For anyone unclear on exactly the challenge that lay ahead of us Sharky made it perfectly clear. "This is a 4km climb at about 17% on wet narrow roads so prepare yourself for an epic climb!" At this point having provided the inspirational words Sharky promptly jumped in a vehicle and headed up the mountain!!! OK the guy had recently compelted 2 Ironman triathlons in 6 days so we were prepared to cut him slack on this one.
I for one just stood there thinking about last year when I rode down it and the same thing that went through my mind then was going through it it now....how the hell can anyone ride up this thing!!
Just as the riders were heading off Brad found out that he had a puncture so as the riders headed off Gav and I hung around as Brad changed his tyre. This seemed to me to just be delaying the inevitable pain. We sent our Schleck brothers, Jase and Dammo, off in search of the KOM while we waited for the tyre change.
Finally we were off with the support car right behind us. Whether it was the effort of the previous 50ks driving the peleton, the cold or a combination of both but we just didn't have it and finally all three of us were rapidly wearing out our cleats as we commenced the walk up the mountain. Was I disappointed in walking? Yes but when you can't ride any more and the road is 18% its walk or fall over and lay in the gutter still attached to the bike.
The hill was brutal, unforgiving and down right steep but the Smiddy riders are a tough lot and it soon became evident that quite a few had stared it down and made it to the top. An awesome effort with a few of the ladies showing real determination to get to the top with Lucie showing her climbing prowess in taking out Queen of the Mountain. Well done Lucie and to Kate for her awesome effort as well.
Dammo and Jase did the Cyc'd boys proud finishing in the top half dozen....well done to the Schleck brothers. Here's a couple of pics of the brothers finishing the epic climb.
Lunch was taken and epic stories of pain and hurt exchanged before the riders set off once again in search of the next climb which at mere 2.8km and 18% should be a walk in the park....NOT!!
The ride across the top was like riding through the high country. Rolling hills beautiful country side and cows to keep us company. The temperature was 7 degrees as we were at an altitude of about 1100m. All too soon we hit the bottom of the next climb and up we went.
This climb again proved challenging for many riders but a good number ground their way to the top where we regrouped.
The descent to Killarney was amazing. With the riders reaching speeds of almost 50kph the wind chill factor was extreme and at one stage we rode through heavy fog making it a most surreal feeling. We powered into Killarney for afternoon tea at 3.30pm and once off the bike we froze. Some were forced to sit in cars while others wrapped themselves in blankets to keep warm and some looked on the verge of hyperthermia.
With about 35ks to go we headed off with our police escort and with the wind at our backs the peleton rode as one all the way to Warwick finishing under dark skies and gloomy light.
As we huddled together I looked around and I didn't see cyclists I saw a bunch of riders arm in arm cold wet and covered in mud....warriors all of them united by the experience and strengthened by what they had just achieved over the past 11 hours. It was truly an amazing effort. As our leader Sharky spoke we all hugged those around us that little bit tighter thanking our awesome road crew for getting us through the day. We reflected on why we were doing this.......for Adam and for our own lost friends, family and loved ones. To help find a cure for cancer. It had been quite a day physically and mentally we were all drained....tired but happy. It would be a day we would never forget or indeed want to forget.
Hot showers and dry clothes boosted our morale as we prepared for the team dinner at the Horse and Jockey our fabulous hosts.
The Cyc'd boys doned their sponsors cap and headed off to the bar. As other rider rehydrated with Powerade the boys rehydrated with Canadian Club the only way to celebrate a 220km ride in rain.
Dinner was a great way to relive the day and share some stories with fellow riders and road crew.
While we wanted to keep on talking our beds were calling as thoughts soon turned to what lay ahead tomorrow another 220ks home....but that is another story.
Stay tuned for part 4 the ride home.
No comments:
Post a Comment