Over 1000 riders were at Apollo Bay today for the first ever Rainforest Ride.   A little bit of rain to start but otherwise pretty much perfect riding weather. Rapid Ascent the event organisers did not get anything wrong!

The cyclist in the best kit today was Laurie Griffith from Geelong. Laurie has recovered like a champion after being hit by a car in Tour Down Under. Today he looked like a pro in perfectly designed new Pinarello knicks & Jersey.  Sky blue and white – and really hot design.  10/10

In the bib knicks category is the rider who was one of the first in after the 140km in less than 4 hours. I was too busy asking questions about the Sugoi gear to ask his name. Black, 4D chamois, subtle branding & amazing pattern on fabric. He said “these are the most comfortable bib knicks he has ever worn”. Sugoi means incredible in Japanese! These knicks were certainly living up to their name! 10/10

In the unusal jersey category the nomination went to Sugoi again! Perth rider was having a great weekend and looked very cool in this cartoon design.

A rider called David (not Olle!) was almost very strong competition for Laurie.  Unfortunately from my point of view he was wearing a mish mash collection (although otherwise looking like a pro). What stood out more than the “lighthouse” was the long sleeve jersey he was wearing due to cool conditions. It was the first time I have seen Top Bike Tours kit in real life. Its even better than the pictures.  The colour is called ‘wintermint’ and it makes bianchi look boring!  After writing this report a new peice of history has just been revealed to me from inside sources. Aparently ”wintermint” is said to be the eye colour of the last queen of Italy!  Perfect for Kings and princesses as far as Im concerned it is just stunning with white for great visibility.

This cyclist only gets 8/10 because I know for a fact there is another 6 pieces to this kit and there can be no excuses for wearing gear that does not match!

Anyone who does not know Top Bike Tours go to www.topbike.com.au All you have to do to get this kit is go on a holiday with D. Olle. I am in training for the Giro now I want this kit so badly!

Alison Soady from CSC Sydney would have been pleased to see at least 2 cyclists wearing the company’s new kit.  Looks great Alison – great job in coordinating orders for the whole of Australia!

Great French design ‘Chat Noir’  from Team Estrogen did not escape my gear radar. Also spotted was short sleeve Goldi Highball design by Shiela Moon! www.teamestrogen.com

The last gear report for the day involved a very cool girl who won a Body Torque prize voucher.  She was very pleased about the fact that she wore a skirt riding today.  Of course this just goes to show that the right technical high performance garments are always just based on personal preference!

Thanks to Alex from Verofit Nutrition who fed me all day.