ACE 2010 - Take 4

continued from ACE 2010 - Take 3

So, I've finished another Alpine and my first ACE.

ACE 2010 NancyBoy Approved Highlights

• Finding that Surly Dave had knocked over the 200k! I know just how hard Dave worked to do this and his effort is truly inspiring
• Sitting in the Ovens River with Endurogirl cooling our legs
• Riding with the lovely Michael B. A joy as always and got me through my toughest part of the ride
• The fact the my brand new and untried Fi'zi:k Arione got me through 250km without trying to tear me a new one
• The wonderful section of road from Omeo to the Falls Creek Turnoff
• Raspberry Hill or the Bit of Grit as it has been officially renamed by Fraser R - A hill to be respected
• The water stop at on top of the aforementioned Bit of Grit
• That avocado and cheese sandwich which was still in my pocket after 250km - yum!
• CO2 cartridges - bring on the global warming
• The look on the face of the guy directing traffic at the roundabout in Bright as ten wild eyed cyclists closed in on him at 40+kph
• Getting Endurogirl a beauty when she thought I was going to do something REALLY silly
• Making the last 200km on wafer thin racing tyres and no remaining spare tubes. I did have a patch kit though
• Making the entire 250km on a frame with a great big crack where top tube and seat tube meet without incident - well done Great Trek Bicycle Company
• Last but not least - every turn of my pedals

Thankyou

• Commander Phil and all his team. Everything was just perfect.
• Lieutenant Alan and all his team for the vision and energy to make the ACE really ACE. A wonderful bike ride with magnificent organisation and support.
• Endurogirl for unwavering support in every way
• Surly Dave for not getting pissed with my anxious phone calls and texts at 9pm the night before the Alpine
• Michael B for always being great to ride with
• Each and every volley. You have no idea how lucky we are to have such a fantastic bunch. I've really got to get on the volley list some time soon. Hmmm. Maybe the year after next, 'cos next year I just want to.....
• Coach DJ for being supportive and positive against all contrary evidence.
• Dr Ian Gillam for sorting out my exhaustion problems - Antioxidants rool ok?
• Sukkie sports drink - seriously, you have to try this stuff.

A Final Thought

We are so lucky to have an event like the Alpine. It hasn't happened by accident. It's because of the wonderful work of every volley and especially because of the tireless work of a very small handful of very important people. I have had the opportunity of being involved in or in close contact with lots of really good cycling events in the last year or so. None of them come close to the Alpine, both as a selection of rides and as an event in itself. Please be very protective of the Alpine and all it stands for, be even more protective of those very important people who make it what it is.

...