1
Day 1
Arthurs Seat Thriller
Today we drive from our meeting point in South Melbourne, along the famous Melbourne cycling route ‘Beach road’, to Frankston. At Frankston we will jump onto our bikes for a 50km ride through the beautiful seaside town of Mornington, along the Esplanade that hugs the coastline to Dromana, where we start our first climb of Arthurs Seat. Arthurs Seat is only 3 kms long and has some steep pinches but it rewards with stunning views back over the bay all the way to Melbourne. Once crested we continue along the actual race route as we ride a loop of the 16km finishing circuit with a final ascent of Arthurs Seat.
At the top we have reserved places in the VIP hospitality area so we can relax with some great food and drinks whilst waiting for, and watching, the Pros race over the same circuit. The peloton race the 16km loop 4 times, with 5 ascents of Arthurs Seat, as they battle out for todays line honours. The noise roadside will escalate with each lap and the pain will be evident in the rider’s faces as attacks get launched by the better climbers in the peloton. Make sure you check your time up the climb so you can make a comparison to the Pros later!
Once the stage is complete, at approx. 4pm, we have a relaxed transfer back to Melbourne so you can freshen up before tonight’s dinner with cycling legend Stuart O’Grady. Dinner tonight will be a highlight as Stu regales us all with stories from his time in the Olympics, Pro peloton and 17 times at the Tour de France
1
Day 1
Arthurs Seat Thriller
After meeting up in South Melbourne, including all our riding guests, we transfer to Frankston along the ‘famous’ Beach Road, iconic to any Melbourne based cyclists. Beach road is super popular with cyclists and we will see many out on their regular Saturday ride. One of the reasons it is so popular is the great bay vistas you get as you travel down towards the peninsula. At Frankston the riding guests jump out and ride the final 50kms.
We will travel over the same roads experiencing more stunning beach views and then drive our first ascent of the climb that will be the feature of today race – Arthurs Seat. The Arthurs Seat climb forms part of a 16km loop which we will also drive around before finishing with another time up the climb. Arthurs Seat is relatively short at 3kms but has some very steep pinches that will cause carnage amongst the peloton as they have to ride it 5 times before finally crossing the finish line.
At the top we have reserved places in the VIP hospitality area where food and drinks are served, sit back and relax whilst we wait to cheer on our favourites. The roadside will be flooded with fans and the cheering will get louder and louder with each passing lap. Will your favourite be on the top step at the end of the day? How will Richie Porte fare in his first outing for his new team? One to watch for sure!
Once the stage is complete we will transfer back to Melbourne with plenty of time to freshen up before tonight’s dinner with cycling royalty Stuart O’Grady. Dinner will be a highlight as Stu regales us all with stories from his time in the Olympics, pro peloton and 17 times at the Tour de France
2
Day 2
Botanical Gardens Finale
This morning we head out along Beach Rd towards Black Rock and return to the ‘Tan’, short for the Botanical Gardens, to participate in Ride Melbourne. Ride Melbourne gives us access to the looped course, the site of today’s stage that the Pros face later on their 22 laps. With completely closed roads we can also make a few circuits to see, and feel, what Pros will experience. Anderson Street hill is not so difficult once or twice but 22 times will decimate a tiring field on the last day of the Jayco Herald Sun tour.
With a few laps of the course done we’ll have a roadside picnic set up, just near the finish line, for you to enjoy the rest of the afternoon cheering on the big hitters as they race for the overall, and final stage bragging rights.
As a special bonus during the course of the morning we will also catch up with the GreenEdge cycling team riders, DS and mechanics to get an insight into their daily life on tour. Make sure you get a photo with your favourite rider! Or riders!
Once the stage is done and presentations over we will wish you a fond farewell and safe travels home after a great weekend together.
2
Day 2
Botanical Gardens Finale
With today’s stage consisting of 22 laps of a 4km circuit around the Botanical Gardens not starting until 1.30pm we have a relaxed start. We can join the throngs of walkers and joggers on a lap of the ‘Tan’ to see the route in its entirety, walk a lap of the lake which features along the roads of the Melbourne Grand Prix course or head to one of Melbourne’s café favoured by cyclists.
Around 12 noon we will head back to the actual race where we will have a roadside picnic set up just beside the finish line. Food and drinks under our Mummu Cycling Marquee, and roadside viewing, will make for a great afternoon watching the 22 laps as the riders fly past in an attempt to get the chocolates on the last stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
During the course of the day we will also catch up with the GreenEdge cycling team riders, DS and mechanics to get an insight into the daily life on tour. Make sure you get a photo with your favourite rider! Or riders!
Once the stage is done and presentations over we will wish you a fond farewell and safe travels home after a great weekend together.
