It was Thursday afternoon. The weekend ahead was going to be my first weekend off in two months, and I was longing for a disconnect to revitalise my senses. I called some friends to see who would be keen to head to Victoria’s High Country to ride the route of the Peaks Challenge, starting at Falls Creek Village and descending into Mount Beauty before traversing up Tawonga Gap, up Mount Hotham and back via Omeo.
The Peaks Challenge is one of the world’s toughest and most picturesque cycling challenges – comparable with the toughest stages of the Tour de France with over 4,000 metres of climbing throughout its 235km loop, and taking place annually in March. I’d never ridden it before, but I couldn’t wait to test myself out, even if it wasn’t on the weekend of the actual event. The plan was set, and my good friend (and Paralympic gold medallist) Alana Forster was on board to join me for what shaped up to be a cracking weekend. We were off to Victoria’s High Country!
Looking out my window, the sun is beginning to rise, painting the sky with warm pink and orange hues
Peak 1: Tawonga Gap
It’s now Friday, and I’ve just finished work. I dash out the door and into my car to pick up Alana. We load the bikes onto my Thule bike rack, fill the car with fuel and head up the Hume, trying to stay ahead of peak-hour traffic.
As the kays tick by, the light begins to fade and day turns to night. I roll down my window to feel that chilled mountain air blast against my face. We see the flashing road markers in the distance when Alana points out the full moon illuminating the shadows as we near Falls Creek.
Our accommodation for the evening, Frueauf Village, is just behind the main village, so we continue up the hill until we can see our apartment’s warm amber light shining through the small windows. We enter through the front door to a refreshing warm blast of air that envelops us, marking a comforting start to our big adventure. It’s going to be a big couple of days ahead. Better get some rest.
I awaken to a clear, crisp morning in Falls Creek. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts into
