Distance: 138km
Ascent: 4,649m
This was a big day with lots of climbs as we crossed the Snowy Mountains from Berridale to Khancoban. Climbing gradually to Jindabyne, the gateway to the mountains we just kept climbing and climbing. Passing through the ski resort Thredbo we reached the highest point of 1,580m at the aptly named Dead Horse Gap. Having left the highest point we were rewarded by a 20km downhill section that tested everyone's riding skills, some descent speeds were recorded at over 40mph. At 100km we negotiated a small climb and spirits were high, however this ride had a sting in its tail. At 112km we encountered a 7km climb with an average gradient of 10% that sapped everyone's all ready low energy reserves. The team fragmented by the big descent had formed 3 separate groups. Starting the ascent no one had any idea this climb was going to be so hard, every corner was followed by another climb. On paper it did not look that difficult but in reality it was a real slog and one that will be fixed in everyone's memory for a long time to come.
We eventually reached Khancoban after the sun had set, with some team members having to negotiate a tricky fast descent in total darkness. A welcome log fire greeted us at the Khancoban Alpine Inn. With several boys suffering from cold and exhaustion, we had our food and for the first time on this amazing journey very little was said. We finished our meal, sorted out the washing and went to bed.
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