BOAT Harbour's Eric Gatehouse and Graeme Chamberlain led the Port Stephens contingent at the 2015 Port to Port mountain bike challenge held last week.
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The pair acquitted themselves admirably in the gruelling four-day event, which started at Nelson Bay foreshore on Thursday and finished at Newcastle's Dixon Park on Sunday.
"It's a very tough ride over four days but I am here primarily for the enjoyment," said 54-year-old Gatehouse, participating in his second Port to Port event.
"There are a lot of serious riders here but I'm not one to wear the lycra, in fact I am more comfortable in my flannelette shirt and boardies."
For first-time rider Chamberlain, the ride was a successful finish to a busy month, including the Port Macquarie ironman.
"The course was a little storm damaged so we had to take it easy but I was happy with my finish," Chamberlain, 54, said after the Nelson Bay leg.
The 34km Bay ride started and finished at the marina, taking in the Port coastline, Box Beach, Fingal Bay, offroad in Tomaree National Park, Gan Gan Road, Fly Point Park and a final quick sprint along Victoria Parade.
The Port to Port is a four day race designed to be fun and challenging for riders of all levels, from recreational to competitive.
West Australian Peter Hatton took out the men's section, from Stage 2 winner Tasman Nankervis with Stage 3 Reece Tucknott in third place.
For the second year in a row the ladies section was won by Jenny Blair, ahead of Rebecca Locke and Naomi Williams.
