The Second Big Event This Coming Sunday

With a week to recover from my marathon race, I've got to get ready for my second big event on the schedule this Sun. Around the Bay in a Day. This is my first taking part in a cycling event, well, other than competing in duathlon races.

The event is estimated to attract a total of 16,000 riders and close to 4000 riders in the category I'm in. A 210km ride clockwise around the bay. You can read on my previous post about the event (link).

I have not done much long distance ride to prepare for this event, with the Melbourne Marathon being my main focus. I think I should be alright on fitness in finishing the event. Probably just need refueling to last that far. May just bring some bananas and energy gels along. Couple of things I'm more worried is riding in such a big group and also the weather.

After a good day on Melbourne Marathon, it has been raining in the last few days with strong gust winds. Anyway, like it or not, everyone still has to go through whatever condition the day may be.

Well, here's my bib no...on the right side are tear-off coupons for ferry ride and lunch.

The back of the bib, with emergency contacts, medical history, start guide, etc.

Got it pinned up on my jersey already....can't wait.

Here's the sight from Beach Road, which is one of the stretch we will be riding. Just had a short ride there to my cousin's place near to the beach. It's been gloomy the whole day, with light rain but strong winds. Had to struggle riding back with the crosswind.

There will be a Bike Expo from this Fri onwards. Will be going with my cousin on Sat to check it out. After that, will go to Lygon street to check on the last stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour. One of the big name in the Tour will be Bradley Wiggins (GBR) from the Garmin-Sliptream Team.

Last Fri, he tweeted and mentioned that he will be at Fitzroy St at 3.30pm to ride from there. That is just few mins away from where I stay currently. I found this out when my cousin tried to contact me to ask me to join in the ride. He went for the ride. Too bad I wasn't at home and could not make it. Luckily I didn't join in. The group actually went for a 90km ride, a fast one too mind you. Probably won't serve me any good with the Melbourne Marathon just 2 days away. But it would have been a good experience to ride with a multiple Olympic gold medallists and also a 4th place finisher at this year's Tour De France. Quite a number of fans actually turned up for the ride. And my cuz told me, some even took photos for him to sign when they stopped at the traffic lights.