It’s been 10 years since I did the Savageman triathlon race (race report here). The 56 mile bike course is known for its tough climbs and the Westernport Wall in particular – which is just over a quarter mile climb that averages about 15% and peaks out at 30%. A very touch climb in cycling is 10% – 30% is hard to walk up and that section of the road is closed to cars.
It’s so difficult that many people cannot finish the climb on their bike and either fall over, or have to get off and walk. If you finish the climb without falling, and go on to finish the race, the race organizers will print your name on a brick and pave it into the climb. That was half the reason I wanted to do the race, to get a brick. During the climb I didn’t see the bricks at all, it is quite tough and with choosing a line and the crowds cheering, and trying to not fall I didn’t really have time to look around for them.
I always wanted to go back and make sure the bricks were there and find my brick and recently had the opportunity.
It was nice to see my brick, and be reminded of just how steep that hill is. I’m still slightly surprised I made it up without falling off.