Alpine Audax 2013 - so who's in ?

[MichaelB]

Hey MichaelB - nice to meet you on Saturday

Was ready for more of a chat, but you were too quick for me

[newie]

As I rolled back into Bright after my second lap, I knew I was going to be flirting with the time cut if I turned around and went back up. There was still something left in the legs, but not in the head. I just didn't want to go back up there!! So I called it quits and settled for two laps. I can't help thinking I would have managed the usual 200 km route and there is a bit of disappointment that I wasn't able to find out. But the route change couldn't be helped. I am also a bit disappointed in myself for not having the fortitude to have a crack at the final lap. I had coped just fine on the two laps I did - I am just too slow.

It has been long months of preparation and I know I let myself get too stressed about it in the past couple of months. I couldn't sleep the night before and struggled to eat properly on the day. Anyway, you learn a lot about yourself when preparing for, participating in, and in the aftermath of events like these. I think I am still processing it all. I doubt I will head back for another go. It is a big drive down from Newcastle and the need to arrange accommodation so far in advance puts me off. If I am going to set myself another challenge goal then I might look at Fitz's Challenge instead.

But to put it all in pespective, I was very close to having a extremely bad end to my weekend. Driving in the pouring rain along the M7 motorway in Sydney on my way back to Newcastle, the car in front of me lost control and went spinning across the highway and into the barriers. As I swerved to avoid it (somehow managing to not lose control myself), a big truck from behind passed by me, inches away. That was the sign to stop for the night at my parents place near Pennant Hills and complete the rest of the journey to Newcastle this morning.

[The_Eggman]

Thanks for volunteering your opinion craig,

I don't agree However.

It's Greg, not Craig.

And what exactly don't you agree with?

It clearly was a difficult decision that wasn't going to please everyone whichever way they went.
Weather cancellation insurance is bloody expensive and doesn't really suit a event of this nature.
Volunteers, in my experience, take on tasks that they get little recognition for (and even less reward), and sometimes get a lot of flack for their efforts.

[MichaelB]

regarding what?

Why oh why don't I remember rule No. 1

Don't feed the trolls .....

Now, back to the tales of excellence

[Eleri]

As we drove towards Mt Beauty on Tuesday we could see the smoke rising spectacularly up in the general direction of Hotham. But thought not too much about it except commenting on the colour and wondering what it was. We're from Sydney and had spent a couple of days in Jindabyne riding the NSW "Alps" in prep for the ACE in my case. This was my 3rd trip and, as usual, we had booked a house for the week for our gang and extended group.

Last year, two of our partners were injured and off the bike and decided to volunteer and spent the day up at Falls Creek. While they were disappointed not to be riding, they in fact had a great day up the mountain and felt much more part of the ride than if they had sat down the bottom waiting for us to turn up late in the day - post ACE. They loved finding out info, they saw all our club members at some point in their ride and were able to give us girls special TLC when we crawled into Falls Creek from the horror of Back of Falls. They had a long, hard day. Dropped us off at 4am and came back down the mountain at about 7.30pm.

But back to this year, the week unfolded and it became apparent the rides would change. The blokes, who were doing the shorter distances, were anxious about their plans. Those of doing the ACE and the 200 were disappointed to say the least. However, we all understood how hard it is to deal with a situation facing the organisers and anyway, we were already there ensconced in our digs same as last year.

In hindsight: it was harder than the ACE, I learned a great deal about mental toughness and my own ability to turn round and do a 3rd lap right up to Cresta - the hardest part of all was the 6kms from Dingo Dell to Cresta. And having the data from each lap, and seeing the first two were quite strong and PBs, but the 3rd my power dropped right off. That's really useful info.

I, like many others, was concerned about congestion. In fact, that didn't happen. Probably because some pulled out, but also because the spacing was good. The 2nd ascent was probably the most congested but the mountain was long enough to handle it

I'm so glad I did that ride.

[jules21]

I couldn't sleep the night before and struggled to eat properly on the day. Anyway, you learn a lot about yourself when preparing for, participating in, and in the aftermath of events like these.

this is normal - i hardly slept the night before my first AAC. it's just experience, once you've done it a couple of times you become more relaxed. fitz's epic is a worthy challenge - i would like to give that a go too.

[feral grasshopper]

I'm so glad I did that ride.

Spot on, totally agree and very well said...

The ordinary routes of whatever distance are hard enough but the mental discipline required to return to the beginning and start all over again and even an unbelievable third time is something else again, repeats are TOUGH!

