Around the Bay in a day - Done! Now what?

Sitting on my couch on Monday night, having just returned from Melbourne. On Sunday I rode the Around the Bay in a day event. I've had this as a goal for a while now, The 250km registrations sold out in 4 hours and I was lucky (or determined) enough to get in. Over 16,000 people rode a variety of distances from 50 kms to 250kms.

Leading up to the weekend, I had been riding some reasonable k's but went over with some trepidation about the distance and the wind/weather (which was bad - 35 - 50km/h head winds for about a third of the ride!).

Because this has been a goal for 6 months now, and I've completed it, I'm not sure how I feel. I'm really happy with my time and that I worked really hard for over 8 hours in the saddle, met some great blokes and all that, but......WHAT NOW!!! I feel like I need another goal. France? Spain? Adelaide to Melbourne? Three Peaks? Surely something! Then I think about it a bit and realise I'm stuffed and need to kick back and relax for a while. Don't know that I can though....Been cycling for 12 months now and it's been one goal to the next and a number of the Adelaide cyclists crew have unknowingly been a part of these steps.

So, I'll spend some time thinking, but, there will be a next step...who's coming?

PS, the ATB in a Day event is fantastic, huge numbers, way more expensive that the TDU ride, way less food and catering (had to buy stuff at refreshment stops!) but awesome! It's about the challenge not the catering.

250kms, 8 hrs 19 minutes riding, 28.9km/h ave speed.

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Comment by Patrick O'Kane on October 19, 2010 at 7:28: Well done Steve, a great effort in a really good time. I'm sure you'll find your new challenge and smash that one too. I still can't believe you've only been cycling for 12 months, you and Jim are the kind of blokes that keep me wanting to get on the bike, so thanks for that.

Comment by RD6 on October 19, 2010 at 8:01: NOICE effort - I share you pain spending eight hours on the saddle on the final grand slam ride.

whats the 250km ride profile elevation like?

OMG 16,000 people - thats nuts

Comment by Derek Hasel on October 19, 2010 at 8:35: Great effort Steve. If you think of anything else , I'm in. In the meantime I hope to see you at Ride Like Crazy. (We hope to be permitted to enter a CVSA Team).
Your Stats for the ride are impressive too.

Comment by Smudge on October 19, 2010 at 8:37: Great work Steve, it's a nice ride that one. Went over last year with some mates, and we had a great time too, although it was not quite as windy last year thankfully!

They say the Three Peaks is a great challenge if you are looking for one! Too scary for this old dog, I don't like hills!

My personal one will be Adelaide to Melbourne. That is definitely on my radar, and I am thinking it will need to happen in the next twelve months.

Comment by Gus K on October 19, 2010 at 10:09: Excellent Steve! Well done. I would totally be in fear of a head wind, they really knock me out.

If you are interested in France, or anyone else, come along to DahonDude's Cycling in France photo/ talk night and see for your self. I'm sure the climbs will look fearsome and the scenery awesome.

http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/events/jeremy-austins-french-letter

Comment by Darren S. on October 19, 2010 at 10:44: Absolutely awesome effort Steve! As already said, great stats too!

Comment by Don Plush on October 19, 2010 at 13:38: Great effort Steve. Your ride stats were excellent especially given the head wind all the way to Geelong.
This is a ride that is on my "bucket list", so I might have to chat with you some more about it.
@smudge...when are we leaving for Melbourne?

Comment by Steve Blight on October 19, 2010 at 15:40: Smudge, Adelaide to Melbourne would be a great trip I reckon. If you're serious and want some company looks like there's three or four of us already!

Comment by Smudge on October 19, 2010 at 17:38: I am serious about it. My preference would be to take the long way tho. No @Jim, not via Perth mate, but just along the Great Ocean Road!! Works out to a couple of extra hundred kilometers, but has to be more scenic than the direct route.

Supported would be easier, as there would be somewhere to store gear. Unsupported just a few more resources required, like a trailer or panniers. Hmm, could be a good excuse for another bike?

Comment by Patrick O'Kane on October 19, 2010 at 20:20: Adelaide to Melbourne just confirms my belief that you're all mad. I'll drive the support vehicle.

Around the Bay in a day - Done! Now what?

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