Somewhere on the Great Ocean Road south of Wye River ... this could be you in Amy’s Gran Fondo on Sunday 18 September.
I’ve been out training – honest. For my first race. Yes indeedy. The first time I’ll whack a number on my bike is for Amy’s Gran Fondo on 18 September …
Coach is pleased with my efforts; I’m extremely pleased with his input and advice and extremely well-timed words of encouragement on hills … especially considering he’s totally unpaid. And I’ve discovered that work really gets in the way of training, like you wouldn’t believe.
In the spectacular surrounds of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, with FULL ROAD CLOSURE, Australia’s first Gran Fondo – to be run by the Amy Gillett Foundation – is a mass-participation competitive event for all levels of rider in the name of bicycling safety.
The 120km Amy’s Gran Fondo is being limited to just 3000 participants and currently only 1500 places are left. The course is from Lorne via the Great Ocean Road to Forrest, then through Deans Marsh, finishing at Benwerrin. The first 1.5km from departure is under neutral conditions, 110km under timed conditions, with an additional 8.5km under neutral conditions once over the finish line at Benwerrin returning to Lorne, making a total distance of 120km.
The entire 120km course will be fully closed to traffic, providing riders with the safest possible environment, in keeping with the goals of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
This is just the second event to gain full road closure on the Great Ocean Road: a privilege and an opportunity not to be missed.
Registration closes at midnight on Friday 9 September.
View the course profile and bear in mind there’s $20K of prize money on offer. Hard currency will be awarded to the fastest three riders in each age category, the fastest three teams and to the outright King of the Mountain (KOM) winners – all for both men and women.
There’s also Amy’s Great Ocean Ride, which will run from Lorne to Cumberland River – with full road closure – and the possibility of additional laps of the 14km circuit (back to Lorne), if time permits. This community ride is limited to 1000 participants, with 500 of those reserved for residents of the Surf Coast or Colac shires.
And did I mention that full road closure? Magic.
The course is one of the best in Victoria. I’ve done almost all recreational rides here including Alpine Classic, Three Peaks, Alpine Ascent 7 Peaks, you name it. This one combines the best parts of two of my favorite, Rainforest Ride and Otway Classic. Simply stunning scenery.