The journeys begins. Perfect conditions for riding today as we lined up outside Marvel Stadium early, ready for an 8.00 am start. Mum & Dad, Nan, Peter, Pop and I. We headed out on Footscray Road, through Sunshine, with Peter following closely, protecting us from the traffic. Eventually pushing into a BP at Rockbank for our first scheduled break. After a short break we went straight down the Ballarat freeway and turned off at the Bacchus Marsh turn off and stopped at a Maccas. We didn’t stay long, didn’t even buy anything, except the kind staff filled our water bottles. Tough section next, up the Pentland Hills to the truck stop at Ballan. This sure was hard, continuously climbing for about 21kms until we got to the truck stop for a very welcome lunch and rest. With just 36 kms to get to Ballarat we pushed off knowing that all the climbing was behind us. Pop started to get some cramp in his legs but pushed on, stopping briefly to put a salt table in his drink. Pop assured me the last 5 kms was downhill into Ballarat which spurred me on. Finally reaching the Big 4 Goldfields Holiday Park, the staff were very welcoming and really looked after us. I felt really good achieving the hill climb ride from Melbourne to Ballarat. Due to today’s new regulations there will be some changes to our ride we will be putting a video on Facebook shortly to explain our plans.
Today’s stats 112 kms 5 hours 35 minutes
Riley’s Big Ride 
AMAZING – You guys are just simply the best!!!!! I look forward to following your journey. See you at the finish line
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