As we rolled out of G Town (Geelong) in the dark, there was a level of excitement in the group with the Great Ocean Road ahead. The land, the water and the wind all lay ahead.
Riders who were presented their Competition Jerseys last night lead the charge from Geelong to Portarlington via Drysdale in what was meant to be a wet start to the day, but the weather gods were on our side this morning. There was plenty of energy in the peloton on our first big day on the 2021 Melbourne 7 Day Challenge.
From Portarlington to St Leonard’s, it was time for some team riding. We were battling sideways wind straight off the bay. After grouping back together, we went inland before making our way through Pt Lonsdale and the edge of Barwon Heads, with spectators enjoying a morning latte and smashed avo, cheering us on.
With a little more protection inland, we worked our way through the countryside out the back of Torquay and stopped for lunch at the Torquay back beach, knowing that the fun and games would begin after lunch.
Continuing as a group through the back of Jan Juc, a few riders were licking their lips at the first segment of ‘free play’ coming up, post a quick pit stop at the Anglesea River.
AND THEN IT WAS ON!! The first chance riders had to show off their hard work over the last few months, it was a race to the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse, and it was quick with Jamus Campbell, Matt Donoghue, Wilba Williams, Tom Hayne and Tom Curtain in the first bunch.
From Aireys Inlet, it was time to take in the scenery and just enjoy what the great ocean road has to offer; rollers, greenery (and the GREEN machine), the ocean and a touch of fog. As we entered Lorne, we were rewarded with some of the most picturesque riding Victoria has to offer, a perfect way to round out Day 2.
After a 150km, it was a well-earned feed tonight. At the evening meal the following Competition Jerseys were awarded.
- Navy sponsored by Porter Davis went to Karen Paterson of the Henley Team.
- Orange leader's jersey, sponsored by Pure Storage went to Matt Skidmore of the Lendlease / Slattery Team
- Polka dot, ’King of the Mountain’ Henley jersey went to Shannon Peach of the Cameron / Simonds Team
- Green "Sprinter's jersey", sponsored by Domain went to Andrew McCann of the Jellis Craig Team
- Black, "Spirit of Chain Reaction" LSH Auto jersey went to James Hines of the Jellis Craig Team.
