Lose yourself down the Rabbit Hole
Stage 2 of the 2017 Port to Port took riders from wine country and into the Pokolbin State Forest, for a climb up and long descent done the Rabbit Hole.
After yesterday's opening stage of Port to Port, the race picked up and shifted inland to the Hunt er Valley. The Hunter is home to plenty of vineyards, bushland, climbs, the wonderful Crowne Plaza, and pretty cool mornings!
With a new start this year at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, there was a stream of cars winding through the foot hills below the range, with riders spilling out in a variety of dress. Some in bibs and jersey, others rugged up against the cool morning. But as we all watched the hot air balloons over the valley, it was clear the day was going to warm up beautifully. Extra clothing was discarded as riders shuffled into the start shoot, to get stage 2 under way.
Leaving wine country for hill country
A short descent out of the winery behind the race official's car set us off right onto a firetrail and into the race. Riders went left, they went right, some bombed the next descent and others baulked. It was a flat out start to get to the first major climb. And what a climb.
The ascent through Pokolbin State Forest split the field as riders found the pace that suited them, or that they had to stick to so they could make it.
With a couple of false summits, the race then dove into some singletrack on the ridgeline. The trail climbs up and shoots down, wrapping along the side of the ridge, with short descents matched with steep climbs. The soft dirt has a well-worn groove and a mistimed gear shift would be enough to catch you out on some climbs, or a mistimed entry into the descent could have the same consequence and have you off your bike.
This section was a little longer than previous editions, but soon enough we were onto some double track and riding along to the Rabbit Hole descent, where we would get to benefit from the long climb.
The inevitable shuffle of riders occurred, those who had lost ground on the climb but could descend comfortably made up time, and those who weren't so good down but were pretty quick up lost their advantage. The descent itself is all double track but with only one good line for most of it, and a few wayward vines that can catch you, or your bars, if you're not careful. With a couple of creek crossings thrown in for good measure, most riders hit the farm road at the base ready to look around and see who else made it down with them.
With 10km of flat terrain, many riders worked together to get to the finish, although a notable final climb remained.
It was Brendan Johnston who crossed the line in first again, with Ryan Standish and his team mate Tristan Ward right afterwards. The women's race was close with Kathryn McInerney and Em Viotto neck and neck for much of the race, but it was McInerney who crossed first, without enough of a gap to take the jersey from Viotto's shoulders.
The top riders are lining up for the Sundown Shoot Out at the Crowne Plaza this evening, a short and sharp 2.5km loop which has time bonuses and money on the line.
