2019 Prologue 500 Results & Wrap

Congratulations to all the thirty seven [37] riders heading out last Saturday on this unknown adventure. Twenty five [25] completed the full route.

Expectations and aspirations are a personal thing and there were plenty of overachievers, non more so than winner Aaron Thomson. Riding straight through 500k for Aaron was a question mark in his mind at the beginning...... and mind blowing at the end!

Lauren Bartsch’s absolute astonished shriek of amazement at her achievement on arrival was a priceless moment for all of those gathered to meet her.

The ANU Cycle Club is an amazing pocket of talent with [amongst others] Joyce Yeoh, 17th, Lewis Brocklehurst [retired hurt] and Cédalise Mariotti about to embark on the IndiPac route tomorrow morning.

For many this ride was a huge learning curve.... as intended!

Too much gear, navigation, food, ride pace in difficult country, fatigue management, weather [heat, wind] all came out to play along the journey. Bikepacking packs it all in!

A special thank you on behalf of EVERY rider to trail angel Leila Kelly and her family up on the Tinderry Range. With the Queanbeyan River in recession their roadside refuel station was an absolute winner. Was there a rider who didn’t stop?

Finally, to all the race followers out there. You are a special rider resource with your encouragement and support ... put succinctly by by David Tom after closing out the race .. "I couldn't possibly stop for embarrassment ... there were so many messages and posts pushing me on"

Steve Watson, Race Director