It’s a brave man who rides up a 14 kilometre mountain after having already ridden 120 kilometres in 30 degree heat. Well…brave or completely insane, you be the judge.

This, my friends is the tale of the hill.

Starting out at 7am – riding from Lismore into Coffs Harbour the riders and the pace were relatively smooth and easy. We rode pretty slowly through Nana Glen (didn’t spot Russell though) and then down lifted the pace as we came into Coffs Harbour. First quick stop - Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.

A quick re-fuel, visit with the local Starlight Captains and we were back on the road – the support vehicle only stopping long enough to get more bananas (and that will be my one and only banana reference).

We managed a crazy stretch of the Pacific Highway next, then headed into the peaceful postcard town - Bellingen.

The local bakery couldn’t get the carbs up fast enough. Sausage rolls, pies and a hot cross bun or two (settle down - still talking about lunch here people).

As we rolled out of Bellingen some locals waved us on – probably thinking, these boys are a few spanners short of a toolkit.

We start the climb at Thora – with the first kilometre dividng the peleton up a bit. Everyone was pacing well – forming small groups to egg each other on. The talking seemed to pass the time – but the legs were getting weary.

The road winded around the mountain like an overstretched slinky – and we were sliding up nicely ( well as nice as you can ) the sweat was pouring off us like a waterfall.

Bout 9k’s into the climb we had 500m of respite from the crazy ascent.

At this stage the lactic acid had creeped in and we were all struggling, some boys fell right back but we were all still pushing.

There was a motel at the end of it - the lookout motel. Nice view funnily enough.

As we rolled (stumbled) into the motel the team tucked right into the iced water, rolls and sandwiches that Lyn and Di had prepared. It was time to sit back enjoy the view.

A little weary but feeling good – ready to enjoy the benefits of today’s climb ….tomorrow’s descent.

Tomorrow: Dorrigo, Ebor, Wollomonbi, Armidale.

p.s watch out for tomorrow’s update – including me blitzing the pack at the Armidale Cycling Club Criterium that’s been organised for the arvo.