Conquering the Peaks Challenge: Iksun’s Epic Ride Through the Victorian High Country

The Peaks Challenge is no ordinary ride. It’s a test of endurance, strength, and sheer determination—235km of punishing roads, over 4,000 metres of climbing, and a strict 13-hour cut-off. Often compared to a Tour de France mountain stage, it’s one of the toughest one-day cycling events in Australia.

This year, our very own workshop manager, Iksun Eo, took on the challenge—and crushed it!

Months of Training for One Goal

For six months, Iksun dedicated himself to preparing for this massive event. Long training rides, relentless climbing sessions, and mental preparation all led to this one day. His goal? Not just to finish, but to push his limits and complete the ride in under 10 hours.

And he did exactly that.

*"I’m really happy to have completed the Peaks Challenge—a goal I had been training for over six months—in under 10 hours.

Crossing the finish line, all the time and effort I put into training flashed through my mind. I was moved to tears, realising that none of it was in vain.

I gave it everything and have no regrets.

A huge thank you to bikeNOW for helping me ride the Specialized Tarmac SL8, which was absolutely perfect for the challenge."*

— Iksun Eo

The Climbs: A Brutal but Beautiful Challenge

The Peaks Challenge isn’t just about the distance—it’s about conquering three of Victoria’s most famous high-country climbs:

🚴 Tawonga Gap – A sharp wake-up call early in the ride, testing the legs right from the start.

🚴 Mount Hotham – A relentless 30km climb with steep pinches and unpredictable conditions, demanding both physical and mental endurance.

🚴 Falls Creek (The Backside) – The final and most feared climb of the challenge, often called ‘The Beast’. After 200km in the saddle, this gruelling ascent pushes riders to their absolute limits.

The Right Bike for the Challenge

For a ride this demanding, the right equipment makes all the difference. Iksun tackled the course on the Specialized Tarmac SL8, a bike designed for high-performance climbing. With its lightweight frame, aerodynamic efficiency, and responsive handling, it was the ideal choice for such a punishing challenge.

A Ride to Remember

Crossing the finish line after nearly 10 hours of relentless effort, Iksun’s emotions overflowed. Every training session, every early morning ride, and every tough climb had led to this moment. It was a reminder that hard work pays off—and that the cycling community is built on perseverance, passion, and the drive to keep pushing forward.

Massive congratulations to Iksun on this incredible achievement! If you're inspired to take on the Peaks Challenge yourself, visit bikeNOW—we’ll help you find the perfect setup to chase your own cycling goals.