A Mountain of a Cycle – the 7 Peaks Challenge
The downhill run at Hotham. Image:: Courtesy 7 Peaks Challenge
Alpine Summer
The Seven Peaks Challenge is an at-your-own-pace cycling challenge run in the Victorian High Country, through the summer cyclists will summit Victoria’s most challenging peaks, earning themselves stamps in their special Seven Peaks boarding passes and the possibility of winning a trip to the Tour de France.
The Seven Peaks Challenge is cycling competition with a difference, the only thing you’re competing against is the road and yourself. You can ride any day, any time and at any speed, you just have to make it to the top. But when we say ‘just’ we’re conveniently not mentioning the steep climbs, hairpin bends and angry magpies!
These climbs are steep! With average gradients ranging from 4% up to an incredible 13% – The Mt Baw Baw climb, which incidentally is ranked a Hors Category ride, the only one in Australia, and is ranked the second hardest climb in the world of cycling with a maximum gradient of 20.6%. Luckily the other climbs are a little more forgiving, anyone with moderate fitness and the ability to ride a bike should be able to complete them.
Anyone who completes at least four climbs – that is earns four stamps in their boarding pass – goes into the draw to win a trip to the Tour de France 2011, guided by cycling legend Phil Anderson. There are prizes on offer for those who complete just one, two or three climbs and those who conquer all seven!
All you need to do is register to receive your boarding pass, then get into training!
visit www.alpineascentchallenge.com.au and follow the Challenge on facebook – 7 PEAKS – The Alpine Ascent Challenge
Plan your next ride at www.cyclingprofiles.com.au
Climbs to conquer:
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mt Buller Alpine Resort
Dinner Plain Alpine Village
Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Hotham Alpine Resort
Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
Don’t forget to check the weather and conditions are your ride location on the Mountainwatch cams and forecasts
Through the trees at Mt Buller. Image:: Courtesy 7 Peaks Challenge
Spectacular views at Lake Mountain. Image:: Courtesy 7 Peaks Challenge
The view at Mt Baw Baw, the world’s second hardest cycling ascent. Image:: Courtesy 7 Peaks Challenge
Falls Creek forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Mount Buller forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Hotham forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.
Mount Baw Baw forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.