Members of the Alpine Cycling Club travelled to Adelaide for the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under. With almost perfect conditions for cycling we were treaded to some of the best professional racing on the planet. With the return of big names like Lance Armstrong and the appearance of the World Road Racing Champion Cadel Evans great racing was guaranteed. Members rode up to 600km for the week and enjoyed the variety of terrain Adelaide has to offer. Pencil the 2011 event into you diary now as the club will have an organised group going over again.

The 2009 SP AusNet Tour of Bright was a huge success with record breaking numbers and perfect conditions for the race.

For more information on the tour visit www.tourofbright.com.au

La Grande Boucle was completed in perfect weather conditions. 24 people (+6 kids) came along of which 15 rode. We began in Bright & headed over to Mt Beauty. From here the group really split apart as the mountain goats disappeared up the hill. A few people decided to hop in the cars for the leg up to Falls, to ensure they had the energy to ride the newly sealed section of road. Once onto the new section we had a roaring tail wind which was magic. The scenery up there is fantastic. We then had to negotiate the steep descent down to the Omeo Hwy. A small layer of loose aggregate & tightening curves without warning, made for a cautious descent. Once onto the Omeo Hwy and onto good pavement the road follows the river down to the Blue Duck, where we stopped for lunch. Then it was onto Omeo for the night & a well deserved shower. It was approx 135km ride, which was hard, but very enjoyable. You never know who you’re going to pass. Cycling legend Phil Anderson was riding in the opposite direction with a group. Watch out for the tricky wooden bridges, they can catch you out!

That night we had a great meal & sat around rather quietly. Some, even managed to book a massage. All arose the next morning with anticipation of climbing Hotham from an unfamiliar side & the 100kms back to Bright. All except Aaron who was resembling a lobster. Won’t forget the sun cream again! There are some long consistent climbs up to Hotham from this side. Most people agreed that the ride on the first day was more enjoyable. One last stop at Morrie’s in Harrietville for their fine ice cream & the ride was almost done. Everyone had a great time, & most mentioned they want to do it again, & not wait a year. A special thanks to the support crew, of Viv, Olga & Monique & to Barry & Kim for lending us their fantastic little trailer.