After another day on the bike, of stomping the pedals, we were ready to enjoy a solid meal and reminisce on the challenges of the day. At dinner, we were again inspired to attack the longest day of the week by a moving Very Special Kids presentation.
From a rider’s perspective, it is truly moving to be reminded why we continue to ride and fundraise for such noble causes. It definitely puts into perspective the few saddle sores and niggles we are complaining about!
Near perfect conditions greeted the riders this morning for Day 5. A light tailwind as we left the big lights of Bendigo. The peloton found the sweet spot for pace a few kilometres lower than what the leaders wanted, chugging along the open country roads. Some big engines broke wind… and we relished a new set of riders who saw some time on the front. With a few stops along the way, the support crew again shone with seamless transitions at all pit stops, making every rider feel like a pro athlete.
A drinks stop at the town of Rochester to visit the birthplace of 1904 Australian racing and endurance cyclist Sir Hubert Opperman, affectionately known as Oppy. Provided a break and time for a quick cycling history lesson and a group a shot at the statue of Oppy, who was one of the greatest pioneers of Australian Cycling.
It presented more of a mental challenge to push through 225km of at times very monotonous countryside for what was a long and flat day. What continues to push the group through each day is the bond within the peloton.
The peloton experienced a unique and picturesque finish to Day 5 by crossing the charming Kirwans Bridge to arrive in Nagambie.
A mild unwelcomed downpour fell across the riders as we entered our accommodation for the night, which could be a sign of things to come for the evening!
Looking forward to clear skies for the final two days of the 2021 Melbourne 7 Day Challenge.
At the evening meal, the following Competition Jerseys were awarded.
- Navy sponsored by Porter Davis went to Justin Krongold of the Marshall White Team
- Orange leader's jersey, sponsored by Pure Storage, went to Sebastian Catalfamo of the Marshall White Team and Shaun Patterson of the Marshall White Team
- Polka dot,' King of the Mountain' Henley jersey went to Craig Murphy of the Henley Team
- Green' Sprinter's jersey', sponsored by Domain, went to Paul Rosham of the KordaMentha Melbourne Team
- Black, "Spirit of Chain Reaction" LSH Auto jersey went to Paul Sheehan of the Lendlease / Slattery Team