[oldnewby]

I love hearing everyone else's accounts of the day - makes you understand that everyone was suffering together, and enjoying the challenge! I agree with the last few ppl, the mental challenge of turning around the 3rd time, and going back up the same road was one of the hardest things about the day.

[fattima]

Wow what a day, it was to be my first Alpine Classic (did the raid last year). Here is what I posted on the BV forums, sorry to the people who have read it there.

I had been getting geared up for this ride for a few months and was feeling really prepared and excited about the event. Sadly the fires up Bright put the whole event under a question mark for me, would I go, should I go etc and made me lose some of my enthusiasm. So glad I decided to go now.

Got up there Friday afternoon and Bright was definitely quieter than expected but still a good vibe going on. Saturday was spent doing a quick spin out to the Bright berry farm then eating and socialising before the big day. Still not feeling that excited about doing the ride and in my mind had resigned to the fact that I would do two climbs instead of three for the 200 I was booked in for.

The day of the ride dawned and my riding mates and I headed to the start. I love the buzz in the air before a ride like this, disliked the exploding tubes on a couple of bikes while waiting to take off. First ride out and up Buffalo was great, got onto a big group that got us out to the base in no time, the climb went by really easily and I chewed my riding buddies ear off with boring anecdotes. A quick feed at the top and a cautious ride back down as there were heaps of riders out, happily everyone was calling their passing moves and been sensible. Regrouped then headed back to Bright for the second climb, again got a good run out to the base but the heat was starting to arc up a bit by now.
This climb saw me slow off a fair bit but kept going and enjoyed another feed at the top before heading down to Bright, as on my first climb I got plenty of smiles from people going up as I serenaded them with my rendition of Wichita Lineman. Back at Bright and my enthusiasm for another climb had faded, while having an icy pole my riding buddy asked if I would at least ride to the gatehouse with them. A good con as it got me back to the base and well what are ya gonna do once you are there? So off we went again, got to the first water stop and chatted with some of the volunteers I had met on another Audax ride, it was nice to see a friendly face who understood what you are going through. Then my ride slowly (SLOW been the operative word) went to hell and I descended into a snivelling, sweaty, aching, flatulent mess. The heat had knocked me for a six (the Garmin was showing 40) and I just hurt, I knew I could do the climbing and the distance as I had recently done a similar amount but the heat just added a new and nasty dimension. Had a few chats with people on the way to the next water stop and a couple of breaks, my new motivator was now watching the temp drop on the Garmin as I climbed.
It was nice to get some words of encouragement about now, a young guy went past me, looked over and said "Ya gonna do it" and other guy yelled out "Ya kill'n it mate". The Waterworld stop was heaven, cooled off had a chat then headed off again. A few more k's up the road I had to stop and lie down to ease an aching back a couple of people asked if I was OK then two idiots laughed to each other as they went past saying "that guy is %$cked", yeah nice support fellas. Kept climbing and when I saw the final hairpin turn I knew I was almost there, the same young guy as earlier passed me on his way down and gave me a cheer, then I saw my riding mate starting their descent. The final push to Dingo Dell hurt but I knew it was a short run. A can of coke and off again for the final ride down, egged on a few people still climbing then had a stonking descent. About half way down I spied two riders ahead, it was the guys who thought I was %$cked when I was lying down. Passed them like they were standing still and never saw them again
The ride back to Bright from the base was awesome, dug in and sat on 30kmh using up what energy I had left. People were still out cheering riders on, the group at the caravan park were fantastic yelling at me to push harder and pointing me in the direction of Bright. A car passed me honking their horn and pumping their fist out the window while yelling encouragement, just great. As I rolled in the young guy who given me encouragement was there having a drink he gave me an applause, I thanked him and told him he helped me just when I was feeling down. The camaraderie amongst the riders blew me away, it's one of the things I love about riding.

Anyway to end the day had a dip in the river, drank beer and ate pizza then slept like a log.

Audax really pulled together an amazing event in the face of some very trying circumstances, my hat goes off the them. To anyone who rode on the day, well done you were part of a unique event that will be remembered!

As a side note having never done the traditional 200 route how much harder/easier was this year. Curious as I want to do the Classic next year.

Oh and sblack I saw you out there and was not far behind you on the last run into Bright, I tried to catch you but you were a bit faster than me.

[Gassy]

Nicely conned there . I've always found once I leave Bright I always get to the top of Buffalo. The hardest bit is getting to the river /1st water point, after that it never seems that bad.
Great effort, well done everyone!

