The Audax Alpine Classic travels through some of Victoria's most spectacular countryside in the north west Alpine region of the state. The rides start in the lush Alpine Shire town of Bright and includes a visit to Falls Creek.
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 This is the "Mother of all Rides". Difficult yes, but very rewarding. The rides difficulty is not just because of the degree of climbing but also because of the variations of the Alpine climate.
It is the toughest non-competitive mass ride in Australia and as such is not a race. The objective is to complete the course within the maximum time limit allowed.
Even though this ride is held at the height of summer, it is not uncommon for conditions at Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo to be freezing while in the valley stifling heat can await your return.
This ride attracts cyclists from all levels of fitness and experience. While some cycling's elite have failed, many middle aged and beyond with minimal experience have succeeded. Mental and physical preparation and a "pace yourself" approach is important.
The Audax Alpine Classic, coming to Falls Creek Sunday January 24, 2010.
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For more information, visit the Audax web site.
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Cycle Tourism event will inject over $1 million into local economy...
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January 19, 2009
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 Hundreds of lycra-clad riders will climb the steep mountain road to Falls Creek next Sunday as they participate in the annual Alpine Classic.
The event is a perfect example of the benefits of Cycle Tourism with an estimated $1.5 million injected into the local economy by the 2,400 cyclists, partners and friends that'll accompany them.
In fact it is so enthusiastically supported by its participants it came second in a recent Victoria's top 101 things to do (www.101victoria.com.au) which is quite an achievement.
Another outstanding achievement is the quest to raise funds for the Oncology Children’s Foundation has topped $30,000 before the event even gets underway.
Whilst the legendary Lance Armstrong has beaten cancer there are many children battling the big C and the organisers of the non-profit Audax Alpine Classic felt they could contribute to the ongoing research being carried out by the research unit at Westmead Hospital, one of seven hospitals word-wide seeking a cure to this dreadful disease.
Cycling is currently experiencing a boom period outstripping car sales for ninth consecutive year. 1,401, 675 bicycles were sold last year - 38% more than 1,012, 164 car sales throughout Australia.
Falls Creek Alpine Resort is a favoured location for many elite and upcoming athletes who use cycling as part of their cross-training regime. The influx of hundreds of recreational riders into the alpine resort, participating in the equivalent of a fun run, albeit up to 200km in length, is a good example of the healthy nature of a sport such as cycling.
Another plus is AGL Energy, which has invested over $2 billion in renewable energy sources to help secure Australia’s energy future, has come on board as the inaugural major sponsor of the Audax Alpine Classic.
AGL’s head of Merchant Energy, Jeff Dimery, said the course for the ride passed around AGL Hydro’s assets including the Bogong Hydro Power Station (at the half way point between Mt Beauty and Falls Creek) which will create new renewable energy from existing water resource, with minimal impact on the environment, and generate enough renewable electricity to power 122,000 homes."
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