Great Ocean Road Challenge – Week 1

Well that’s week 1 of our latest virtual distance challenge completed! 

First off, a massive thank you for submitting your data on time.  It’s quite a task with so many of you taking part, so not having to chase returns and to only have to do the number crunching once makes a big difference, so thanks all!

We’ve had a mix of weather over the last few days but it hasn’t stop us all getting out and about.  It’s great to see so many of you involved.  For quite a few of us it doesn’t beat the pool but it’s better than nothing.

I think it’s fair to say that we have under-estimated your potential!  In fact, we’re seriously thinking of starting a JustGiving page to buy the Linley’s a new turbo because at the rate they are going it will be worn out by next week!  In week 1 alone they have done 368 kms between them, which is half the total distance required.  Do you have to pre-book slots on it, or is it a family relay arrangement?

Which brings me onto the next under-estimation.  Team Roberts, Hepplestone and Lackie have already completed the total distance (great job all); the Linley’s are hot on their heels and we have three more teams who have completed the half distance (or thereabouts) –  Ascroft’s; Pedley & McKenna and The Cheese Squad [oka Adam, Elliott and Taylor].   So whilst the rest of us work our way along the road at a more leisurely/sightseeing pace I think we’ll challenge our trail blazers and see if they can make it all the way to Darwin on the northern coast – a total of 3,600 kms – by 14 February.  Are you up for it teams? 

It is great to see a mix of names on the leader board. Take a look ……..

Maddie Leech has walked her socks off this week with just shy of 40kms – well done Maddie!  Great also to hear about people getting on bikes or running for the first time in a while – Beth Adam ran 2km with Dad Greg and cycled 5km; Matthew Johnson did 20km on his bike; Yasmin Elliott did 35km on her bike as well as walking 34km and running 3km.  Chair, Jon Ward managed to drag himself away from endless Zoom commitments and actually managed a quick 34km on his bike for the first time since August.  Bet it was good to feel the wind in your hair again Jon!  Rachel, Adrian, Ella and Fraser Blundell had the best combined walking distance, with dog Bailey keeping them company most of the time and topping up an amazing 85.71kms!  [‘Fit as the Blundell’s dog’ will be the new saying!]

All-in-all our combined Club total (including the dogs) was 5,212 kms which is a pretty good Club effort so well done everyone.  Let’s see if we can better it in week 2.  I’ll commit to get my bike out at least once this week to up my distance. Let us know what you’re doing or any achievements you’re particularly pleased about and we’ll give you a mention in the next update.