Robyn Baker
I have always had a bike and with my brother and friends, we rode bikes a lot as kids. We lived in the ‘Dandenongs’ and were allowed a lot of freedom, always out in the bush, bikes took us on many adventures!
Having purchased my first road bike 3 years ago, all I seem to do now is ride bikes! I enjoy the thrill of testing myself racing in Masters events, the challenge of climbing mountains or a nice relaxing ride with friends on a bike path. I’m now really proud to have conquered the 7Peaks in Victoria!
Riding the mountains in Australia is not just a challenge, it’s a nice feeling of being ‘at home’ surrounded by beautiful gum trees, stunning scenery, the smell of the Aussie bush and the sound of the birds. There’s nothing like it anywhere else! Also, there is usually very little traffic, what a bonus!
Living close to Mt Baw Baw, it has to be my favourite climb. It’s just about ‘in our back yard’ and a climb that local cyclists are very proud to complete. It was a great day when I rode Baw Baw. I was well prepared and really enjoyed the challenge. It was very quiet at the top, and we received a wonderful welcome from staff on the mountain.
I had ridden Baw Baw 18 months earlier and while I would never have let it beat me, there was one moment when I thought it may ‘take me out’, with some difficulty I managed to unclip, get off, regroup, mount up and get on with it and finish! Yes, 18 months ago, it seriously hurt!
I thought the ride from Harrietville to Hotham was the most scenic. I had travelled this road a lot and never imagined I’d ride it on a bike. It’s very bold and unique. Looking across the valleys on a lovely warm sunny morning you can see forever, feeling like you are on top of the world!
I had heard that the ride from Omeo to Dinner Plains and back to Omeo, was a big day so I was, again, well prepared, it was the last ride of my 7Peak challenges and it was a very hot day. I was thrilled to get to Dinner Plain in good time, but I must have looked a bit pathetic. The lady serving at the café was really nice, I only had a soggy $10 note and was very hungry, I asked for a coffee and ‘please’ whatever food I could buy with the balance. I was fed a beautiful mug of coffee and a massive baguette! All worth well over $10! I sat outside in the sunshine and shared a few laughs with other cyclists. It was just amazing! I sailed back to Omeo, at what felt like great speed, it probably wasn’t!
All of the climbs were great and had different challenges, the heat, the time of day, my food and water supply, and just how strong (or not) I felt on the day. I think all mountains have their own unique characteristics and I really feel connected with a mountain as I climb, it is a privilege to be there.
It was great seeing a lot of country towns across Victoria. Staying at Bright, Marysville, Omeo and Mansfield, we often rode on the bike paths the day before or after a climbing day. Country Victoria has some sensational bike paths! The bakeries in each town were all a great place to fuel up before the start of the climbs. We enjoyed exploring the towns, with some lovely meals, local wines and frequent stops at coffee shops.
Of special note has to be a thank you to the staff working on the mountains. Everyone that I met, gave a lovely friendly welcome, offering congratulations, stamping passports, filling water bottles, etc. etc.
In all…Thanks to the 7Peaks crew and sponsors. A wonderful and memorable experience that I recommend to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, has done their homework and likes a personal achievable challenge!