Spring into action and get Fitz this October
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Canberra cyclists say Fitz’s Challenge presents the perfect opportunity to shape up this spring.
The wattle is out, the sun is shining and the Canberra spring is finally upon us.
As the weather warms up, for many of us our thoughts turn to new beginnings. Emerging from our collective winter hibernation, it’s time to get back out into our capital’s beautiful outdoors.
If you’re thinking about dusting off your walking boots, shaking out your sports-gear, donning your trainers, or simply wondering how to get more active this spring, then cycling could be the answer you’re looking for.
The upcoming Fitz’s Challenge provides an ideal opportunity to get out there, exercise and train for something achievable.
“Spring is such a good time of year to ride in Canberra. You’ve just come out of winter and want to get out in the good weather,” says Jen Faerber, who conquered the 50km route last year.
Jen Faerber. Image supplied.
“It’s an ideal time of year to set a personal challenge like Fitz’s. The short course is such an achievable distance and the scenery out there is so beautiful.”
“Riding in Canberra is so good for your body and your mind—just get out there this spring and enjoy the beautiful scenery where we live.”
This year marks the 30th year of Canberra’s toughest cycle event: Fitz’s Challenge, best known for the course’s steep climbs, the infamous Fitz’s Hill and the spectacular scenery amidst the foothills of the Brindabellas.
Michelle Inglis. Credit: David Blucher.
Michelle Inglis is one of the Canberra cyclists gearing up ahead of this October’s annual Fitz’s Challenge.
When I talk to her, Michelle has just got in from being out racing on her bike early that morning. She is full of enthusiasm and energy as we talk about how she got into cycling later in life.
Prior to mountain bike riding, Michelle explains she and her husband enjoyed getting their sports-fix as competitive water-skiers, then casually mentions she’s now completed the Fitz’s Classic course “3 or 4 times.”
That’s no easy ride. The 165km route offers 2940 metres of climbs and grades over 12%, with an 11 hour target time.
Cycling has become a sport the Inglis family can enjoy together. Last year Michelle’s and her husband also took part in Fitz’s Challenge riding the 165km route together. She says that entering an event like Fitz’s gives you something positive to aim for.
“Have Fitz’s as a goal. It’s an endurance challenge but there’s a great community spirit. It’s beautiful riding out on the course and you’ll feel a real sense of satisfaction of achieving it.”
The universal appeal of Fitz’s Challenge seems to be that it’s not so much a cycle race, but more about setting your own personal goal and then using your strength, stamina and willpower to achieve it.
The cramp-inducing climbs of Fitz’s Challenge, and in particular Fitz’s Hill itself, are legendary.
Out on the course, it’s mind over matter: just you against the uphills. There’s also plenty of positive encouragement from the Pedal Power volunteers and other cyclists along the way, to help spur you on, plus tasty snacks to fuel you up.
Cathy Douglas.
Cathy Douglas is a Canberra rider who has tackled the 50km and the 105km Fitz’s courses and come out smiling.
“There are some pretty challenging hills, but there’s no pressure. You can go at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery,” she says.
Douglas has always enjoyed cycling, but it wasn’t until a work colleague (who was a keen cyclist) took her out and convinced her to give cycling a serious try, that she really got into it.
She used to share her husband’s bicycle and it was only when she bought her own custom-fitted bike that she realised how light and easy cycling could be.
She now rides to work every day, which gives her the chance to get an hour of exercise in, before she reaches her desk.
“I start the day with a really good feeling,” enthuses Cathy.
Tips for Fitz Training
Both Michelle and Cathy point out to me that you wouldn’t take on Fitz’s Challenge without some uphill training. There are some seriously steep sections which you need to practice for.
“You just need a bit of training,” says Cathy plainly.
“You need the strength for Fitz’s, otherwise, it’s not really fun. You can start your training with Red hill, then Black Hill and Mount Ainslie and work your way up.”
“The event is set up to support you in success. But you wouldn’t go into it without some level of preparedness,” adds Michelle. “Pacing yourself to Fitz’s Hill is really important.”
The nitty gritty
Fitz’s Challenge cycle event offers a range of distances all with exciting climbs.
There are five uphill courses to choose from starting with the 50km Tidbinbilla Challenge, gearing upwards to 105km, 165km, 210km and the longest distance, the 255km Fitz’s Extreme, which boasts a jaw-dropping 5000 metres of climbing, grades over 12% and a target time of 13.5hrs.
There’s still time to sign up for this year’s historic 30th Anniversary challenge event. Entrants can also choose to fundraise for the event’s partner charity The Kids’ Cancer Project if they wish to.
the essentials
What: Fitz’s Challenge
When: Sunday 27 October 2019
Where: Various locations across Canberra depending on the chosen course
For more info and to register go to: pedalpower.org.au/fitzs
Feature image: David Blucher
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