Inside the Peloton Day 6
The Queen Stage. The most elevation gained in a single day, including up the Tour Down Under infamous climbs that the professionals tackle, Checkers Hill (with a 17% pinch, steep enough to be pulling the front wheel off the ground, grinding it out, at speeds for some of us as slow as 5km/hour, standing on the pedals, willing them to turn over once more, and again, and again….) and the aptly-named Corkscrew, which we get to do again tomorrow, just for kicks, through the hairpins.
Today was a day all feared with the accumulated fatigue of 5 days riding and over 700km taken out of the legs already, as much already as the pros do in their entire January race here. The support within the bunch came to the fore, with the pace backed off a little, and frequent regroups, respecting the climbing we faced. Those struggling the most got a timely push from a stronger rider and the always-stellar volunteer support staff also got in on the act on the steepest ramps, running alongside, with a shove on the saddle.
In between the climbs, there were some epic sweeping roads along the ridgelines, rolling through the Hills. Sometimes a smile on the dial melts the pain better than ibuprofen!
All the climbing today was to be done before the lunch stop at top of Mount Lofty, condensing the effort into a long hard morning. Pain faces didn’t need to be turned on for the waiting cameras – genuine effort expended and rewarded by this incredible challenge many of us return to each year.
Whilst we are now back in Adelaide, we have been reminded the challenge isn’t over yet. We have another 2,000 metres to climb tomorrow, so no soft finishing day for us. Throughout the week at nightly charity partner presentations, we are reminded why we all here. The funds we raise through our networks has a major impact on the quality of life of children, gifting them education or even a safe roof over their heads. So I sign this off with a last call for donations, with some of us yet to reach our targets. Every dollar makes a difference. What price, Hope?
We do, So They Can.
Colin Meade
Team Landream