That was number 17 for me. 1st climb was easy enough, but dark. Second climb was great, really enjoyed the climb, views and cooloer conditions. 3rd was slower due to heat and fatigue but still managed it quite OK. 3 x Buffalo was certainly tougher mentally than normal, and I think the route was definately harder than the standard 200, probably also harder than the normal ACE 250, as I was even looking forward to the back of falls as I went up Buffalo the 3rd time.

Pity about the fires though. Hotham is a great climb and the road between Omeo and Anglers Rest is quite spectacular, and the back of falls is something everyone should experience , at least once in a lifetime. Next year hopefully!

[Eleri]

As a side note having never done the traditional 200 route how much harder/easier was this year. Curious as I want to do the Classic next year.

Well I was doing the ACE, but like Gassy I thought it was harder than last year. I was disappointed not to do Back of Falls because I'm much fitter and faster than last years and was hoping to shave at least 90 minutes off last year. This was a hard ride, no doubt about it. I think it also had a bit more climbing in it and less flat stuff. I thought I would hate the ride into Bright and back but really needed it.

If you can did this ride and you are at least as fit as you are now, you'll manage the Classic. You'll still have to do Buffalo as the last climb in the heat of the day though! At least you'll know what that's like.

[toppity]

I take my hat off to all of you. I did Buffalo twice over christmas, but had a day off in between . I doubt I could do what you tough people have done. Once again well done.

[jimsheedy]

And what exactly don't you agree with?

This

Personally I reckon you owe the people who organise this event an apology.

And I thought there was something funny going on with the whole affair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... Y4-9w0-36Q

[bardygrub]

And what exactly don't you agree with?

This

Personally I reckon you owe the people who organise this event an apology.

And I thought there was something funny going on with the whole affair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... Y4-9w0-36Q

Funny stuff that. Thx for sharing sheeds

[kosh]

Don't feed the troll folks. People who argue in that style are doing so for the sake of it. I say this because it would have been very easy to represent the constructive components of Jim's perspective without being a complete asshat about it.

[jimsheedy]

Don't feed the troll folks. People who argue in that style are doing so for the sake of it. I say this because it would have been very easy to represent the constructive components of Jim's perspective without being a complete asshat about it.

Something like this maybe? Which was one of my first posts on the matter.

Thank you for your updates. I understand this must be a very stressful time for the organisers not to mention the people of the Alpine area. Hopefully things calm down in the coming days. Regarding the ACE 250 ride. Changing the ride to 3 repeats of Mt Buffalo and saying the ride is still on and not cancelled is totally unsatisfactory. From my perspective and my group, we had booked accommodation in Harrietville, which we were informed yesterday had been closed to visitors. So even if we went ahead with this we would've had no where to stay. Your website stated as early as 2 days ago that it was likely the 250 and raid rides would be cancelled but didn't actually cancel them. I realise that the bushfire problem is totally out of your hands but surely you can see that paying $180, driving from Sydney with nowhere to stay then riding repeats of Mt Buffalo is not really viable. It is also far and away a totally different proposition to what we paid $180 for. I think a full or at least significant refund is only fair.

It's obvious the trolling and arse hattery is being well represented by people like your self who with nothing worthwhile to contribute to the conversation or debate ( This is your first post on this topic I notice ) fall back on the refuge of the lowest type of troll, gutless personal attacks behind an avatar.

[bardygrub]

Don't feed the troll folks. People who argue in that style are doing so for the sake of it. I say this because it would have been very easy to represent the constructive components of Jim's perspective without being a complete asshat about it.

Something like this maybe? Which was one of my first posts on the matter.

Thank you for your updates. I understand this must be a very stressful time for the organisers not to mention the people of the Alpine area. Hopefully things calm down in the coming days. Regarding the ACE 250 ride. Changing the ride to 3 repeats of Mt Buffalo and saying the ride is still on and not cancelled is totally unsatisfactory. From my perspective and my group, we had booked accommodation in Harrietville, which we were informed yesterday had been closed to visitors. So even if we went ahead with this we would've had no where to stay. Your website stated as early as 2 days ago that it was likely the 250 and raid rides would be cancelled but didn't actually cancel them. I realise that the bushfire problem is totally out of your hands but surely you can see that paying $180, driving from Sydney with nowhere to stay then riding repeats of Mt Buffalo is not really viable. It is also far and away a totally different proposition to what we paid $180 for. I think a full or at least significant refund is only fair.

