Melbourne to Warrnambool Bike Race

Last Saturday, we spent a sunny morning at the beach and then headed over to watch the finish line for the Melbourne to Warrnambool bicycle race, just three blocks from our house.

Our morning walk at the beach

"The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is an iconic Victorian sporting event which is the second oldest one-day cycling event in the world and the longest in the Southern hemisphere." The 117 year-old and 260 kilometer race had a new route this year. 238 cyclists began the race but only 136 completed it. Although sunny, it was a very windy day.

Horgan and Anderson

"New Zealand’s Sam Horgan (Budget Forklifts) has taken out the 2013 Melbourne to Warrnambool cycling classic in a team trifecta, sealing his victory ahead of teammates Jack Anderson and Jacob Kauffman. Inside the final two kilometre’s, Horgan was joined by teammate Anderson with the two working together to the finish before Anderson pushed his teammate forward ensuring a one-two victory."

Other finishers

Entertainment while we waited for all the riders to finish was an antique car show. It featured Fords, Corvettes, Camaros, and Chevys, as well as Australia's Holden station wagon. There was also a traditional "sausage sizzle": grilled sausages served on a slice of white bread with grilled onions and tomato sauce (ketchup).

Cars, bikes and "Maccas" (McD's)

A Holden with louvered shades in the back windows

We're on our way to New Zealand for two weeks. We hope to have internet and will post some adventures from there.