I devised this ride to traverse the highest alpine road in Victoria, taking advantage of the completion of asphalt sealing all the way to Omeo. The idea was to both appreciate the alpine scenery, and get some quality training in for the Alpine Classic in January.

After forecasts of unsettled weather South of the Divide, it was a relief to leave Bright in the cold valley air at 6:30am with clear morning skies. It was brisk cycling with a top over a windstopper. I stopped briefly to put on long gloves to overcome chilled fingers. Once on the climb up Mt Hotham it did not take long to warm up.

The road climbs steeply out of Harrietville, then eases a little following numerous curves. A steep climb up The Meg (I used my 39/26) eases to more steepish curves in the sub-alpine forest. A low angled ramp is a welcome sight as the road enters snowgums. Past the entry gate location, another steep climb takes you above the tree line to the first of many spectacular alpine views past Mt Smythe, the Wangaratta Ski Club and Mt St Bernard.

A fast descent is followed by an arduous climb where I felt the altitude tearing at my lungs. The views keep on coming; Mt Buffalo, then the Razorback and Mt Feathertop. Mt Buller is even visibile in the far distance. The climbing is unrelenting until you gain the shoulder of Mt Hotham and are rewarded with panoramic views of Mt Loch and the Bogong High plains, and a fast descent through the ski village.

After a brief stop for drinks and nourishment at the Mt Hotham General Store, Ed and I continued on. Conditions were close to perfect; sun, clear skies, no wind and not too cold. Past Dinner Plain the road plunges on a long and fast descent. The newly sealed surface was surprisingly rough, and even breaking up in parts. The descent finished at the Victoria River. Traversing the high plateau country around Cobungra Station provides a change of scenery and small rolling hills. After a final climb, a long fast descent brought us to Omeo for a welcome lunch stop.

Climbing back out from Omeo was the toughest part of the ride for both of us. The road is steep, and the temperature was noticeably warmer. We met Alan Bull near Cobungra Station - he was enjoying the scenery and taking his time. I thought he was doing exceptionally well for his age of 67. Alan said he thought Fred had descended Hotham - which I later confirmed back at Bright where he had left his brevet.

The climb up from Victoria River was less steep, but quite sustained. I pushed my second and third gear for speed, but eventually on the steeper "Slippery Pinch" I again settled down into tempo in first. Dinner Plain was a welcome sight and a great spot to rest briefly as I waited a short while for Ed. Sunning myself on the hotel decking was marvellous.

Cruising on to Mt Hotham through snow gum country brought us back to the marvellous views and the glorious descent characterised by some very fast "big dippers". Serious concentration is required when hurtling down the curves, with precipitous drops around. You actually have to pedal along some lower sections, but the forest backdrop is enchanting. Watch the corner at the bottom of The Meg; it is very sharp.

Back at Harrietville, a slight headwind blew up the valley. I alternated between the drops and spinacci bars for a fast push back into Bright, finishing in just under ten and a half hours, to be followed by Ed ten minutes later. We celebrated with an ice cream and milkshake.

Alan arrived at Bright at 8:45pm, with an average just exceeding the 15 km/h required. As the actual distance of the ride was 220km, he got his hard-earned Brevet. The next time I run the ride, the it will finish in Harrietville to make it an even 200, with a nice pub in close proximity to the finish.

The big surprise of the ride was the altitude gain for the day - I logged 3945 metres of climbing, which, combined with the couple of sustained steep sections, made this ride harder than the Alpine Classic in my opinion. The ride was great preparation for the Alpine due to both the amount of climbing, and the distance travelled at high altitude.

Riders who finished