im pretty sure im up for it
im not off to Nepal till later in the month http://www.graftontoinverellcycleclassic.com.au/site/
Ambassador - Heinrich Haussler
http://www.graftontoinverellcycleclassi ... &Itemid=29
History
HAROLD’S DREAMIt was a dream come true for Harold Strahley who had long fostered the idea of a great Australian cycling classic with all the characteristics of the big European events, a race that had the potential for world class status and would attract International competitors. He visualized a bicycle race linking the East Coast town of Grafton with the Northern Tablelands town of Inverell.
But it remained little more than a dream, for separating the town stood the formidable Gibraltar Range with the only way across a winding track built way back in the horse and cart era. Suddenly, the idea was converted to reality when construction of a sealed road over the Mountain Range began in 1960. Immediately Harold Strahley set his plans in motion.
The immediate reaction to the study was one of doubt, with comments of “it won’t be viable, it is too far, no one will finish, it would not receive sufficient cyclists support”; were some expressions of opinion. Undaunted the committee continued its work and within four months reported the race feasible, and backed its judgment with the sum of 1600 pounds sterling in support of the proposal.
Later Local Government, service clubs and the news media were involved and the stage was set for the first Grafton to Inverell bicycle race on Saturday, 16 September 1961.
Mr Jack Griffin, served as the race director for 30 years. He rode it and saw the race grow from a dream, to it being staged as an international race in the 80’s. His passion continues and we still have his presence on current race days.
I kept finding groups and cruising with them, but then hitting a hill and being gone 