Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula turned on the weather for the first post-COVID edition of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.
I stayed in town the night previous with mates and was treated to great food, wine and war stories - so good that I slept through my alarm and we nearly missed the start of the TAC People's Ride.
There are 3 distances to choose from - 35 / 50 / 125km. Only the big loop takes in the ocean views so it was a no-brainer.
Not having a road bike - sacré bleu, I put some slick rubber on my Serk Dissident for the ride.
Taking advantage of the infrastructure set-up for the Women's and Men's UCI road race later in the day, the big bunch rolled around in an almost car-free course.
We stopped at Bells Beach to take in the spectacular cliff line, I could have sworn I saw Johnny Utah in the car park.
I definitely did see this bloke on the course very relaxed, and looking fit enough to race the following day.
A__S__P had the red hot tip for breakfast sanga's at Mortadeli in Torquay and it will not disappoint should you visit. I'll be back with Melodie to check out the deli and fishmonger.
The 125km loop comes to a very steep finale on Challambra to give you a sense of how fast the pro-teams ascend it.
After a quick shower it was back to the finish line to watch a thrilling Women's race won by Loes Adegeest - only just over Amanda Spratt.
The bloke taking the photo turned out to be Gerry Ryan. Where would Australian Cycling be without his passion for the sport?!
No ride day is complete without Ice-Cream, and the boysenberry / salted caramel hit the spot.
If you want to ride next year, head to the event site for details and to enter - and tell Cadel I sent you.
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
27 January 2024
Geelong, Australia.
Your new favourite bicycle mechanic in Melbourne - Ozriders Studio
Shimano GRX Limited Edition Gravel Groupset - Baum Orbis