Otway Rainforest Ride Report

[wizdofaus]

http://pedalingtowork.blogspot.com/2013 ... -ride.html

(Sorry, mainly written for non-cyclists so not really any technical detail)

[il padrone]

Brilliant photo-essay of the 140km road loop here as well.

[wizdofaus]

Cool, thanks. I gather that was from 3 years ago when they first held it - I guess they didn't do the Otway Fly bit then. Maybe it hadn't been as hot in previous years either, and the distance between the water stops hadn't been an issue.

[il padrone]

The 2010 event was in early December so yes, it would not have had such a high temperatures. Also 2010 was a wet winter/spring so the conditions would have been less harsh with that as well.

These ride pics by the way were from a small group ride along the route, not the actual event.

[clackers]

It was warm last year, too. Definitely a two bidon job.

[wizdofaus]

It was warm last year, too. Definitely a two bidon job.

Was surprised on the map that it's only 40km from Lavers Hill to Cape Otway Lighthouse, but on a 31+ degree day riding at any decent sort of pace I reckon you'd need 3 to make it without having to ration.
I desperately wanted to pour a little over my head to wash out the sweat dripping into and stinging my eyes (which aside from the headaches when dehydrated and going into the crouch is really the only time I feel discomfort while cycling - actually I did also forget to mention the kamikaze march flies that left two nasty lumps on my neck, but that's probably for the best on a cycling-advocacy blog!), but there was no way I could afford even a drop for anything other than drinking. There literally was nowhere you could even stop and buy water from along that stretch as far as I could see.

[clackers]

I didn't get to the Lighthouse, I decided to get it over and done with and just rode on from the water stop. Beautiful scenery like the Turton's Track, though - a wonderful ride I'll probably do again next year.

[il padrone]

I desperately wanted to pour a little over my head to wash out the sweat dripping into and stinging my eyes (which aside from the headaches when dehydrated and going into the crouch is really the only time I feel discomfort while cycling

You need Halo bandanna or headband. Keeps your head cool, blocks UV, and diverts any sweat out of your eyes.

[wizdofaus]

I desperately wanted to pour a little over my head to wash out the sweat dripping into and stinging my eyes (which aside from the headaches when dehydrated and going into the crouch is really the only time I feel discomfort while cycling

You need Halo bandanna or headband. Keeps your head cool, blocks UV, and diverts any sweat out of your eyes.

Headband, definitely, I've been meaning to look into it, thanks for the link. Bandanna...hmm...nah...definitely not me.

Update: just bought one, $11 on eBay

[il padrone]

Shame. The bandanna is functionally better for me. It gives excellent UV blockout, and when you keep it a little wet you stay marvellously cool from evaporative cooling.