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.