Two years and eight months ago Kinglake was devastated by possibly the worst firestorm every experienced in Victoria, Black Saturday. Although the return to normality for the local peeps has been slow and arduous, the wilderness has sprung forth like a phoenix.
We experienced everything from wind to drizzle to hail to sun as we climbed from Whittlesea into Kinglake and back around in a 70km loop. The ride around Yan Yean reservoir and up to Kinglake goes through some of the most delightful scenery that Victoria has to offer and although the elements were against us it was one of the most rewarding days in the saddle I have had. Italian steel was out in force and the Moser climbed beautifully up the 7.5km ascent with the gradient being very kind to a slightly heavier frame. A massive "Thank you!" to the local CFA too as they stood out in the rain making sure that we could fill our bidons to stay hydrated (you still sweat when it is raining) with big smiles on their faces and cheerful words of encouragement.
Snaps below.
"It's raining sideways; is this a good idea?" - Rewind
Titanium is the new steel... get ready...
Hammer time! Rewind style.
Sub-arctic climb through the regrowth.