Elsie Lange
Cycling 65 stunning kilometres around the Macedon Ranges doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend a Saturday.
Alison Skene certainly thinks so, which is why she organised this year’s Hanging Rock Handicap on Saturday, February 26 – a women’s-only handicap format road race around Hanging Rock, Newham and Lancefield.
With more than 95 entrants, Ms Skene said the day, geared towards cyclists of all levels, was “hugely successful”.
“It’s a road race for women to get more women into racing, by putting on a really inclusive, fun, challenging event that they can really enjoy,” Ms Skene said.
“It appeals to women who ride, but have never raced before, but also anyone who has done a bit of racing, or lots of racing.”
It’s the third year of the race, and after a hiatus in 2021, it was back and bigger than ever.
“I just love it out there, it’s just so pretty,” Ms Skene said.
“The roads are quiet, it’s scenic, it’s not too steep, but you can do steep hills if you want.”
A handicap race allows people of all levels to race competitively, starting at different points and times so that the competition is equal – which is why the top four finishers had hardly raced before.
Cyclist Kellie Savage won on the day.
“They were really pumped,” Ms Skene said.
Supported by Topbike Tours, Pedla, VicHealth and Hawthorn Cycling Club, the Hanging Rock Handicap also gives entrants the opportunity to donate to the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network – they raised about $350.
“You could tell people were wrapped, and the atmosphere was really buzzing at the end, this is what happened at the previous two editions as well,” Ms Skene said.
“There’s a lot of love for being amongst all these other women cyclists, doing the same thing, challenging themselves and having a good time.
“It was everything I dreamed about and more, everything came together really well and I get the sense that the women’s cycling community wants to do more of this.”
