Bicycle Network: SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge
Peak 3: Falls Creek
"It hits you like a sucker punch in the face. The first 10km has nearly a 10% gradient and I swear people were walking past me quicker than I was riding." - Cycling Tips
The Facts
| Climb Starts |
Verticle Climb | Distance |
Gradient | Climb Ends | Average times |
Fastest times |
|
Bogong High Plains Road at intersection of Omeo Hwy |
1322 metres |
35 km* |
4.6% Average |
SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge finishes at Falls Creek Alpine Resort |
2011 - 2:28:50 2012 - 2:23:02 |
2011 - 1:30:21 2012 - 1:38:43 |
*Distance to Falls Creek Village, distance to summit 23 km
The final climb in the SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge is the Falls Creek climb from the Omeo side. With the road only being sealed in 2009, from the Omeo Highway to the edge of Falls Creek at Windy Corner, this climb is still a relative unknown to many cyclists. However, those that have tackled the climb will not forget it quickly. With the first 8 kilometres averaging around 10% gradient, it has been known to push many a cyclist to their limit.
What others have said
3 Peaks Pro Team tips:
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Brutal. Make sure your bike has a small gear to tackle this climb. I pick small landmarks as I ascend the back of Falls to make the climb more managable. The next corner, the next pole or the grey gum tree and ride to that mark before picking something further up the road, breaks the climb up into smaller sections for me. |
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If you have anything left in the tank, this is where you can really test yourself. The climb up the back of Falls Creek is notoriously steep and long, which is not made easier by the 200km which precede it. Make sure you have a 28-tooth sprocket or more on your bike, as you will need it here. Set a tempo which is within your limits and break the climb up into sections (either using time or markers on the road), this will help.
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Ouch, Ouch, Ouch! This is one tough tough climb. Small gears and a compact for me, remember with every pedal stroke you are getting closer to the finish. Dig deep and focus on getting through the first 10km / 10% section, the toughest of the day. Break it up into sections and remember you have already travelled 200km, the finishers jersey is so close!
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This is pain lane (50 mins). I break this climb down into short sections, pick out a target up the road and spin toward it with a focus on smooth pedalling. You will be glad that you chose some low gears to help you through! |
Simon Gerrans takes on Falls Creek
Simon Gerrans takes on the climb of Falls Creek from the Mount Beauty side. The SCODY 3 Peaks Challenge descends this climb to start the event, instead we climb Falls Creek from the Omeo side.