How hard will the race be?

by Chris Dixon, Race Organiser/Director

120kms on a gravel course with 3,000meters of climbing is hard work. Add to that possible race conditions at the front of the field and you’re in for an epic feat of personal endurance. However, finishing the event should be achievable for anyone who starts with a reasonable fitness base, and then completes a specific endurance-training program prior to the race. Not all participants will race for the full 120km straight without stops – and there are several great stops along the way including the top of Mt Buggery and the small town of Jimna. Whatever the strategy you choose, the successful participants will know their strengths and weaknesses, and plan their race accordingly.

We haven’t designed to course to be too technical. It is our aim to push you physically and mentally, not technically, but there are some big hills in there including the notorious climb to My Buggery.

You should also consider that a lot of participants won’t be in the race to compete for first place, their aim will be to simply finish. They enter because they want to push themselves and their mates harder than they think is possible, and for longer than they believe they can. They want to challenge their perceived limits and go past them!

However, a tough race like this has a high attrition rate. The reality is plenty won’t finish. However participants should remember that they are firstly competing against themselves, and we encourage them to see if they can stay on the course for the full 120kms.

TEAMWORK

What makes cycling so great is the opportunity to work with mates and the broader cycling community to get over the line together – you’ll meet plenty of new people on the course at your level. Without this camaraderie many would fall apart. Team work and camaraderie is THE major element in successful teams – help each other out, share the highs and lows. Bring a few extra supplies so you can lend a hand with tubes or nutrition.

Yes, it’s a race, but we’re also out there to have fun and help each other out.