Global cycling apparel brand, Rapha, has a clubhouse in Melbourne. My friend Kate invited me to join their training rides for the annual women's 100-km event. Group riding has improved my skills and pushed me outside my comfort zone - and introduced me to some really supportive and inspiring women. Training in windy conditions has also boosted my confidence.
The week after the Rapha Women's 100 was Amy's Gran Fondo. First hosted in 2011 after the tragic death of Amy Gillett—who lost her life while training with the Australian Women’s Cycling Team in Germany—the annual Gran Fondo supports the Amy Gillett Foundation's mission to improve road cyclist safety. This event provides a unique opportunity to cycle the Great Ocean Road without cars.
Tom and I joined Kate and her friend Jo in Lorne for the event weekend in mid-September. On Saturday evening, we made a veggie pasta in our cozy B&B. The weather was cold, with heavy rain and some hail, so we all hoped for better conditions the next day.
On Sunday morning, we rolled down to the main strip of the surf town and joined thousands of cyclists at the start line, categorized by age group. Kate and I were positioned at the back in the recreation category. Tom was our "swannie" (short for soigneur)—the supportive crew member who collected our extra layers when the ride began.
The course is a loop that climbs from Lorne through the Otway Ranges before descending to the final section along the scenic Great Ocean Road. It covers 1,869 m (6,132 ft) over 122 km (75 mi).
The temperature in Lorne hovered around 10°C (50°F) throughout the day, but quickly dropped as we began climbing the first hill into the Otways. We encountered a patch of light rain, making the pavement slick.
At the first aid station, I encouraged Kate to continue ahead to stay warm while I quickly refueled. I chatted with a few riders along the way, but mostly enjoyed keeping my own pace. The cold, wet conditions persisted throughout the forest.
It wasn't until the final section along the coast that my toes thawed out, and I could fully appreciate the scenery. By that point, the crowds had thinned, and the weather was mild, apart from a few strong wind gusts.
Crossing the finish line was a huge accomplishment, made even more special by my husband cheering for me. We went straight to the pub for celebratory drinks with the girls!
This was my longest ride to date, and the most climbing I've ever done on a bike. My training rides helped me maintain a consistent pace and manage my nutrition, so I wasn't completely wrecked afterward. The bigger challenge, from lack of experience, was overcoming the weather and handling steep descents. I still have a lot of confidence to build in these areas as I move forward. Working at Trek this past year has elevated my cycling status from beginner triathlete to full-on "roadie," but I still have a long way to go!
