I’ve broken down the 102km circuit into four distinct sections; the 50km run from Goulburn to Windellama (incorporating a little loop along Mountain Ash Road), the 25km slog from Windellama to Bungonia along Oallen Ford Road, the 15km uphill leg from Bungonia to Mountain Ash and the 12km run home into Eastgrove.

The middle two sections are crazy brutal, which will test the mental toughness - let alone fitness - of even the most accomplished rider.

If conditions are benign - that is, no wind - the race will be decided somewhere between Bungonia village and the crest east of ‘Lark Hill’.

This stretch of asphalt is unrelenting, with its long, aching ascents and false flats bound to determine the final selection into Goulburn. I don’t think you have to be a pure climber to be a chance here.

It depends on how much juice you’ve used up earlier in the race and whether you can counter the inevitable surge. And surge they will ... but having ridden the leg numerous times, I keep playing that AC/DC song in my head: It’s a long way to the top.

If you can negotiate those bergs in good shape, it’s home free if you’re with a powerful little group.

Even with a moderate westerly head wind, the 10- 12km run home will take no more than 15 minutes. However, it’s not all plain sailing.

The last few kilometres are tricky; a swing right off Mountain Ash Rd into Bungonia Rd (Windellama Rd), over the bridge, then into town.

Riders will then sharply veer right into the finishing straight (Forbes Street) for a long, and deceptively difficult sprint home. If the Arctic conditions continue into Saturday (don’t bet against it, it’s Goulburn remember) it’s going to be a slaughter.

A stiff south westerly will be a nightmare along the normally tranquil Windellama Rd. The weaker riders will struggle for respite off wheels. Oallen Ford Rd has its nasty bits even when the weather is ideal; but add a chilly, swirling wind to the equation and the sag wagon will be busy.

There’s no point offering riders who haven’t seen or ridden the course any advice except to say be conservative early - and bring some gloves and windvests.

Windellama Road has long, flat straights and any escapades are doomed to fail (if the peloton is awake, that is). I’m sure a lot of us will probably spend the first hour just getting warmed up!

The road surface is good, there aren’t any overly technical sections and I’m sure the officials will put on a safe and professionally-conducted event. To my fellow cyclists (rivals, if you will) - most of whom are visitors to Goulburn - good luck and enjoy what our friendly, regional city has to offer.

* Gerard is Goulburn Post editor and member of Southern Highlands Cycling Club.