It's obvious the trolling and arse hattery is being well represented by people like your self who with nothing worthwhile to contribute to the conversation or debate ( This is your first post on this topic I notice ) fall back on the refuge of the lowest type of troll, gutless personal attacks behind an avatar.

You do have a point here sheeds, leave it alone now and lets talk about something else hay?

[sblack]

Oh and sblack I saw you out there and was not far behind you on the last run into Bright, I tried to catch you but you were a bit faster than me.

Ahh, so close to meeting another forum member. I was doing the same as you and using up whatever I had left for the final run into Bright. It's amazing the lift you can get when the end is in site.

I love hearing everyone else's accounts of the day - makes you understand that everyone was suffering together, and enjoying the challenge! I agree with the last few ppl, the mental challenge of turning around the 3rd time, and going back up the same road was one of the hardest things about the day.

I agree, it's great hearing everyone else's story of the day, whether through reading it on the forum or chatting with people at the finish. For a couple more detailed accounts of the day head over to the 6k club. My more detailed account is spread over a few posts with Grant's somewhere in the middle of them.

[jimsheedy]

Don't feed the troll folks. People who argue in that style are doing so for the sake of it. I say this because it would have been very easy to represent the constructive components of Jim's perspective without being a complete asshat about it.

Something like this maybe? Which was one of my first posts on the matter.

Thank you for your updates. I understand this must be a very stressful time for the organisers not to mention the people of the Alpine area. Hopefully things calm down in the coming days. Regarding the ACE 250 ride. Changing the ride to 3 repeats of Mt Buffalo and saying the ride is still on and not cancelled is totally unsatisfactory. From my perspective and my group, we had booked accommodation in Harrietville, which we were informed yesterday had been closed to visitors. So even if we went ahead with this we would've had no where to stay. Your website stated as early as 2 days ago that it was likely the 250 and raid rides would be cancelled but didn't actually cancel them. I realise that the bushfire problem is totally out of your hands but surely you can see that paying $180, driving from Sydney with nowhere to stay then riding repeats of Mt Buffalo is not really viable. It is also far and away a totally different proposition to what we paid $180 for. I think a full or at least significant refund is only fair.

It's obvious the trolling and arse hattery is being well represented by people like your self who with nothing worthwhile to contribute to the conversation or debate ( This is your first post on this topic I notice ) fall back on the refuge of the lowest type of troll, gutless personal attacks behind an avatar.

You do have a point here sheeds, leave it alone now and lets talk about something else hay?

No problem there. Although I'm not the one that's instigating this flame war.

[fattima]

Oh and sblack I saw you out there and was not far behind you on the last run into Bright, I tried to catch you but you were a bit faster than me.

Ahh, so close to meeting another forum member. I was doing the same as you and using up whatever I had left for the final run into Bright. It's amazing the lift you can get when the end is in site.

Should have mentioned I was in a green jersey with a skull and cross bones on it and riding a black BMC (and looking like death warmed up ). I saw you in the morning too, I recognised the camera on the fork.

[one_damo]

Great event, great people, great town, great organisation. Hat's off to everyone involved who participated in one form or another.

Halfway up my second (and final) lap, I got passed by two young ladies who were having a good chat and laugh, wearing black/pink "femme velo" or similar jerseys, which had the quote "You've just been passed by a girl". Humiliating and I wanted to yell something out at them (in jest-ful retaliation), but couldn't even think of a comeback...

Planning next year already.

[sblack]

Should have mentioned I was in a green jersey with a skull and cross bones on it and riding a black BMC (and looking like death warmed up ). I saw you in the morning too, I recognised the camera on the fork.

I do remember seeing a jersey of that description. Skull and cross bones stand out as something a little different. I couldn't tell you what the person looked like wearing it or what bike they where riding though.

[kosh]

bunch of nameless fan boys

So are you blokes volunteers or is that where my $180 has gone?

gutless personal attacks behind an avatar

I do love an angry response from a troll who resents being called on it.

Maybe I need some tips on being reasonable.

I'll say.

[jimsheedy]

either contribute or go away. It seems your only reason for visiting this topic is to have a go at me. Do you even own a bike?

[kosh]

either contribute or go away. It seems your only reason for visiting this topic is to have a go at me. Do you even own a bike?

It's not your topic; I was following it from the start, and found everyone else's contributions valuable and/or encouraging. One doesn't need to contribute directly to care about something. My specific contribution today is, indeed, to call you on being an asshat. I've been calling out bullies since high school. I contribute on this board and elsewhere. For starters, I volunteer. Chew on that.