The spokesgirls did it... can you?

The Spokesgirls were a group of women who participated in the Holden High Country Challenge. Read about their experiences here.

The Spokesgirls were a group of women with an interest in cycling who got together to train for the Holden High Country Challenge, a two-day, 200km cycling event that climbs Mt Buller.

The women of Spokesgirls were of varying ages and fitness levels. They met several times before the event and attended free training sessions, organised by the Cycling Promotion Fund and led by Warren from Bike NOW.

On the day, the Spokesgirls could identify each other by their matching jerseys, and by all accounts the group had a great time and lent each other support and encouragement throughout the event. One of the Spokesgirls, Deb Hunter, even won the Queen of the Mountain title for being the first woman up the mountain!

Here's what the girls had to say about the event, training, and being a part of the Spokesgirls group!

Vanessa

"Overall it was absolutely fantastic. I put in a good three months worth of training (when I could fit it in with shift work and all my other commitments) and throughout this time was continually nervous that I wasn't doing enough. I am only fairly new to road bike riding, so this was a big event for me.

Being local meant that I was at an advantage because I had ridden on every bit of road that was in the HHCC, so I knew where all the hills were.

The atmosphere on the morning of the ride was very exciting. There was lycra and bikes everywhere, and a real buzz in the air. Being part of the Spokesgirls was alot of fun.

The first stage was awesome - beautiful weather, fast riding, everyone in a group, very friendly and social, and not too exhausting. I felt very strong and was so happy with my ride. Along with everyone else I was quite nervous about the afternoon's ride out to and up Buller, particularly with the weather becoming extremely hot. Nevertheless, I rode so well out to Mirrimbah, and then up Buller without stopping! It was certainly a slog, but very feasible.

It was a good night on the mountain, especially with one of the Spokesgirls winning Queen of the Mountain. Stage three was the longest, with the last stretch out to Jamieson being the hardest for me. After an hours' coffee break in Jamo I got a surge of energy for the ride home and felt great.

I burst into tears as I came down Martins Gap, which was the last hill climb of the ride. I knew then that I had done it and was so proud of myself.

Overall it was one of the biggest sporting events I have ever done and I felt exhilerated afterwards (and a bit drunk after a few beers!)."

Karen

"I am not sure if I have a great story about the Holden High Country Challenge. I suffered heat stroke about 10kms before the base of the actual mountain. I was feeling really sick, had a horrific headache, lost my lunch and pulled out when the support car came along. 

I actually cried when they loaded my bike on the sag wagon as I knew that finished my ride. I thought if I sat in the car for a while I could go on, but was having trouble even keeping water down, so I was advised against going on. The lovely support crew cheered me up and told me all the right things i needed to hear at the time to take away the "loser feeling" I was having. 

But looking back I had a few laughs about it. Another friendly rider rode with me asking me if I was alright, stopped with me a few times, then stayed on to ride with me as we tried to at least make the base of the mountain. When i pulled out I expected him to go on; I had not realised he was also struggling with the heat.

When i got in the car I didn't release at first the back seat contained three really fit-looking guys just sitting there. It reminded me of the three wise monkeys. I felt better knowing that at least I had made it further than them (not wanting to sound like a bad sports person!).  

Then on the way up the mountain we stopped a few times to assist others who had gone down with cramps and to assess their health, and give them more water. Even though I couldn't ride, I felt like I was contributing something. 

So while i didn't make it i heard some wonderful stories from those that did. The girls also looked after me that night on Buller when I still wasn't feeling on top of the world. It was great having them around for both physical and mental support.

I still did have a fantastic weekend and came good on the Sunday, giving me a top trip out to Jamison and back to Mansfield.

From someone who also suffers a great fear of heights it was about the personal challenge of the mountain and to show myself no matter how intimating the mountain was on the decent, i did it. That thought scared me all week prior to the ride, more so than the thought of riding up it.

I did enjoy the cameraderie of the weekend with the Spokesgirls. The jerseys were great as we could all identify each other. What a proud moment when Deb got her title (Queen of the Mountain) and also Jacinta's brother on getting King of the Mountain. I felt like the team had scooped the pool."

 

If you would like to find out more about the Spokesgirls, please contact Kathy Brunning from the Cycling Promotion Fund on cfund@cyclingpromotion.com

 

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