A review of my 'Around the Bay' adventure

Two weeks since Around the Bay In A Day (ATBIAD) so I'd better get the day documented. I need to move on to the next part of the journey but its important to record this milestone.

So here the bottom line- ATBIAD was interesting and challenging, part scary, part embarrassing, lots of fun, and full of lessons to learn. The weather for most if it was 'poor' at best, with rain, cold and headwinds; sometimes all three at once. There was also a lot of riders involved, with large pelotons often going past at quite surprising speeds.

So the event was a lot different from what I've been used to - It was uncomfortable, challenging and at times scary but I enjoyed it, and learnt from it.

Here's what happened (Its long! sorry.) -

I met Dr BiL before 0500 at Port Melbourne and we took off at a fast pace in the cold and the dark to our starting point. Already my heart rate was up from the speed and the excitement, and I was concerned I would blow myself out too early. I knew I could easily handle the 100ks or so of the first half so I wasn't overly concerned, just anxious about the long day ahead.

The fast, fun pace continuued as we joined up with other riders, and we rode through the dark, around Brighton, Beaumaris and the other beach suburbs. Not much talking, just a good fast ride as sun came up on a cold Sunday in Melbourne.

Just after Beaumaris the first big peloton of about 30 riders went past. Dressed as they were in smart BMW uniforms it was like being passed by a very British cavalry regiment from the 1800s. Impressive, structured, uniformed, intimidating, I was just glad they didn't have lances.

Through Frankston at sunrise and all going well, our group of 4 riding strongly. We stopped at a red light just near the Frankston Pub and the change in leg position gave me a strangling cramp in my left quad. Bugger - end of the group of 4.

A little while later I caught up and passed the other three enjoying a short break halfway up a hill. I didn't want to stop halfway up a hill so I yelled out 'see you at the top' and kept going, only to find the top was the first in a series of rolling hills.

Through Mornington I continued on my own, at my normal pace confident the others would catch me in no time. It actually took them a while to catch up and it was good to be back riding on my own, at my usual pace without the  distraction of others. I realised as I rode that I can't change my nature- I actually love being on my own, and facing my own challenges. I had enjoy the fast ride over the last couple of hours however, and I realised I needed to learn to ride with others- if for no other reason than it will make me faster. OK, so one lesson well learnt- join a cycling club near my home and learn to ride in a group. Will do.

From Mornington to the scheduled ferry crossing at Sorrento I faced a series of challenges, and frankly, I stuffed up. Dr BiL let the others go on ahead and he stayed with me to provide assistance, support and company. I was embarrassed at first to have him with me as I stumbled and fumbled but eventually I realised he was genuine when he said he was happy to ride with me. I also realised my previous cycling experience with others had coloured my view, and made me think I was a burden. Dr BiL didn't see it that way, and I benefited from his fellowship and company - in many ways.

The challenges weren't too hard, just annoying - A flat tyre (which BiL fixed) and some ongoing trouble with my shoe clips casused by mud I'd picked  up when changing the tyre. I also fell over at very slow speed in a rest stop when I was distracted, which was naturally very embarrassing! Poor Dr BiL.

The rest of the day was mainly smooth sailing. BiL and I rode together for some of the way and in  procession for most of the day- me behind, naturally. We faced the challenges of wind, rain, cold and rolling hills together. In the afternoon we got a tail wind and enjoyed a flat fast ride from Geelong back to Melboune, although we also had to find our way back on course after I got us lost for a short while. Poor Dr Bil.

We also stopped for a much needed hot coffee in Geelong that pepped us both up, me in particular; a good memory that will stay with me.

Riding over the Westgate Bridge into Melbourne was a blast, and an experience I will treasure. The view was awesome going up, and the downhill was super fast. What a hoot.

The ride through Melbourne was slow and annoying, stopping at a dozen or so traffic lights. Lots of riders, not much talking but plenty of camaradarie.

Coming down the finishing shute was exciting as everyone clapped and yelled. We looked, but didn't see our wives but when they found us in the finishing yard, they were more excited than us. Nice.

And as you can imagine, the dinner that night was very satisfying, and well deserved.I think we all felt quite close.

Another good day on my journey to become an endurance athlete. A long way to go, but a start.

And a great wayto get to know my Brother in Law. Thanks Dr BiL.

More later, journey on
James





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