Did the 210 ACW. This is probably my 10th ATB, so I've long stopped going to the start. In the "old" days we used to start at Port Melbourne and head straight out onto the bridge, plus it was less of a hassle at the finish. However, I do feel like the atmosphere at the end is a lot better at the Alexandra Gardens.
Left the Casino around 5:30 and found some great groups early. Dropped off one to stop at Werribee, but got a pretty good one again to Geelong. Coming out of Geelong, it was very quiet (and slow) until a lone Multiplex rider came past. He was built like a brick s***house and dragged me to the Leopold hill and then left me in his dust. Arrived at Queenscliff at 8:57 - they threw my lunch at me and shoved me on the 9am ferry. That beats hanging around
Ate and drank too much on the ferry but the guys from Four Square constructions got me to Safety Beach where they turned off
Was feeling the pinch up Mt Martha. But not as bad as the person being attended to by paramedics. It didn't look to good. Anyone know what happened? Quick stop at Frankston (the old stopping point), another quick stop 500m up the road at their new stopping point. Very poor selection of food (Geelong was awesome) which was disappointing. Not sure how the later one's fared.
Out of Frankston, joined the AMG group rolling at a nice pace. At one stage, the group slowed and I veered right out of the group to ensure I didn't clip wheels. Rather than let me back in, the 2 behind me moved up the middle to leave me 3 wide and no wheel to follow. Say What? "We are trying to keep our group together" "Ok, that's fine but thats NOT the way to do it"
This was perhaps the best ever. The wind was either helping or cross, not too strong or gusty, great weather, I rode in short sleeves all day. Kept myself hydrated and fed all day (normally I forget). No mechanicals. Once in a lifetime ferry crossing
Averaged 31.9km/h.
