Bicycle Network: SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge

Peak 2: Mt Hotham

"You will feel every one of the 30km from Harrietville to Hotham village." - Simon Gerrans

The Facts

Climb Starts

Verticle Climb

Distance

Gradient

Climb Ends

Average times

Fastest times

School Bridge in Harrietville

1322 metres

30 km

4.2%

Average

At the Entrance to the

Mount Hotham Resort

2011 - 2:20:53

2012 - 2:06:05

2011 - 1:25:23

2012 - 1:29:17

The second peak to conquer, Mt Hotham is a long tough climb, punctuated by a few steep sections. The first of these, the Meg, is a 300 metre long stretch with a gradient of 11.8%. The second steep section is not far from the finish of the climb and starts the punishing exposed final kilometres of the climb. CRB Hill is a 700 metre stretch with gradients in excess of 10%. Push through the pain and you are rewarded with views of Hotham Heights and the Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Entry.

What others have said

The Climbing Cyclist

Strava Segment

7 Peaks - Hotham

3 Peaks Pro Team tips:

	A long climb that can be broken into three 10km sections. Don't forget to eat as you climb Mt Hotham and make sure to put clothing on if you are getting cold as you ascend.
	Mt Hotham is one of Victoria's hardest climbs, but in the same breath, one of the most rewarding. On a clear day, the scenery is some of the best in the country. Once you are over The Meg, try and get yourself in a group again to make light work of the 'false flat'. My tip for Hotham? Respect it but enjoy it. Note: Try not to stop at the top of Mt. Hotham as this area is very exposed, organise to stop at Dinner Plain at the designated rest stop. Make sure your stops on the ride are as short as possible.
	Approx 30kms. A Hate / Love / Hate climb…… three sections. First 10km – Hate (or Challenging) – can be tough coming off the flat, the first 10km are quite steep and “The Meg” is in there too! Second 10km – False flat – Love – recover, chat, eat and hydrate! Third 10km - Hate (or Challenging) – from the ticket box the last 10kms are a physical and mental challenge. Steep pitches coupled with mental challenge of having to descend a few sections, only to be faced with another steep ascent…. Remember lunch is at Dinner Plain, it will taste great.
	This is a long (1:45 hours) but beautiful climb which I break into 3 parts. There is the initial ramp up through The Meg, I dose my effort through this section. Then the road levels off and runs along the ridge until you break out of the tree line, enjoy this section - take on food and water and lift the pace if you are after a quick time. Eventually this climb opens up and turns into a heartbreaker with a series of rollers toward the top. CRB Hill is just plain tough, find a gear that allows you to spin your way to the top and do similar for the remaining ramps.