Story of my ride / Interview: Kerry Jonker, fastest woman - Peaks Challenge 2024, insights + advice

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek returned in 2024 after a year off because of landslips on the route. Kerry Jonker signed up at the last minute, knowing she had never ridden as far as 235km in a day, or climbed over 4,000m on the bike.
At the end of the mass participation / Gran Fondo ride, Kerry posted a time of 8 hours 19 minutes 6 seconds.
I spoke to Kerry about the day and she tells the #StoryOfMyRide about #PeaksChallenge2024
It's a chance to consider her time - achieved, she tells me, by having a good time with “2000 friends” - and her power output and other lessons from her experiences on a day when the heat took a toll and the attrition rate of the popular ride was high.
- Rob
Note: 'Peaks' is a ride organised by the Bicycle Network. Beginning and ending at Falls Creek, it sends ±2,000 riders down from the start site to Mount Beauty and onwards to a stunning loop around Victoria's High Country, via Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham, Omeo, and then back up the steep road at the 'Back Of Falls' for the finish.
Find out more on ridemedia.com.au (full link below) - or via a series of videos from my first experience of riding in Victoria's High Country (again, see links below).
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We acknowledge the Gunaikurnai and the Taungurung people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which this event took place. We pay our respects to their leaders and Elders past and present.
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More about Peaks Challenge Falls Creek:
Official site: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/peaks-challenge/
RIDE Media overview: www.ridemedia.com.au/places/peaks-challenge-get-ready-the-big-ride-returns-in-2024/
2022 video review series:
Story of my ride - Peaks Challenge (pt1) to Mt Hotham:
• Story of my ride: Vict...
Story of my ride - Peaks Challenge (pt2) reaching the finish at Falls Creek:
• Story of my ride: Vict...
Victoria's High Country (Road Trip)
Part 1: exploring, from Falls Creek to Mt Beauty
• Story of my ride: Vict...
Part 2: Cycling as therapy
• Story of my ride: Vict...
Part 3: Climbing from Mount Beauty to Falls Creek
• Story of my ride: Vict...
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#StoryOfMyRide #VisitVictoria #BicycleNetwork
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Music:
Fairytale Fantasy
PALA
VHMAGP1NE3NUWXMO

[@user-ok6iy4rp4h]

Congratulations to Kerry, very impressive. As a back marker and first timer, 12hr53min, that time blows my mind. Back of Falls was carnage at our end. Guys falling off bikes, one guy lying in the middle of the road punching and swearing at his legs. I left behind the Lanterne Rouge leaving the last stop. Didn't look at my time from there thinking I wasn't going to make the cut off. Emotional mess when I crossed the line and saw the time. Special event. Thanks to all the volunteers and organisers.

[@ride-media]

Great comment. Well done on getting there. Thanks for the anecdotes. - Rob

[@OldDavo1950]

Too slow descending Falls, was my undoing. Chasing cut off to Dinner plain 1 minute to spare. On Lanterne rouge after but again dropped on the last big descent. LR just rolled out of Omeo when I got there. Top of Bingo Gap was the tap on the shoulder. I have to build courage on descents, and yes my power is of a budgie. But endurance to burn. But I expected a long fairly solo ride which is how it turned out. I train solo, no one to train with, so it does not help when I am in fast groups. Good chance I go again next year. Mad at 74yo even crazier at 75yo. I made alot of friends in the event who were amazed at my ride and determination. All the more reason to have another go.

[@jimchilds3625]

Good interview, thanks 👍

[@JFomo]

I wanted to do it but I always get dropped on my local group rides 😅 so there was no point. Considering the weather that day I think I made the right choice.

[@DanTuber]

I don't think she realises how fit she is. Posting that time when doing hardly any hill training, then saying anyone can do Peaks. 19% failed to finish.