Your guide to cycling events around Australia, July 2010 - December 2010
Please note all events are subject to change without notice. Check with the organiser close to the date for confirmation. Listings are free from non-commercial events. If you would like list an event please contact us
NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT
Jul 17: Gear Up Girl Workshop, Sydney
Jul 24-25: Mulga Bill Festival Ride
Aug 15: Sapphire City Mountain Bike Challenge
Sept 10-12: Dungog PedalFest
Sep 11: Coast to Coast for Kids Finish
Sep 11-17: Mudgee Vineyards Classic
Sep 18-19: Canberra in spring
Sep 18: Mountain Bike Bash
Sep 25-Oct 2: The Blue Lizard Ride
Oct 9: The Westlink M7 Cycleway Ride
Oct 14-22: Keasty's Border to Border Ride Part Two - The Northern Ride
Oct 17: Spring Cycle
Oct 24-30: NSW Central West Ride
Nov 14-20: The Upper Hunter Ride
Nov 20-21: Shoalhaven BUG Cycling and social weekend
QUEENSLAND
Aug 8: Coast to Coast for Kids
Aug 15: Mountain Bike Orienteering
Sep 4-12: Cycle Queensland: Yeppoon to Bundaberg
Sept 18-25: The FNQ Wilderness Bike Tour
Sep 25-27: The Yellow Pages Cardiac Challenge
October 8-10: Ausbike 2010: Brisbane
Oct 10: Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge
Oct 30: Port Douglas Tour
Oct 30: White lion Jungle Ride
Oct 31: Walcha Mountain Bike Teams Challenge
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Sep 11-19: Flinders Ranges Road Tour
Gear Up Girl Adelaide
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Oct 17-25: Margaret River Cycle Trek
VICTORIA
Oct 17: Around the Bay in a Day
Aug 21-23: Ausbike 2010: Melbourne
Sep 16-19: East Gippsland Rail Trail Tour
Oct 29-Nov 1: Nowa Nowa: A Bike Odyssey
Nov 2-6: Ride Around the River
Nov 7: Kelly Country Classic
Nov 22-27: Snowgums to Seaweed
Nov 27-Dec 5: The Great Victorian Bike Ride
OVERSEAS
Jun 26-Jul 09: Futures '10 Project Cycling Challenge
Jul 10-24: Escape Goat Adventures: French Alps
Aug 20-Sep 14: Nepal - Tibet - Mount Everest Challenge
Sep 18-Oct 13: OCF Tibet Cycling Challenge
Sep 26-Oct 3: Bike Palestine
OCF 2010 CALENDAR
Jul 4-17: Tour de Lake Qinghai
Sep 18-Oct 13: Everest Challenge, Tibet & Nepal
Oct 17: Spring Cycle
Oct 31: Fitz's Challenge, Canberra
Nov 6-19: Vietnam Remote Mountain Challenge
Dec 3-12: Andes Trail, South America
NEW SOUTH WALES/ACT
Ride the Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge will again be closed to cars for the annual Spring Cycle on October 17 - the only day you can cycle across the bridge. This is one of several highlights of Sydney's premier cycling event, which just gets bigger and bigger. More than 11,000 riders participated in 2009 and more are expected this year.
The Spring Cycle is a dual-choice event that offers 50km rides from either Cronulla or North Sydney to Olympic Park. This is a recreational ride and neither course is too challenging. The ride follows scenic routes through Brighton Le Sands, the Captain Cook Bridge, Pyrmont Point Park, Iron Cove and the Parramatta River. It is designed for all ages and abilities and offers the option of going solo or riding in teams.
Jul 17
Gear Up Girl Workshop, Sydney
Specially tailored for women! Learn the basics about cycling and your bike from the experts. Join other like-minded women for a relaxing morning of talking and learning about bike stuff.
Register at http://www.gearupgirl.com.au/
Jul 24-25
Mulga Bill Festival Ride
Ride to Wellington and return on Saturday (80 kilometres). On Sunday there is a 50-kilometre ride for experienced riders from Yeoval to Cumnock and return and a 24-kilometre ride from Yeoval to Bournewood and return for the family easy riders.
02 9525 8158 or 0429 663 966
jblaxland@biblesocietynsw.com.au
Aug 15
Sapphire City Mountain Bike Challenge
Starting and finishing at the Inverell Showground, the Sapphire City Mountain Bike Teams Challenge is a loop relay over about 25km.
The route will take you through varied terrain, including tar, paddocks and dirt roads around the national park. Each team will be given a card that must be clipped at the start-finish line and also at a checkpoint within the course.
