The Seven Peaks Challenge - cycling the Victorian Alps

The Seven Peaks Challenge is, and I quote, an at-your-own pace cycling challenge which takes you up winding mountain roads, around steep turns and past spectacular views right to the top of Victoria's Alpine Resorts. The challenge, should you choose to test your legs and lungs, is to take on the toughest road climbs in Australia, many of which rival some of the famous Tour de France peaks.
Count me in! 
Regular readers of this blog will know I've cycled a few Tour de France mountains, so I'm keen to put the claims of the organisers to the test. The mountains I hope to cycle over the next week are:
- Mount Buffalo
- Mount Beauty to Falls Creek
- Mt Hotham
- Dinner Plain
- Mt Buller.
Unfortunately, I'll have to leave Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain for another time, as they are a little further afield. 
In a crafty move, the organisers have provided all entrants with a small passport/booklet, giving comprehensive details of each ride. And to enter the draw to win a very impressive carbon-fibre racing bike, participants must cycle at least four mountains and have their passport stamped at a designated location on each mountain-top. 
The weather forecast for the week ahead is every day peaking at 38 degrees, with next Tuesday reaching a punishing 41 degrees. Not exactly mountain cycling conditions. We have purchased a litre bottle of sunscreen for the week.
Tomorrow, Cathie and I plan to ride from our base at Myrtleford to Bright (30km), eat copious amounts of cafe food washed down with double espressos, before Cathie returns to Myrtleford for an all-day country market (Thank-you Myrtleford). I'll turn left at Porepunkah and head up to Mount Buffalo for a 24km ascent, with an average gradient of 5%, maximum 11%. 
I've tackled Mount Buffalo before and on that occasion the weather gods sent a large boulder crashing down half-way up the mountain, blocking the road and allowing only one lucky cyclist to pass. For one glorious afternoon, I had the mountain top to myself. It was one of the most memorable rides I've ever experienced. I doubt I'll have the mountain to myself tomorrow. In fact, I expect to be overtaken at regular intervals by lycra-clad racers intent on showing an old man how it's done.
If I make the summit, I'll snap an obligatory photo, stamp the passport and descend at a cooling pace to meet Cathie at the Bright Brewery, where we'll down a few well-earned ales. Wish me luck.

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