There are some nice views on the way up the back of falls but the nicest view is the sign for Trapyard drinks and the knowledge that the worst is

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1 Peaks Challenge Falls Creek was a sweet ride. We had a ball from the first cup of black tea at Cairns Airport until we picked up our bike bags in the same location 3 days later. For me peaks challenge series is all about the hills and Falls Creek 2016 didn't disappoint. It had everything, great mates, fast adrenaline fuelled descents, sharp tortuous climbs, informal friendly packs, quick transitions and lots of pain. I started my long steady prep 24 weeks before the event and armed with one cycling book I set out trying to improve my speed on the flats and climbs. I don t know if you ever heard the joke It only takes one book but it did define my cycling for the next 6 months. We discovered great training routes and had fun along the way, although the summer heat did present a few low moments on the Gillies Range in 35 degree heat. My favourite training ride was a loop from the Mountain View to Ravenshoe and back. First the stats, the event comprise of three climbs with a combined ascent of over 4,000 metres, Tarwonga, Hotham and finish by climbing up Back of Falls via Omeo on a 235 km loop. It is a challenge rather than a race and to successfully complete you must finish within 13 hours. It does mess with your mind as it starts on top of the hill at Falls Creek and you have to climb back up to finish. Falls Creek is a ski village in Northern Victoria. The event is held on Victoria Labour Day weekend so accommodation sells pretty fast. The event is well run with safety checks before you register, pre ride safety briefing, seeded starts, valet bags, mechanical support and lots of drinks stops along the way. The ride caters for 2,000 cyclist and the roads are closed to traffic on main climbs. Pic shows the briefing, Cairns crew are on balcony on the left.

2 The first challenge is to negotiate 30k of downhill at the start where there are a lot more cyclist than room on the road and it feels great to be on the bike and whizzing downhill. Lots of bicycle lights flashing which made a pretty sight from above. Once safety down and through Mt Beauty it is quickly to the first climb. Tarwonga Gap is a warm up climb and slighter tougher than the Kuranda Range with stats of 7.6 km distance with vertical climb of 498 metres and an average gradient of 6.5 %. My main strategy was to get up and over in a steady sustainable pace. As we climbed near the top there were some beautiful views of the valleys below. Once crested there is a challenging downhill section with fast corners and excellent downhills. Next was a relative flat run to Harrietville for the first drinks stop and valet bag, I managed to jump into some nice fast bunches and made good progress. After a quick drink stop it's time to move onto the second climb Hotham. I don t know if it is possible to fall in love with a climb but this one would be a good candidate for a long term relationship! Hotham has it all; it is 30 km long, 1,300 metre in elevation, 2 hour climb with the most beautiful scenery. It is sharp at the start, steady in the middle and tortuous at the end. By the time you go under the tunnel at the top of the climb you know you have achieved something very special and well worth an imaginary pat on the back or even a thumbs up.

3 After a quick bite of lunch at the lunch stop in Dinner Plain, trip to the tardis, refilled supplies, it was time to get going. I met up with three of the Cairns crew at lunch; it is always good to see familiar faces. The plan was fairly simple; only one more climb and 80 km to the base, so get to the base in the quickest time with the maximum energy. The stretch from Dinner Plain to Omeo was beautiful with rolling downhills mixed with sharp climbs. After a quick stop at Omeo drinks point, we were quickly back on the bikes. So far I was delighted with progress and looking good for my 11 hour goal. One of the key things is to be quick and efficient in the stops. I hit a low point on the climb outside Omeo and was dropped from the pack but luckily another group came along and I was quickly back on track. The prettiest section of the whole trip is from Omeo into the second last drinks stop at Anglers Rest which contains twisty roads in cool woody valleys and slightly downhill. Shortly after comes WTF corner. My daughters think it s called Why The Face which is surprising appropriate! Everything written about this climb is true, the challenge is worthy, 200k on the legs and you are faced with the initial 9 km climb at 9 % gradient before is relaxes. A clear head is required. For the challenge I had selected a 32T rear cassette with full compact cranks. My strategy was relative simple, climb at my own pace any which way I could, but don t walk. The strategy was working a dream; right up to the point where I got off and walked! I was on a visit to the hurt locker, but for some strange reason it was good fun and I knew I barring a major mechanical I was going to finish. There is a lot comradery on a hill as everyone is feeling your pain although I give extra words of encouragement to the bloke who passed me on the steely bike; great way to earn respect! Did I mention the views were beautiful!

4 There are some nice views on the way up the back of falls but the nicest view is the sign for Trapyard drinks and the knowledge that the worst is nearly over! After a quick refuel it's time to bring it home. I had forgotten how long the climb was with 23k of climbing from WTF corner until you crest the beast. There are a couple of milestones with cresting the back of falls climb, first sight of the Dam and approaching the last climb towards the village before the finish. Julia took some excellent pics.

5 We had a great atmosphere at the finish with all the Cairns crew swapping stories and stats. Of the 12 from Cairns, we had 11 people finish under the 13 hour limit with one rider very unlucky to have pulled out with a mechanical. I managed to get my 11 hour deadline and I was delighted with the result.

6 Further details are located in strava file On reflection we had a great crew for our Saturday morning stupid o clock training rides. Big thanks to all the Cairns crew, Kev, Tony, Don, Pete, Tim, Ian, D avog, Richard, Russel, Mike & Ben and the excellent hospitality of Julia and Kaye. Also thanks to the OFIL s who did not travel but were there for us in the Redlynch VIP viewing platform, in meant a lot! The event went very well because we had the love and unending support of our family and friends, for that we will all be very grateful. Peaks Challenge Falls Creek was a sweet ride - roll on 12 th March 2017 and yes, entries are currently open! Good video clip located at