After months of training and anticipation the Chain Reaction Brisbane riders have descended on Adelaide to undertake seven grueling days on the bike. Rolling into the hotel on Friday, the team were given a pro peloton welcome with the tour bus commanding pole position and the front park awash with gleaming carbon fibre. Spirits were high whilst the riders enjoyed some light refreshments and team bonding throughout the afternoon followed by an all you can eat buffet to fuel the legs for the week that lay ahead.
Come Saturday morning, the time for talk was over and we rolled out from the hotel at 7am to commence the 2024 Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge. We headed off through the Adelaide CBD looking suave, the morning air crisp and cool, making for a great way to start off the week of fundraising and cycling for our charity partners.
The first half of the day was relatively flat and before we knew it, we had arrived at Henley beach for our first stop and a photo opportunity on the pier. Once all the teams had struck a pose, we mounted up and rolled for another half an hour to AEIOU Brighton. The riders were given a tour of the facility and Dr James Morton, AEIOU founder and fellow Chain Reaction rider, gave us a moving speech as to the importance of our ride and the impact that it can have on children with autism.
Rolling out of Glenelg, the peloton made its way back through the Adelaide CBD before heading west towards the hills. A quick top up of the bidons at the base of the col and then “free play” was called! The stronger riders quickly disappeared around the first bend whilst the majority found a rhythm and grinded their way to the top. The views were spectacular with sweeping vistas back across Adelaide and out to Gulf Saint Vincent. Lunch was laid out on arrival to Greenhill Winery allowing the group to refuel in the scenery.
Photos from the day click here
Video from today click here
