Tarquin,
I did the Blayney to Bathurst (B2B) 70km last year. I agree with
goneriding about the weather aspect. Last year it was about 12-13 degrees and
WET at the start of the ride, and it drizzled throughout.
I didn't find it a hard ride, other than the adverse weather. I was wet through, my gloves were dripping wet and on a couple of downhills I lost my nerve a bit as I struggled to get the brakes to respond - they were so slippery from being drenched. There are a few hills but only one big long one just after Newbridge. It wouldn't be more than 5-6% gradient.
I found it a much better ride than big social rides like Loop the Lake (Lake Macquarie), as most cyclists at B2B are experienced road racers - less unpredictable moves! At the time I was cycling about 200km p.w with regular weekly rides of 70+km. I probably wouldn't attempt it if I wasn't regularly doing 50km+ rides that include a few hills.
Having said that, I did say to a mate that I wanted to come back and do it again, hopefully in better weather and on my single speed - that gives you some idea that there are no monster hills.
If you have a good level of fitness, ares strong in the legs and dosed up with plenty of attitude (HTFU), you could probably finish it but without a bit of training, would you actually enjoy it?
