Falls Creek training camp - day 5

Well, it's taken until the 5th and final full day here, but I think we now have some idea what other parts of Australia have been through in terms of rain. It's been wet, wet, wet here...so an early call was made to change plans for the day and pack up the bikes and head to Mt Beauty for a ride, swim and run...with possibly and ride back up the mountain to Falls Creek at the end. This would be a full-on day...I'm kind of glad I'm not a triathlete any more!!!

So down we went and I hopped out of the car early to run the last part down into Mt Beauty - the rain had stopped down at that altitude - as the others went on and set off for their ride. I had a lovely run, which was timed as such so I would get to the pool in time to catch up with Jono Hall, who is head triathlon coach of the VIS, which was really interesting and valuable. I've got a lot to learn.

Anyway, the rain had started by the time the riders got back to town, and they quickly decided to skip the swim and run and head on up the mountain - a 32km climb in rain. All power to them, as Cam, Terry, Tony & I waved them off and drove the vehicles instead!!!

Falls Creek is a great climb, broken into two parts - the first which while being a climb includes some downhill parts for brief relief. The second part, the final 14km, is all up and kicks up even further in the last 5-6km - it's a great climb if you enjoy that kind of stuff.

As we went up in the vehicles we gradually caught up to each rider, one of whom pulled the pin, but the others who were riding strongly and steadily alone or in groups of 2 or 3. We gave encouragement, took photos (see below) and then wound up the windows to keep the rain out...not to mention the fog and the wind as we went higher. They all rode well, looking strong and smooth - a good ride. Not content, a couple headed out for short (and wet) runs afterwards.

The rain had settled in for the day, more than just the drizzle of earlier days - this was pouring rain - but still not too cold. Realising the fun of the week was winding down, several guys and girls headed off back to Melbourne, leaving only7 of us here now for massive BBQ for which there's juicy steaks in the fridge waiting to be cooked!!! However, it will have to be indoors since this rain doesn't look like stopping...except once we leave and there's sunny days over the weekend, alas...

So we're nearly over for the weekend. I'm planning a final run in the morning - I've had the best week of training since the achilles op - before we drive back tomorrow, and put the interstate guys on the plane. It's been a really good and worthwhile week.

 The cyclists about to head off for the final leg up the mountain.

 Young Jacob, 16yo t oday, put in a big effort.

 Andy was all smiles, as usual.

 Luke and Brad getting a bit of help from the car...not that they really needed it!!

 Gabe, Luke and Liz rode together.

 Liz, Gabe and Luke a little further on...can't see far here.

 Liz, having the ride of the day from the group.

Gabe was a fantastic help for the triathletes during the climb.

 Luke pushed the final 5-6km and finished strongly.

Brad wasn't looking too sure of things at this stage...but was nearly home.