Hanover ConnectEast Ride For Home

The missus and I took part in the Hanover ConnectEast Ride for Home. We signed up for the 75km and 35km rides respectively.

Having not ridden for 6 weeks (minor fall and subsequent recovery period) - except for a short warm-up ride on the Saturday before the ride - I was lacking ride preparation and for a while, it was going to be touch and go whether I'd be able to ride or not.

Picture taken by Super Sport Images

With a few riding mates from work for company, the Master Plan for the 75km ride was to cruise around high-20s for the duration of the ride. Well, that was the plan and things don't always go to plan… As soon we started, our plan of attack was abandoned. The legs were feeling good and the Eastlink's smooth tarmac made riding so enjoyable. We smashed through the first 35 kilometres onwards to Frankston at an average pace of 40km/h.

At the turnaround point, we took the opportunity for a short stop to stretch and throw down some fruit chews. Then, we set off again. Ian, Michael and I started to organise ourselves for the ride back - we were facing headwinds and a long and gradual climb back to Ringwood. We took turns pacing each other (and a bunch of wheelsuckers) in a single file.

Things were going great until the 47-48km mark. That is when things started turned pear-shaped for me. From the 47-48km mark, every pedal stroke was met with numbing pain from pressure on the sitting bones. The legs felt great throughout the ride but the long time off the bike meant that my butt wasn't used to sitting on the non-existent padding of a bicycle saddle. In search of relief, my pace slowed down to the low-20s and I took every opportunity I could to stand up and relieve the pressure on my very sore butt.

Ian dropped back to pace me and offer support to the finish line. We crossed paths with the missus going in the opposite direction in her 35km ride and the thought did crossed my mind that she might actually catch us before the finish line.

The last 25km was a bit of a struggle but giving up was not an option. Just before the tunnels, a sign encouraged (or taunted) the riders: "Almost there. Only two tunnels to go." There was also another sign that read, "Turn off to avoid tunnels." I will admit, I was tempted but only for a second.

As we pulled up to the tunnels, my second wind kicked in. I'm glad I didn't chicken out - the tunnels made it all worth it. We descended into the belly of the Melba tunnel at speeds close to the motorised vehicular speed limit of 80km/h. Climbing back out was not much fun - just grit your teeth and keep spinning. Many gave in, got off their bikes and had to hike out of the tunnels. Do a U-turn and repeat the descend - ascent through the Mullum Mullum tunnel.

Shortly thereafter, I rolled pass (or rather, climbed up to) the Ringwood Bypass finish line. I completed the ride. Yay!

About 15-20 minutes later, the missus rolled through the finish line. I'm super proud of the wifey - she did extremely well in the 35km ride. Excellent work babe! She looked exhausted after the ride but she was super excited and is already looking forward to next year.

Total Distance: 77.00km
Duration: 3hrs 22 mins 58 seconds (includes time waiting to start the ride, so minus around 30 mins - be generous)
Average Pace: 2:38min/km
Average Speed: 22.75km/h

A few memorable quotes from Sunday's ride:

Michael: "So who brought their Citylink/Eastlink E-Tag with them today?"

Ian: "Next year when we do this ride, you'd better ride faster!"
AK: "Mate, I don't think I can ride any slower!"

Ian: "You never leave a mate behind."

AK: "Are we going to get booked for doing in excess of 80km/h through the tunnels?"