The Tour of the Great South Coast 2019

Over the past 6 days the 2019 Tour of the Great South Coast took place, one of Australia’s premier road cycling events that travel from South Australia to Victoria; with competitors from Australia, New Zealand and even international cyclists. The first stage began in Mount Gambier (South Australia) on the 27^th of August, followed by Day 2 at Port MacDonnell, Day 3 at Naracoorte, Day 4 crossing the border racing from Casterton to Heywood (Victoria), Day 5 Cape Bridgewater and finishing up in the main street in Portland on the 1^st of September.

This was my first cycling event I had been to and I must admit it was quite exhilarating. I waited till Stage 7 because I live at Cape Bridgewater and it was easiest for me... The day started off with a cool spring breeze, the salty air hovering over the town and the cyclists warming up before the race. By the time midday came around the sun was beating down and the riders were ready to push off. I was astounded how fast they started, it was definitely an experience. The circuit went around 4 laps of the Bridgewater Lakes and ended back in the centre of the town at 3:00pm. It was quite funny because we would wait out the front of my house for the cyclists to come back, and in breaks we had lunch and would suddenly be running up the drive way to catch them for that split 10 seconds or so. To anyone else seeing my family and I running back and forth would have had a royal laugh. When the riders crossed the finish line the temperature had warmed up and the blue sky matched the crystal ocean; if you have never been to Cape Bridgewater than you need to get out there ASAP!

The next day was the final stage and day of The Tour of the Great South Coast, the town had been overshadowed with clouds but that didn’t stop spectators and the cyclists from pursuing this final race. Now I thought they were fast the day before, Sunday was a whole other level of speed. The riders battled the rain but remained strong as they did the CBD criterium and racing along the waterfront. For someone who isn’t particular interested in the cycling it was a real eye opener to see the strength and sheer determination of people, these sort of races also allow spectators to view the surrounding and adventure. If you missed out on this event, don’t fear because this November the GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE will be passing through the beautiful Portland. Keep watching to see more information as the date gets closer (22NOV-1DEC) and that leads to the end of this years Tour of the Great South Coast, till next time....

By Marlowe Richmond aka the Face of the Southwest

To book tours and  learn more visit: http://www.visitportland.com.au/

Follow me as I explore Portland on Face of the Southwest:


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceofthe.southwest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaceoftheSouthwest/

And soon to be YouTube...