Cycling travel is where it’s at!
From Ireland to Inverloch…. the joys of cycling travel!
Riders travel from far and wide to take part in the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge! In 2024 we are excited to have Irish traveller Anne involved in our event. Just 31 years of age, and on holidays in Australia for five weeks, Anne will be riding the 85km route, and is renting a bike from Wheel heat, Wonthaggi.
“I was looking up cycles for my time in Oz, and BCCC is taking place the week before I head home .. I am visiting Melbourne for 5 days and doing the cycle! I did the Parkes 5km park run last week which was very hard!”
Anne started cycling two and a half years ago, and she can’t get enough!
“I love cycling, I found it to be easier on my body to running. Love the feeling when you see the finish line, sense of achievement, especially on longer cycles … It's also great to get out on the bike with the girls and have a chatter and clear the head!”
Each year Anne takes part part in 3-4 cycling sportives, and her longest cycle was The Ring of Kerry, 170km.
“In Ireland, The Ring of Kerry 170km is a spectacular route to do if the weather is nice. We had sunshine on the day last year and the views were amazing. Definitely bucket list route to be ticked off the list!”
“I have done the Galway Corrib Croi cycle twice now and will do it again next year, 110km route. It is the best cycle event I have ever done, in terms of support, food and goodies.”
Through cycling Anne has many great stories to tell.
“For my 30th bday, I went to South Africa to do a 3 day cycle in Prince Albert. The 1st day was the hardest, 65km with a "Swatberg Pass", consisted of 10km steep climb 1583m above sea level, and 22km very steep decent downhill! I cycled 8.5km up the pass until I couldn't physically cycle anymore.
“The weather had taken a turn and we were not able to see in front of you, the closer we got to the top, the colder it got. ..it was 14 degrees at the bottom of the pass … I walked my bike up the last 1.5km, to reach the top, 4 degrees, shivering, and barely could breathe. The support vehicle got me into the van and wrapped me in foil to warm me up and wouldn't let me cycle the decent until I 100% felt ok. I cycled the last 10km back to the village.
“I didn’t realise how difficult the pass was … I felt a great sense of achievement when we finished day 1. I would do it again but ONLY if the weather was good, sunshine and clear skies so I could see the breathtaking views from the summit!”
These experiences are just some of the challenges and joys that cycling can bring, and Anne has some wise words for anyone who may have thought about entering the BCCC but hasn’t locked in their spot yet.
“Just do it! I looked at the cycle for months before booking it! I'm travelling from Ireland to do this cycle, people think I'm mad, having to book flights, trains, cars to do it! If I can do it, u can! Enjoy it !”