Nat Bromhead
Up to 2000 riders will take up one of the nation’s most challenging cycling events when they clip in for the 2017 Audax Alpine Classic come January.
Rolling out in the Victorian Alps on Saturday 28th January 2017, the event features course lengths to suit all ages and abilities – from the 60km Mt Beauty ride up to the gruelling 320km Ultimate. High on the bucket list of many, cyclists travel from around Australia and overseas to undertake the annual endurance cycling event now in its 31st year.
The toughest of the event’s ride options is the ‘Ultimate’, features 320km of riding and more than 5,000m of climbing over Mt Buffalo, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Tawonga Gap.
Not for the faint hearted – participants in this event have the option of a 4am or 6:20am start and must finish by 8:30pm. Pre-riding qualifications apply – participants can use Strava or Garmin records to prove they have the experience for one of the nation’s toughest 1-day rides.
On the other end of the scale, the 60km Mt Beauty ride includes 1000m of climbing. With a more civilised 7am start time, riders should aim to complete the ride by 11am.
Bonjour Bright
A free French themed festival ‘Bonjour Bright’ open to riders, supporters and the community at the start and finish location, Howitt Park, over the weekend. An estimated 6000 people will attend the festival that will feature food and drink stalls, cycling clothing, live music and cycling movies on the big screen – further details at www.bonjourbright.com.au
A not for profit event, the Classic is run by volunteers and funds raised by the riders are directed to The Kids Cancer Project. For further details visit www.alpineclassic.com.au
