Nemesis

Yes, it's true. This was what came out of last weekend, well, actually it came some time ago, but for some reason I wasn't truly aware of it until Saturday. It all began on a dark and stormy night in November 2001, when I was camping at Mt Barney (one of the best campgrounds in Queensland). Of course, being dark, stormy, but still very warm, I didn't do anything about the water that was coming into my tent during the night, rather I just went back to sleep instead of fixing it. The next morning saw me hauling a very wet (and very heavy) sleeping bag, as well as the rest of my camping equipment up the very steep climb that led to Queen Mary Falls, on what was by then a blisteringly hot day. Needless to say I had some problems.

Almost four years later... By now I have learned and grown since that day. No longer the impoverished student using hauling 15-year-old camping equipment on my tours, I have also ventured forth, riding some of the biggest climbs in the country. In 2002 it was a double-crossing the Grampians in a single day, and a century in the Adelaide Hills. In 2003, it was Mt Wellington and just about everything else in Tasmania (including the dirt climb of Jacob's Ladder), often two or three passes in a day there. In 2004 it was some of the biggest passes in the country, Mt Hotham, Mt Buffalo.

So by June 11 2005, I was ready to return to Queen Mary Falls for the final quest. Just one week after taking a clear four minutes off my previous best time on Springbrook. There was just one problem, this climb is still extremely steep. I probably didn't help my cause by stocking up on food a little too enthusiastically at the farmers' market at Boonah. Even so, this climb still delivered one heck of a shock. The gradient is simply brutal! Not only steep, but everytime it appears as though some relief will come in the shape of a false flat, it kicks again, equally brutally (sometimes even more so). I battled on manfully, but eventually had to pause for a rest, if only to avoid vomiting. I managed to pedal the length of it without walking, so I didn't get owned, but I'm not about to claim victory either.

I have no isolated this climb as the toughest in the entire country. It is this climb which has always been my true nemesis, regardless of what might have been conquered in the meantime. It is this climb where I shall become a man, on the day I truly own it.

But gee, I'd love a crack at it without carrying all that touring gear.