Ride To The Top - 2005 - Ride Diary

“Farewell to Sydney”

Parramatta Baptist Church (Kleins Road, Northmead) saw the gathering of the motley crew of riders, support crew, friends and family. Wives wished us well, children wished we could stay at home and past riders wished they could join us. Reverend Ric (a past RTTT rider) said a quick prayer, Colin and Annie of HopeStreet had a quick talk about the cause and the ride organisers said a quick word on safety. That was the last of the quickness, until Roger on the last day.

It started with a slow roll-out onto Cumberland and Hume Highways, with riders talking about what their families had done since last year's RTTT, and secretly checking out who had upgraded their bikes. In Liverpool, Chris' new wheel locked in a low gear and one other rider was lucky not to catch the attention of a police car, whilst waiting for the fix. A slight panic at the Camden exit, when Joe was adamant to stay on the M5, then needed to carry his bike over the grass verge to rejoin us.

“Three Missing, Twelve To Go”

Morning tea at Camden and lunch outside 'Fruit de Boop' at Bargo were separated by a series of punctures, a headwind and being joined by Andrew, who participated in past RTTT's. More wind and tough hills in the afternoon were quickly forgotten, by a swim at Bowral pool and a welcome sleep at the Bowral Baptist Church.

For the first time in recent memory, the Sunday morning ride through Moss Vale and Bundanoon was in dry weather and good visibility. For a RTTT first, riders separated and took different routes to Goulburn. While most took the traditional route through Bungonia Forest, two riders took the expressway, where Joe entertained Scott with stories of racing from Sydney to Goulburn in the 1950's, on the old Hume Highway.

Due to work commitments, Alison, Dave and Ray had to leave RTTT after 2 days, but the others did the usual rest-stop routine of swim in local pool, coffee at the local cafe, dinner and a night on airbeds in the church hall. (Except for ride manager Phil, who did our shopping and cooking.)

“Overnight Stop in Canberra”

Monday morning's ride through Tarago, Bungendore and Queanbeyan went like a blur, with riders working like a well-oiled machine and sharing the impact of the headwind. Once again, it was swim, coffee and dinner, but this time with a twist. The Meslin family provided a memorable banquet and RTTT presented them with a 'Tour de France' book. By coincidence, they hope to be holidaying in France, at the same time as this year's race.

If its Tuesday, then it must be Canberra to Cooma. Since RTTT started in 1995, we have noticed two big changes. First is how fast fellow riders' children grow up. Second is the how far the queue of cars extend down the Monaro Highway to Tuggenong.

“Snowy Mountains”

The 4km climb up Tuggenong Hill marked the transition into the Snowy Mountains. Once again, the day went smoothly, with riders being very considerate of fellow road users and Ron's mini-bus providing plenty of warning about following vehicles.

Same as last year, whilst the others stopped for morning tea, Joe kept riding to be first into Cooma, but again missed the turn-off to Pacific Lodge and proceeded on the road to Bega ! Same as every year, a relaxing afternoon in the courtyard of Sharp Cafe and a chat to the staff at Cooma Sports Store.

With a late change of Wednesday's plan, Ron swapped his driving duties for a day on the bike. (He prides himself that he is the only rider from the 1956 Olympics, that is still riding.) The long climb out of Cooma saw riders quickly discard their jackets and leggings, for a warm ride through the hills and dales of Berridale and Jindabyne. (Ron still had a close 'connection' to his bus on the two steep hills on the Barry Way, much to the surprise of the riders that he caught at the summit!)

“Its a long way to the top ...”

Carinya Lodge once again hosted the RTTT riders, although this time in self-contained units. Dinner of lasagne and apple crumble, a quick meeting and relaxing DVD prepared us for 'Big Thursday'.

Once again a fine day greeted us for the start at Jindabyne airport. With a 30 minute head start, the slower riders conserved their energy around Lake Jindabyne, past Paddy Pallin's and through the tollgates, where Ron smooth talked free passes for the support vehicles. Then we felt the full force of the climb through Sawpit Creek to Rennix Gap, before being greeted by the double treat of photos being taken by Phil, then Roger rocketing past us, as the leading rider from the second group.

“Nearly There”

A fast descent at Sponner's Hotel, a tough climb to Dainers Gap, another descent and the never-ending rise to Smiggins Holes (site of Roy and HG's 2010 Winter Olympics). The other second group riders past us at Perisher, and we were alone for the last 10km to Charlotte Pass, wondering whether Roger had broken the RTTT record. Finally, the summit was reached with a cheer for each rider, and big congratulations to Roger, for being the first rider ever to break 1hour 50 minutes.

A quick morning tea before turning around for the roller coaster ride back to Jindabyne. Headwinds and exhaustion from the uphill ride took its toll on a couple of riders, who sought sanctuary in the support vehicles. (I'm still wondering why the paint on my bike didn't blister, from the exclamations on the long climb to the top!)

“Last Piece of the Puzzle”

Traditionally, Friday is 'walk to the top' day. This year, all riders partook in the long walk from Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake, and onto Mount Kosciuszko. A short break for photos and phone calls, then onto Thredbo, where Ron smooth talked free lift passes. (We haven't told him that the free park and lift passes had been pre-arranged by the RTTT organising committee!)

An afternoon tea at the Thredbo Bakehouse (thanks for staying open), a swim/waterslide at the Thredbo Leisure Centre and a look around the shops. Our final dinner at Carinya was a quiet affair (too busy going back for seconds and thirds of Michele and Farley's baked dinner), with a welcome to 'New Chris', who arrived from Sydney to drive us home. A quick thank-you to all participants for their co-operation and a presentation of the 'King of the Mountain' jersey to Roger.

“Homeward Bound”

Another first for Ride To The Top. While the rest of us were loading the cars and trailers, both Dwight and 'Old Chris' put panniers on their bikes, and proceeded to ride back to Sydney. We passed them climbing the long hills at East Jindabyne, and were glad that it was them (and not us).

The sole hiccup of RTTT2005 took place at Goulburn, where the bike-trailer tyre de-laminated and was changed for the spare. Lunch at the truckstop made me reminisce about breakfasts at the aluminium foundry, in the early years of my career. This was soon forgotten, when greeted by family at Northmead, to present them with a load of stories (and a bigger load of washing).

ps. Chris and Dwight made it back to Sydney in three days, with overnight stops in Michelago and Goulburn. (Naturally, as it is all downhill in that direction!)