05 Jul 22 | By pp-admin | Fitzs, Pedal Power
By Michelle Weston
Despite being a resident of Canberra for many years, a bike rider, and familiar with the events namesake Fitz’s Hill, I had not ever ridden Fitz’s Challenge, until last year.
I am an average recreational bike rider, riding an average commuter bike, so it was not without some trepidation that I paid for my registration for the shortest of the rides – which at 50 km promised many ascents and descents within that range (but not the biggy – Fitz’s Hill).
I found it was very motivating to have made the commitment, and with the ride as a goal, I enjoyed doing some longer distances and slightly hillier training rides with my husband in preparation for the event.
Once we started, the nerves disappeared and it was a marvellous day out
There was quite a bit of excitement on the day, as Uriarra Crossing had flooded and we were rerouted up Mt McDonald (it would have to be up!) to avoid the crossing. As a result, we all rode a few extra kilometres.
Once we started, the nerves disappeared and it was a marvellous day out – knowing once you had conquered the hill up to Gravel Pit there was a rest stop with muffins and fruit, and a loo available. With this hill behind you knew the rest was quite doable. Despite all the rain leading up to the event it was a beautiful clear day and wonderful to be out in the Mountains with a group of like-minded people. There were lots of other riders out there, as well as the volunteer Sag Wagons – just in case you had a mechanical problem or it was all just too much.
Finishing the ride brought a real sense of achievement, and was a fun day out. I might even sign up for the 100 km this year…