I am begining to BELIEVE that I can do this ride!

I needed some spiritual food this morning so my training ride was postponed to evening. I left home at 1732, rode down Dynon Rd, right into Kensington Rd (this is where I joined the course), left into Hobsons Rd, under the bridge at the bottom of Flemington Racecourse, along Smithfield Rd into Racecourse Rd, left into Manningham Rd, right into Oak St, right into Poplar Rd, through to Royal Pde, left into Grattan St, right into Lygon and ended at the Italia Piazza. Alas the water fountain was not working, must remember to take some coins with me in future in case I drink all my water bottle.

The whole thing took me 1hr 20min. There was a long slow climb up Smithfiled Rd, the first part of Poplar Rd and 2 small climbs in Grattan St. Royal Pde is gently down hill and you can get up a good pace in top gear if you pedal all the way.

Thank you to my three gentle giant coaches, Chris E, Simon and Willie, for encouraging me to go with the speed and keep pedalling when I am in top gear. At this speed I will make it on 24 February!!!!