Around the Bay in a Day 2011

[rfctigerarmy]

I'm entering for the first time this year. Actually, the most k's I've done is around 45km. But, I'm hoping to enter the 100k's from Sorrento to Melbourne.

Is anyone else going in it? More specifically, what are the Mt Martha and Mt Eliza climbs like? I don't go up many climbs, so those are the two which worry me the most and getting burned out that way.

Should be fun though.

 

[Tigerdrive]

You should be fine to do about double what you normally ride in around the bay.

Mt Eliza is pretty tame it's just Olivers Hill before it that is quite steep, mt martha is a decent climb but whatever energy you spend going up those hills you recover on the descent which is the fun part!

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Biggest issue for novice is whether your unused bike can make it without mechanical issue and also making sure you don't stack into other riders.

The ride is only as hard as you make it.

Good news is you go down Olivers, not up it, from Sorrento.

 

[Wallaby]

But you do go up Mt Eliza.

If you've done 45 Ks you will have no trouble making 100 - the adrenalin will push you there. A century is good to have on your resume.

Bum miles are the key - you need to get miles on the seat - if you don't, your hammys, legs, and butt can really stiffen up. Try and put in a couple of 60+ K rides at least.
And try not to miss a weekend's ride between now and then.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Yep cheers guys. I try and do around 30k's (at least) each weekend and I might go on the wind trainer for even just 15 minutes a couple of times during the week.

My bikes about 4 months old so I'm not too worried. I'll get a service before hand just to be safe.

How many people are you usually with (provided you stay at a reasonable pace)? Do you generally have people around you?

 

[swuzzlebubble]

Yes there are heaps of people on the road. Group sizes will vary from individuals to large packs. Groups also catch other groups and form bigger groups.

Ideally you'll find yourself a comfortable sized and paced group you can stick with for a fair portion of the ride. If a group is too fast or too ragged you can just let them go and ride solo until next group comes along.

Some groups get a bit risky with passing other groups etc. Best to let them go if you're uncomfortable with it.

Conversely if you get bored/frustrated with a slow group just jump on the back of another group coming past.

 

[Freakie]

I avoid this day like the plauge, been brought down in crashes twice before. I'll be running that day!

You will be fine, Olivers hill is quite short and shouldn't pose a big problem for you. Belcombe Hill (Mt Eliza) starts off steep for the first 400m then the gradient eases out and it's just a long slow grind to the top.

As said you should have plenty of people around you almost the whole way. Just don't half wheel, and if you are at the front of the pack keep your pace even.

Also if a faster group come up from behind stay as left as you can!!!!!!!

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Did the 100 kms last year on a flat bar..off the back of about 80kms a week training, mostly commuting, but weekend rides of only 35 kms. Did the ride easy on the day.... was aiming for under 4 hrs but the wind got the better of me in the end and it was about 4 and a half. Not bad for an old fat bastard on a hybrid.....

My only suggestion is to get some hill training in. The rolling hills of the eastern suburbs are a great preparation....Kew, Doncaster, Ivanhoe etc.... Mount Martha is a grind but its not too bad as long as you get your rythym and stick with it. Mt ELiza is a doddle... most of the hills you can get a run-up at from the previous downhill and you'll still be at full pace by the time you're 3/4 of the way to the top.

Full trip for me this year after I upgraded to a road bike. Looking forward to it

 

[HawkVB]

How did everyone end up doing? I did the 210km from melb-sorrento-ferry-melb. I started cramping from queenscliff to geelong. Everytime i ate something it gave me a little burst of energy but then faded again.
Took me about 8hrs 30mins for the whole day. Averaged according to my cat 27km/h but i wasnt out to break records.
I did no lead up training for it so it was a relief to have finished it.
I would defiently do it again next year Loved it!

 

[tigland]

I did the 100km ride last year and this year did the 135km ride.

Did both pretty easy and that was with hardly any training. (basically ride 40-50km a weekend)

I will now train a little and try the 210km ride next year.

Loved the tailwind from Geelong - QueensCliff