From the Mountains to the Ocean

The scheduled road today was the Great Ocean Road. A highly touted section of the ride from Apollo Bay to Torquay 92 km (57 miles). Word came down last night that a section of the road had closed. A re-route was required. We would leave Apollo Bay, at 5.5 km turn inland and start climbing up pretty steep hill to the tap at 520 meters (1700 feet). As well left it was pretty chilly, maybe low 40's F. As we started the climb it started to drizzle. A was wearing a blue rain jacket that I bought in Apollo Bay yesterday and it worked very well. The jacket that I've been using previously was a biking jacket, but it really wasn't water proof, so this new one is a big improvement.

We stopped at a nifty bike shop and coffee cafe in the town of Forest. The sun was peaking out and the day was starting to get much nicer. The lattes and pastries really was welcome.

One more climb was required to get to the lunch stop. The climbs were the steepest of the day. I think that I was reading 14 % grade in spots. It was a good thing the the length of the climbs were fairly short.

After lunch it was mostly downhill on wet pavement so caution was required. The town of Loren was at the base of the hill and we took some time to have another coffee and soak up the sunshine. The rest of the ride into Torquay was all along the original route of the Great Ocean Road with gorgeous views. The tailwinds were also still in our favor, gently giving us a push from behind. We got into camp at about 5 PM, which gave us just enough time to set up the tents and take a shower before ride briefing and dinner at 7 PM.

Photo Link:

Happy Riding,

Brian