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!
Kinglake 120km
Discussion started by Chris Rosvall , on 27 July 12:11 PM
So, who's entered the Kinglake 120km in September?
Has anyone ridden it before?
What's it like? How tough is the climb to Kinglake, really...
Any pointers and tips to help me train for it?
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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 ;)
692 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.
693 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
693 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
693 days ago
Thanks for the advise, Lucas...
I'm in Albury and do quite a bit of riding.
There is a ride out to Granya that has a Cat4 and a Cat3 climb.
The Cat3 is the climb to the top of Granya and it's about 8km long.
All up, the return ride is about 117km.
As for ring gear, I've got a TCR Composite with a Compact front with a 28T rear... It really makes climbing that bit easier (though my cadence is the weak link at the moment).
I've only been riding since April this year (I participated in the Murray to Moyne) and have become addicted (I'm taking part in the Port 2 Port in November - Mildura to Swan Hill to Echuca) and Kinglake will be my first serious event. I missed out on the Bay In A Day cut-off date for this year (though I'll be there in 2012).
I'm in Albury and do quite a bit of riding.
There is a ride out to Granya that has a Cat4 and a Cat3 climb.
The Cat3 is the climb to the top of Granya and it's about 8km long.
All up, the return ride is about 117km.
As for ring gear, I've got a TCR Composite with a Compact front with a 28T rear... It really makes climbing that bit easier (though my cadence is the weak link at the moment).
I've only been riding since April this year (I participated in the Murray to Moyne) and have become addicted (I'm taking part in the Port 2 Port in November - Mildura to Swan Hill to Echuca) and Kinglake will be my first serious event. I missed out on the Bay In A Day cut-off date for this year (though I'll be there in 2012).
694 days ago
I'm doing the 70km... although very seriously considering upping it to the 120km (at the time of registration I'd been on a bike for 2 weeks... 120km was a bit of a mountain to achieve). But over the last couple of weeks have made it from Mernda to Kinglake West and back without dying.
Planning on riding the 70km loop on Saturday just to try it out - last time I did the other direction which apparently is slightly tougher.
Planning on riding the 70km loop on Saturday just to try it out - last time I did the other direction which apparently is slightly tougher.
694 days ago
I have done this ride for the past 3 years. I am participating this year.
The roads are quite rough.
There is 2 good climbs in the 120km ride and a couple of smaller ones.
Training wise would be to get some klms in your legs and do a few hills.
I have seen many people walking up the climb into King Lake and its a long walk.
If you have a compact crank that will make life easy.
There are loads of people of all varying ride styles. (Fast, medium, slow) some people ride mountain bikes towing the kids along in a trailer.
Plenty of support (if you have a mechanical issue) take a couple of spare tubes and make sure your bike is seviced and the brakes are working. I have seen plenty of people descending and not negotiated the descent properly. (braking to late, to fast for the own capabilities etc)
All I can say is get out for some training rides before the ride and then give yourself a 3-5 day break before the actual ride. Also keep an eye on the weather as it can get quite cold up the hill and then down the other side. If its raining it can be a long cold day.
If this is your first big ride, it can be a killer for those that are not used to the distance and the hills. Or opt for the shorter ride (70 klm)
Other than that it is a great ride. Enjoy it. Take your camera if you plan on doing a few stops to get some pics of the view.
The roads are quite rough.
There is 2 good climbs in the 120km ride and a couple of smaller ones.
Training wise would be to get some klms in your legs and do a few hills.
I have seen many people walking up the climb into King Lake and its a long walk.
If you have a compact crank that will make life easy.
There are loads of people of all varying ride styles. (Fast, medium, slow) some people ride mountain bikes towing the kids along in a trailer.
Plenty of support (if you have a mechanical issue) take a couple of spare tubes and make sure your bike is seviced and the brakes are working. I have seen plenty of people descending and not negotiated the descent properly. (braking to late, to fast for the own capabilities etc)
All I can say is get out for some training rides before the ride and then give yourself a 3-5 day break before the actual ride. Also keep an eye on the weather as it can get quite cold up the hill and then down the other side. If its raining it can be a long cold day.
If this is your first big ride, it can be a killer for those that are not used to the distance and the hills. Or opt for the shorter ride (70 klm)
Other than that it is a great ride. Enjoy it. Take your camera if you plan on doing a few stops to get some pics of the view.
694 days ago