Audax Alpine Classic 2009 – Oncology Children's Foundation

My account of the Audax Alpine Classic 2009 by Lloyd Kilmore.

On paper it reads like something from your worst nightmares, 200km long, 4 km of vertical climbing with 4 major ascents including 30 km up Falls Creek, twice over the dreaded Tawonga Gap and another 20 km up Buffalo with the temperature forecast to reach 38 degrees. The reality is a whole different story...



Rising at 5 am for a 6:30 am start, the heart is racing and the cool alpine air quickly focus's the mind on the long climbs ahead. The first goal is to keep the heart rate relatively low to preserve energy for the last climb, which, at this moment seems an eternity away. Before then, the first ascent of the day; a gentle 12 km's up Tawonga gap and the first descent, an 8 km stretch of seemingly never ending switch backs that will have to be retraced on the way back.



30 km in and with the first climb and descent behind, the toughest challenge of the day lies ahead; an unrelenting 30 km climb to Falls Creek, some 1500m above sea level and a minimum 2 hours of grinding. The ascent begins in a small group, passing the time with short conversation, anything to distract from the task ahead, mentally breaking down the climb into smaller goals. As we rise out of the valley, the view of the mountain ranges is breathtaking, gum trees as far as the eye can see and the odd hang glider enjoying a bird's eye view.

The higher altitude and tree cover provides shelter from the warming sun, making the first 20 km relatively enjoyable. The muscles are now beginning to ache and the lungs are sucking in the cool thinning air, a reminder that the summit is approaching. As the landscape becomes sparser and the gradient increases, each corner promises a glimpse of the summit, anything, to fill the mind and legs with some hope that the top is nigh. The final 5 km feels like an eternity, with a refill of the water bottles and a quick bite to eat the only reward, before beginning the long descent to the next climb.

While the back side of Tawonga Gap may be the shortest climb of the day at 8km, it is by no means the easiest, a result of the steep consistent gradient and the relentless switchbacks that work to break the rhythm. Making things all the more difficult is the 100km's already in the legs and the exposure to a hot penetrating sun.
This climb is best conquered by concentrating on the next turn and often the road side pylon's when the next corner is obscured from view.

Once the summit is reached it is a gentle ride back to Bright for lunch and time to prepare both physically and mentally for the day's last climb. Having completed 140 km's, including 3 solid climbs, the motivation is quickly dissipating.

With the sun now baking hot and the fresh morning air a distant memory the lunch spot is hesitantly left and the bikes are pointed in the direction of Mt Buffalo. Under normal circumstances Buffalo is a gentle, consistent climb, however, with the thermometer approaching 38 degrees and a lack of tree cover it proves to be a long, hot, grind to the top.

The official climb is 18 km, however, this is somewhat misleading, as once the top is breached there is still another few kilometres to the final drinks spot and with the body nearing total exhaustion they seem to trickle on forever. The only thing keeping the legs turning is the knowledge that once the top is reached the return 30 km's is mostly downhill.

After 10 hours in the saddle the finish line is a welcome relief and it is time to reflect on the day's achievements, the $650 raised for the Oncology Children's Foundation and focus on next years assault.