Day 3: The Gorge
T’was the night before, all was tense, not silent ,as Annie, Michelle and I were nervously anticipating our ride through the Gorge. Room 27 was filled with delirium and lots of giggling as we shared our mental tools for doing hill climbs.
Michelle asks herself, “ What would Lance do?”
Annie focuses with “ I can do this!”
And I count pedal strokes to the top of the climb.. often getting lost..
We tossed and turned, and groaned when the alarm went off… It was a beautiful morning as we rode though the Adelaide streets towards the hills. There were hot gusty head winds, and there was no hiding behind Janey! Hmmpp.. wonder why? And I was cursing choosing to be behind her..
The bottom of the gorge was simply beautiful with the sounds of bubbling brooks, and the sun attempting to peep through the tree tops. It was incredible riding as the temperature suddenly dropped 10-15 degrees and the next patch would be hot and gusty.. The scenery was amazing..
Once we reached the bottom of the climb, it was every man (or women) for himself and we could climb at our own pace. It was a tough climb and we conquered the Gorge. I am very proud of how far Annie, Michelle and I have come! We kept passing each other and shouting encouraging words..
“You can do this!”, “What would Lance do!!” and “ what number are you up to Gen?”
From the gorge, it was rolling hills through the gorge. The last 3 km into Williamstown became, “ 3 laps of the Anz, then only 2 laps…” It was a huge sigh of relief to see Princey and the Bus.. A quick bakery stop, a change, then off to Prospect. There was a lot of hilarity in the back of the bus as Kaz attempted to make a shake and was wearing it by the end..
It was damn hot by the time we reached the start of Stage 1.. 39 degress in Adelaide with hot gusty dry winds… The atmosphere was electric.. It was fabulous being a part of this Tour Down Under..
Gen