The course is challenging and training is recommended.
bobfree@bigpond.net.au
Sept 10-12
Dungog PedalFest
More than 500 participants of all ages and abilities join together to make this Australia's premier weekend celebration of cycling. There are short and longer tours for road riders and the new mountain biking circuit on the Dungog Common. This event is an all-day MTB bush ride, and an easy-pedalling heritage "scavenger hunt" around town
02 4995 9265
luddite@wangat.com.au
http://www.pedalfest.org.au/
Sep 11
Coast to Coast for Kids Finish
The 30-day ride finishes at Centennial Park. Details: see Coast to Coast for Kids in the Queensland section
Sep 11-17
Mudgee Vineyards Classic
A great week of cycling, coffee and good times - a ride for all levels of cyclists, but above all, a ride for people who like to enjoy themselves and have a really fun time.
If you are unable to ride for the week, then just come for the weekend only.
02 9525 8158 or 0429 663 966
jblaxland@biblesocietynsw.com.au
Sep 18-19
Canberra in spring
Spend a weekend riding a tandem around Canberra in spring, during Floriade, the biggest flower festival in Australia. These are friendly recreational rides with time for coffee and sightseeing. This year there will be a choice of long or short rides, depending on your preference. Each day begins at Floriade, Commonwealth Park, with plenty of free time to enjoy Canberra and the Floriade experience after the rides.
02 6231 0895
cbrtandems@gmail.com.au
www.pedalpower.org.au/events
Sep 18
Mountain Bike Bash
The Mountain Bike Bash is an annual event that raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, New England North West. Each year the Bike Bash travels a different route in the helicopter's operational area. This year the ride will start in Tamworth before travelling through Kootingal, Manilla, Barraba, Bingara, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Quirindi and returning to Tamworth on September 25
For more details contact: Barry Walton, 02 6766 6641
barry.walton@rescuehelicopter.com.au
Sep 25-Oct 2
The Blue Lizard Ride
Eight days of magnificent cycling in the north and central west of NSW. Nine days and 980km.
02 9525 8158 or 0429 663 966
jblaxland@biblesocietynsw.com.au
Oct 9
The Westlink M7 Cycleway Ride
The M7 cycle path is a dedicated cycle path with traffic-free riding for 40km. This ride was set up by Bikes for Bibles and is suitable for all ages. One day with distances from one to 80km. How many kilometres can you do? Ride a few kilometres or take on the entire 80. Organise your church groups and ride to support Bible Society 2010 Mission Projects.
Jim Blaxland ph 02 9525 8158 mob 0429 663 966
http://www.biblesocietynsw.com.au/
Oct 14-22
Keasty's Border to Border Ride Part Two - The Northern Ride
The second part of Grahame Keast's Border to Border Ride. Ride from Goodooga on the NSW/Qld border to Dubbo, Orange and finish at Koorawatha. You can cover the whole ride with the organiser, Grahame, or just ride as many days as you have time for.
0411 386 814
keasty446@gmail.com
Oct 17
Spring Cycle
Start your spring in a spectacularly memorable way! Cycle through the picturesque surrounds of Sydney and have the satisfaction of cycling across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Oct 24-30
NSW Central West Ride
Come join us for a week of wonderful riding along quiet rural country roads and magnificent scenery. Riding in the Central West is bicycle riding at its best.
02 9525 8158 or 0429 663 966
http://www.biblesocietynsw.com.au/
Nov 14-20
The Upper Hunter Ride
Ride in the Upper Hunter - start and finish in Maitland.
02 9525 8158 or 0429 663 966
http://www.biblesocietynsw.com.au/
Nov 20-21
Shoalhaven BUG Cycling and social weekend
For the fifth consecutive year, the Shoalhaven BUG are having a weekend of cycling and social activity in and around the rural townships of Nowra and Berry. Over two days, with four separate rides planned, which include many of Shoalhaven's special landmarks and beautiful views. This event is also raising money for the Melanoma Institute of Australia
Judi, 02 44215214
QUEENSLAND
Yep to Bundy
Cycle Queensland is a nine-day Yeppoon to Bundaberg trek that will be hard to match. Bicycle Queensland has developed a 570km route through quiet country towns that will challenge some but be a memorable adventure for all. Bicycle Queensland says that if you are moderately fit you can complete this ride - some people on previous rides did not even own a bike until they decided to join friends on Cycle Queensland.
The ride is fully catered and includes three cyclist-sized meals each day, hot showers and entertainment.
Cycle Queensland will be staged from September 4 to 12.
Aug 8
Coast to Coast for Kids
This ride goes for 3,000km and raises money for the Bonnie Babes Foundation and Tumbatin Clinic (in Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick). The month-long ride starts in Cooktown and finishes in Sydney's Centennial Park.
0449 298 897
sam@c2c4kids.com.au
Aug 15
Mountain Bike Orienteering
Join Bicycle Queensland in the Tewantin forest (near Noosa) to struggle through five courses in Tewantin, all on forest tracks. Instructions, maps, mapboards, compasses etc available on the day. Try it solo or with some friends.
http://www.mtbo.com.au/
Sep 4-12
Cycle Queensland: Yeppoon to Bundaberg
Cycle Queensland is a nine-day, fully catered cycling adventure organised by Bicycle Queensland. Scenic landscapes and an enjoyable and fun way to see and experience Queensland.
