Our esteemed jersey wearers led the way out to our first challenge for the day - not a long hot climb, but something to really focus the mind on the task at hand. The first gravel section had us all watching out for holes, ruts, deep pots of gravel and lots of vegetation.
That was keeping our brilliant mechanic JJ very busy with lots of puncture repairs - let’s hope that the spares can get replenished!
The terrain was terrific - lush, shaded rainforest with glimpses of the lake. Every few minutes, we were granted a water view that made a few wish for a swim.
A quick drink stop and we’re were back on the gravel trail, with some quick climbs and long descents.
We then popped from the jungle into beef country: green rolling hills and the temperature was climbing. Riders toiled in the heat for another stretch until we could cool off with a fast descent, but we had a section of highway next. That’s always a big test for the skillful support crew and vehicles, keeping us safe (it’s always a treat to observe, if you end up in the sag wagon or riding with the mechanics!)
We turned off the highway for another backroad with fast descents and quick rollers and some shady trees, to round off the first 50km. Then back to some challenging hot climbs out of the valley to find the final drink stop next to Lake Eacham - another FNQ highlight, this is such a great country!
The peloton, refreshed, then swung back in to action, herded by our terrific drivers, to race back along some straight, hot roads to our starting point at Lake Tinaroo for a welcome lunch. Another 81km in the bank, with 1200m of climbing.
