We headed off from Bright at 7am. I was determined to take it easy out to Harrietville and to be very conservative all the way to Omeo. I knew I was still not well after the GSR and was really lacking any sort of form in the hills. We held a fairly tight bunch out to the start of the climbing where I bid goodbye to most of the bunch and to Steve who was climbing like a mountain goat.
Fortuitously, Jim dropped some food about 2km into the climbing, giving me a perfect excuse to stop and strip off a few layers of clothing. It was quite warm on the lower slopes and I am prone to overheating while climbing even in quite cool conditions. The initial climb was quite uneventful with me keeping my effort in check watching Jim ride away from me in the final few km to the top.
At the top Jim appeared to be attempting to give himself some kind of SPF3000 mudpack with sunscreen. It did however scare off the small children watching.
Steve and I set off in search of the General Store to get our 7 Peaks Alpine Passports stamped. A manoeuvre which cost us around 15 minutes while they found the stamp. On the road again it started drizzling out past Dinner Plain. It was enough to force the wet weather gear into use and to cause continual clothing adjustment from there until Omeo in an attempt to stay dry without overheating. At Omeo we were sweaty and tired and in need of food. The jacket had stopped me from getting to my pockets to access snacks over the last 55km so I'd let myself run a bit low. Eating was exacerbated by the need to complete a reasonable 10km climb straight out of Omeo, so it was necessary not to over-eat.
Steve stuck with me for the trip back to Hotham even though it was clear that he had a lot more speed in his legs. We stopped again to get out 7 Peaks cards stamped at Dinner Plain, again losing time while trying to find the right shop in increasing drizzle. Nearing the top of Hotham, the weather really closed in with thunder, lightning, hail, sleet and a torrential downpour which soaked us through just a km from the top.
The descent was torturous, with water and rocks on the road and a lot of discomfort from my fractured wrist and dodgy shoulders. I've never been so happy to have to pedal as I was to reach Harrietville.
The final 25km to Bright was a real delight with a slight tail wind and being downhill almost the entire way. Steve dragged me most of the way, well in excess of 30kph. After we'd finished I felt fairly ordinary. It took just over 12 hours which is the worst time I've done for 200km in 30 years.
The real delight though was the people I shared the ride with. Steve who rode most of the way with me and made me smile when I felt old and weak. Jim, who showed a clean pair of heals to everyone while keeping a wonderful sense of humour. Leigh who gave more great advice along the way. Stephen and Keith who with their long-suffering wives provided terrific support and sustenance on a hard ride. Thanks to all of you for making it so much fun.
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