You should have no probs up the climb from your comment below Chris. There is a steep climb before the main climb starts so don't hammer up it or you won't have recovered in time. For people who've never done a long climb before my suggestion would be to take it easy from the start and you'll find in the last few kms you'll probably want to change up a gear or two once you've got into a rhythm because it'll start to seem quite easy.
I would not rely on the food stops available and bring my own. When I rode it last year a lot of the refreshments were gone by the time I got there and I was about middle of the pack so to speak. But I am also picky with food/drink on rides :D
The last 10k or so downhill are a blast but watch out for the biggest obstacle, other riders who can't descend!
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I did the inaugural Degani King Lake ride I think in 2009. This was part of the www.supersprint.com.au series, the sponsor Degani has since changed. I remember that the weather was cold and rainy that day which made it more difficult. I think it all depends on how fast you go, if you save some energy for the hills and eat and drink enough you will be ok. The ride was superbly supported with plenty of rest/drink and food stops. The road marshals were excellent as well. I think it is the supersprint people who are good organisers. Hint - take some warm clothing just in case ;)
660 days ago
The climb from Whittlesea to Kinglake West was nasty, but a whole lot of fun to come down once we'd made it up there... there is some good routes in that location. I've got a couple in mind for the weekend (it's rather convenient for me as I live in the area) , unless my occasional riding buddy wants to do something more her direction.
661 days ago
Jayne,
Glad to hear that you have already looked at the course but in reverse. (I like to ride group rides in reverse before the day of the ride. Dont ask me why I just do.)The climb out of whittlesea to Kinglake West is tough as it short and quite steep in parts.
I have ridden from watsonia to whittlesea up to kinglake west across to kinglake down the hill, back up and then down and back to watsonia. This trip is aprox. 110klms.
Try that route again but make it further to King Lake and then ride to the bottom of Kinglake hill towards St Andrews. Once you get to the creek at the bottom turn around and ride back up to kinglake. This route is similar in stature to the 120 klm ride.
Lucas
Glad to hear that you have already looked at the course but in reverse. (I like to ride group rides in reverse before the day of the ride. Dont ask me why I just do.)The climb out of whittlesea to Kinglake West is tough as it short and quite steep in parts.
I have ridden from watsonia to whittlesea up to kinglake west across to kinglake down the hill, back up and then down and back to watsonia. This trip is aprox. 110klms.
Try that route again but make it further to King Lake and then ride to the bottom of Kinglake hill towards St Andrews. Once you get to the creek at the bottom turn around and ride back up to kinglake. This route is similar in stature to the 120 klm ride.
Lucas
661 days ago
Gday there Chris,
If you are doing those rides up your way. You should be fine.
I was never good with a fast cadence but after reading a few books (L.Armstrong) it changed my views on my cadence level.
I average aprox 90-100 rpm. I can now use that cadence to my advantage when ridiing hills.
Enjoy the ride this year. I wont be riding this year as I said. Only due to the fact that the last year I have put in quite a lot of klms over the past year. 20,000 + and I just need a rest.
Lucas
If you are doing those rides up your way. You should be fine.
I was never good with a fast cadence but after reading a few books (L.Armstrong) it changed my views on my cadence level.
I average aprox 90-100 rpm. I can now use that cadence to my advantage when ridiing hills.
Enjoy the ride this year. I wont be riding this year as I said. Only due to the fact that the last year I have put in quite a lot of klms over the past year. 20,000 + and I just need a rest.
Lucas
661 days ago