Inaugural CCCTS Munn Road Time Trial

“How many do you think would show up?” “No idea. I’ll be happy if we get three. ” 

The idea of the time trial came from Ryder Hesjedal going up Munn Road during the first edition of the Tour de Victoria almost 15 years ago. If Ryder can climb it at an average of 32 kph, how would CCCTS members do?  The ride was also intended to attract younger members. To be inclusive, there were five categories: Men, Women, Men Ebike, Women Ebike, and because some members ride tandems and trikes an Open category that even included unicycles. Winners receive a free Red Barn sandwich.

So on a Wednesday in late August, after the hot summer days were over, Brian Collier, co-leader and I arrived early to the Switch Bridge. Waiting there was Paul Quinn. Then Mary Freeman and Lani Shultz rolled in. Three.

We rode to Francis King to meet other members coming from the Western Communities. No more riders. After the sign in, bathroom break and filling our water bottles we proceeded a few kilometres to the start at the bottom of the hill. Last minute instructions. Three, Two, One, Go, and a mass start of five took off. Waiting at the top was Dianne Collier, the time keeper, Donna, the photographer, plus a tray of oranges and cookies. Cell phone reception is spotty in this area of the Highlands. Dianne brought her car in case of an emergency. The average of the riders was 75, and most of us have health issues.

Brian quickly took the lead, his ebike on turbo. Paul tried to keep up but almost cooked the first downhill bend going 50 kph. Then long gaps, Mary, Lani and I spread out all over the road. Five kilometers with an average gradient of 4.5% (a deceiving number), a few downhill sections, but a killer 20% grade before the very top. Weather 22 degrees, sunny, no wind. Smooth pavement, no traffic, mostly shade. Perfect conditions for a time trial.

Brian crossed the line first with a time of 15 minutes 35 second and average speed of almost 20 kph. Paul, recovering from a bad fall off a ladder, was two and a half minutes behind, his average speed an impressive 17.61 kph. Mary, always complaining that she can’t do hills, won her category with an average speed of 14.16 kph. I was next a full 2 minutes behind. Shortly after, Lani dragged herself in, happy as this was her first time up Munn Road.

After recovering and much congratulations, the group continued through scenic Highlands, speeded down Willis Point Road and had well deserved sandwiches at the Red Barn. A good time was had by all.

Special thanks to Dianne Collier and Donna Kerkoven. 

Bob Louie

Results of the 2025 CCCTS Munn Road Time Trial

1. Brian Collier. Winner, Mens Ebike. 15 minutes, 35 seconds. 19.55 kph. 

2. Paul Quinn. Winner, Mens. 17 minutes, 04 seconds. 17.61 kph. 

3. Mary Freeman. Winner, Womens. 21 minutes, 19 seconds. 14.16 kph. 

4. Bob Louie. 23 minutes, 15 seconds. 12.96 kph.

5. Lani Schultz. 24 minutes. 12.5 kph.

“How many do you think would show up?” “No idea. I’ll be happy if we get three. ” 

The idea of the time trial came from Ryder Hesjedal going up Munn Road during the first edition of the Tour de Victoria almost 15 years ago. If Ryder can climb it at an average of 32 kph, how would CCCTS members do?  The ride was also intended to attract younger members. To be inclusive, there were five categories: Men, Women, Men Ebike, Women Ebike, and because some members ride tandems and trikes an Open category that even included unicycles. Winners receive a free Red Barn sandwich.

So on a Wednesday in late August, after the hot summer days were over, Brian Collier, co-leader and I arrived early to the Switch Bridge. Waiting there was Paul Quinn. Then Mary Freeman and Lani Shultz rolled in. Three.

We rode to Francis King to meet other members coming from the Western Communities. No more riders. After the sign in, bathroom break and filling our water bottles we proceeded a few kilometres to the start at the bottom of the hill. Last minute instructions. Three, Two, One, Go, and a mass start of five took off. Waiting at the top was Dianne Collier, the time keeper, Donna, the photographer, plus a tray of oranges and cookies. Cell phone reception is spotty in this area of the Highlands. Dianne brought her car in case of an emergency. The average of the riders was 75, and most of us have health issues.

Brian quickly took the lead, his ebike on turbo. Paul tried to keep up but almost cooked the first downhill bend going 50 kph. Then long gaps, Mary, Lani and I spread out all over the road. Five kilometers with an average gradient of 4.5% (a deceiving number), a few downhill sections, but a killer 20% grade before the very top. Weather 22 degrees, sunny, no wind. Smooth pavement, no traffic, mostly shade. Perfect conditions for a time trial.

Brian crossed the line first with a time of 15 minutes 35 second and average speed of almost 20 kph. Paul, recovering from a bad fall off a ladder, was two and a half minutes behind, his average speed an impressive 17.61 kph. Mary, always complaining that she can’t do hills, won her category with an average speed of 14.16 kph. I was next a full 2 minutes behind. Shortly after, Lani dragged herself in, happy as this was her first time up Munn Road.

After recovering and much congratulations, the group continued through scenic Highlands, speeded down Willis Point Road and had well deserved sandwiches at the Red Barn. A good time was had by all.

Special thanks to Dianne Collier and Donna Kerkoven. 

Bob Louie

Results of the 2025 CCCTS Munn Road Time Trial

1. Brian Collier. Winner, Mens Ebike. 15 minutes, 35 seconds. 19.55 kph. 

2. Paul Quinn. Winner, Mens. 17 minutes, 04 seconds. 17.61 kph. 

3. Mary Freeman. Winner, Womens. 21 minutes, 19 seconds. 14.16 kph. 

4. Bob Louie. 23 minutes, 15 seconds. 12.96 kph.

5. Lani Schultz. 24 minutes. 12.5 kph.