…until the next time.

Once over the top, the emotions kicked in. I shouted at the trees and the hills in elation, fought back a few tears of relief, and bombed down the far side, only 15km or so from Bright. As I came through Bright, there were still people clapping and cheering at the side of the road, even at this late hour (it was now 7.30pm and there was less than 1.5 hours of light left in the day). I swung into the finish area and there was more cheers and congratulations and recognition of “another 320 rider”. I was done for the day. I paused, slumping across my handlebars for a minute, savouring the day, the pain and the pleasure, before removing my helmet and shoes for the last time and went to lay on the grass, a thousand yard stare at the clouds overhead.

Thanks to Audax for entertaining such a crazy day and then feeding, watering and superbly looking after us all day long. Every stop was filled with always friendly volunteers who were out there well before the first rider and were packing up deep into the night.

Finally, chapeau to Mark who rolled in 18 mins inside the time limit to complete a truly inspiring ride. Next stop the Oppy 24hr, with a little more night riding to come before that!

Every bike is a gravel bike

13 of the best from a year of limited adventure

Part 3 - Downhill to the Med

Part 2 - Les Grandes Alpes

Part 1

Finally!