EVERYTHING, including the weather, came together to make the Snowy Valleys Cycle Challenge a huge success on Sunday.
The Challenge, this time held in November rather than March, attracted 207 entrants, with the largest distance, the 160km, attracting the most riders.
The first lot of riders started their runs at 7am.
“The morning weather was absolutely perfect, although in the afternoon it warmed up,” event spokesperson Robyn Giles said.
“Everything ran smoothly and they are all still raving about the Batlow apple pies,” she said.
“We’ve had entrants from the Riverina, Victoria, Dubbo, Wagga and even from Queensland.”
She said cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris was a big hit when he spoke to a full house at the Star Hotel on Saturday night.
“He was entertaining and answered many questions about cycling,” Robyn said.
“He also rode in the 72km.”
Jay Gaffney of Kiama Triathlon Club and her club mates enjoyed their third time riding in the Classic.
“We love it so much and today was fabulous; Tumut laid on the best weather, and we loved the apple pies,” she said.
“The riding here is heaps better than around Kiama. There’s not much traffic and everyone is so courteous. There is beautiful undulating countryside. We’ve been here for five days enjoying Tumut. The ride’s a tough one. There’s a lot of up on the way out, but after that there is some of the most beautiful descents, it’s next level; wicked and we really loved it.”
Greg Keir from Rutherglen in Victoria said the 72km was harder than he thought it would be but he really enjoyed it.
“It was really good. The scenery was just great,” he said.
“Once you get into the rhythm of the hills and away you go. You don’t need to push yourself or that sort of stuff. It was really enjoyable. The weather was beautiful and it was well organised. Up at Batlow the apple pies were fantastic.”
This was his first year and he said he would do it again.
Mike Tomalaris said that as a Sydney person and a keen cyclist, it was a pleasure to be in the Snowy Valleys and tackling the “pristine conditions of the roads, and the spectacular scenery and magnificent vistas.”
“As some who travels around Australia on a regular basis, this area of NSW is a hidden gem,” he said.
“If the state government and local council can promote this area a lot more, I think it will benefit the local area economically as well.”
