Tuesday Out of Town Ride. Barrabool Hills Loop.
23/12/2008.
(No Hills Ride!)
Under an overcast sky 21 riders met at The Blue Room anticipating a great day ahead with a weather report indicating improving conditions. Some riders had a misconception about the ride when the term “no hills” was mentioned. Whispers of “ non core promises” were later heard among some so first I must explain what “no hills” means. Firstly “no hills” is a relative term. If you were to ask a motorist “are there any hills on the Princes Highway to Colac?” He would probably answer “no”. But a cyclist would say, “yes, quite a few”. The distinction between a hill and a mountain is unclear and largely subjective, but a hill is generally somewhat lower and less steep than a mountain. In the United Kingdom geographers historically regarded mountains as hills greater than 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, if you can ride over it then it is not a hill, merely an undulation. In Australia hills have levels of more the 1000 metres and gradients of more than 10%. Only riders who weigh less than 40kgs and are full of EPO can ride over them.
Starting at The Blue Room and riding the Barwon River cycle path we proceeded to Fyansford, then along the shoulder on the Hamilton Highway to Pollockfords Road. A left turn here took us over the undulations of the Barrabool Hills. Some stopped here to admire the view with Mount Bunningyong in the distance. Continuing on down Barrabool Hills Road we crossed over the Princes Highway and on to Moriac for lunch. Everyone was feeling much better now the “hills” were behind us and so was the wind. An easy ride home was anticipated by all except Brian who at this stage was having serious thoughts about a couple of very sore knees. Some riders were relatively new to longer distances and “hills” so to have got to Moriac in one piece was a great achievement. To them we say well done, another step in your bicycle education has now be completed, keep up the good work an enjoy the many more Tuesday rides to come. With improving conditions and lunch completed, the Cape Otway Road up to Mount Duneed Road was traversed. Ghazeepore Road led us to the Waurn Ponds Cycle Path and to the After Party at Panache. Unfortunately we lost Brian on the way as he had to radio for the Crash Wagon for a lift home. We certainly hope that things have improved for him and look forward to his future participation. The day ended with the consensus of opinion being that every one had an enjoyable day and were looking forward to the next ride.
Alan (No Hills) Munyard
