch starts out flat but we started our affair with a half decent headwind at this point so it was steady going. At about the 10k mark it starts to get a little lumpy and the legs really feel it as they’re asked to actually do some more demanding work after so much flat work. The group split into 2 here but it was better people get into their own rhythm at this point of the day on the hills. As we neared Mt Morgan we were stopped as a fire was up ahead and we had to wait for an escort. As we passed through the inferno we were lucky to escape with our lives as flames licked up at us trying to pull us into the fiery abyss...ok well maybe that was stretching it a little but if the wind had of changed directions it wouldn't have been too far from the truth.

We made our way into Mt Morgan and up the nasty climb into the town only to be greeted by old mate Magpie again; at least we knew to expect him this year. As we made the peak of the last climb in town Orla was digging deep and I said “You’ve made it Orla!”. Orla summed it up well and simply said ‘Fu#$’ Too funny.

A quick drink and picture and off we went with the climb out of Mt Morgan waiting to inflict pain and despair. 

While this climb isn't Mt Archer it is still a good drag and with 200 k’s in your legs it demands some respect. It did almost break some of the riders but after a little rest on top of the range and with the aid of sugar everyone was off once again. It’s fair to say Daryl, Schalk and Orla were really feeling it and to see them push on was special.

The descent off the Mt Morgan range was to be one of the highlights of the ride. Pretty sure you’ll see a link of the Fox coming down the range from his Fly6 shortly. Only recently reopened it’s as good as any road anywhere in the world (except Central Queensland), honestly. Wide and flowing with hot mix the whole way, this really is worth a trip just to ride it.

As we hit the flat it was into grind mode to get people feeling the hurt to the end. Marty, Scotty and Noel waited for us to catch up and we regrouped for the final push.

Of course the wind sensed the weak and blew like crazy into our faces the whole 15 k’s to the highway, it was truly horrible. As we turned onto the Bruce we didn’t have the tailwind I had been promising but it wasn’t a headwind either. As we neared the finish we of course got stopped by lights! It is Rockhampton the city of stop lights!

Everyone finished together at the Information Centre with a great sense of relief and achievement. 240 k’s is a long way in anyone’s books. Most of these people hadn’t really done the miles to do it easy and they suffered a little for sure, but it’s the sort of ride that most capable riders can do if they put their mind to it.

 To the people that rode this year Marty, Schalk, Daryl, Orla, Noel, Scotty, The Fox and Jamie thanks, you’re a great bunch of people. I had a great time and I’m sure you did too; I’ll see you all next year I’m sure J

Of course I have to thank the incredible support team, Jody, Nicole with her own small team and Suzette, without you guys it wouldn’t be the same. The stops along the way when the going gets tough are something to look forward to. The way you make us all feel special every time we stop or go by is very much appreciated. Thanks.

There were a few riders who didn’t ride for their own reasons, I feel for you guys as not coming would have been a tough call, next year for sure though.