07 3844 1144
bqinfo@bq.org.au
http://www.bq.org.au/
Sept 18-25
The FNQ Wilderness Bike Tour
A rare opportunity to experience North Queensland's beautiful natural environment in a small group ride. Over eight days and 520km, you will climb through the World Heritage rainforest-covered mountains to make it down to Cairns. Half the tour is on sealed roads and half on dirt roads, so this ride requires mountain bikes or touring bikes with wider tyres. This fully catered and supported bike tour is a major fundraising event for the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre. Only 65 rider places are available.
http://www.fnqbiketour.org.au/
Sep 25-27
The Yellow Pages Cardiac Challenge
This will be the fourth Cardiac Challenge Bike Ride from Cairns to Cooktown. The ride is 335km over three days during the last week of the Queensland school holidays. It has seen remarkable growth since its inception in 2007. It is a fun and enjoyable event to raise money for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for cardiac services and equipment.
http://www.cardiacchallenge.com.au/
October 8-10
Ausbike 2010: Brisbane
This expo is an expansion the Melbourne event, covering all kinds of cycling.
Not only will bikes be showing but also a wide array of accessories to go with your bike and your lifestyle.
http://www.ausbike.com.au/
Oct 10
Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge
100km Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge is a fun and exciting event for cyclists from around Australia. The events team is working on some tweaks to this year's course to create an even better route from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. This year's event will also be a major fundraiser for Diabetes Australia and Queensland and the Heart Foundation. Queensland's biggest bike ride will be complemented with Brisbane's first bike show - the Ausbike Brisbane Bicycle Show
07 3844 1144
bqinfo@bq.org.au
http://www.bq.org.au/
Oct 30
Port Douglas Tour
White Lion Jungle Ride Charity Event is in Far North Queensland from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation and return.
The locals are a particularly friendly bunch and will host a party for participants after the event. There will be three more days of touring and relaxation led by the local crew based in Port Douglas.
0422 902 209.
gopha1@internode.on.net or touring@sydneycyclingclub.org.au
Oct 30
White lion Jungle Ride
Cycle where the rainforest meets the Reef on this spectacular trek from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation. The round trip is 180km - all on sealed roads - but you may choose to ride only north and take the provided transport back to Port Douglas. A barbecue will be held at the ride. Registration $60.
Lesley Stephens las56@bigpond.net.au
Oct 31
Walcha Mountain Bike Teams Challenge
The Walcha Mountain Bike Teams Challenge will be held on in conjunction with the Walcha Wine, Food and Craft Festival. The popular 90km Challenge will again be a feature. A specially designed ride jersey will also be available this year, thanks to Rider Sportswear. Accommodation in Walcha is limited and the council has limited camping at the Showground due to the festival, so book early.
http://www.walchansw.com.au/
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
One for roadies
The annual Flinders Ranges Tour is a roadies ride with a variety of terrain for the hardened cyclist to batter their way through. However, this is only an option and riders are not obliged to go off road. The trek takes riders through the awe-inspiring Flinders Ranges in the spring, visiting places such as Hawker, Blinman and Lake Torrens - and offers many photo opportunities. This event is heavily booked and is limited to 200 riders, so book early.
Sep 11-19
Flinders Ranges Road Tour
The Annual Tour is a roady ride, but there are a couple of days when you can get off the bitumen and ride the rough stuff, if you're that way inclined. Numbers limited to 200, so get in early before it sells out. Small is beautiful.
08 8168 9999
rides@bikesa.asn.au
http://www.bikesa.asn.au/
Gear Up Girl Adelaide
The saga continues in Gear Up Girl Adelaide, join the fun and adventure! See Gear Up Girl Workshop in Sydney.
http://www.gearupgirl.com.au/
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Margaret River cycle trek
Margaret River is known for its quality wine, food and magnificent scenery - what better place for a social cycling event? The Margaret River Cycle Trek in October is being held to raise money for the Margaret River Regional Centre and the Margaret Bicycle Users Group.
This event veers off the main roads and takes riders through varying countryside. The days vary with the length and intensity of the ride so do not count on one day being the norm. While you pass through various towns, you can call in on the local wineries to test their wares and maybe bring some back to the camp. Key areas included are Blackwood River, Augusta and Hamilton Bay.
Oct 17-25
Margaret River Cycle Trek
Regional Environment Centre Challenge brings you a challenging ride along back tracks, single tracks, rivers, forests and beaches. There are camp fires, wineries plus scrumptious food. This ride offers a mountain bike adventure that takes in the diversity of the region as we follow rivers, hug the coast and swim where you fancy.
Paul Lane 08 9758 8988 or 0427 770 492
VICTORIA
On the trail of Ned
The popular Kelly Country Classic is a moderately difficult ride and includes the bushland round Glenrowan. This is a first-class supported cycling event offering personal challenges with rides of 50km, 100km, 150km and 210km set against picturesque backdrops. The route follows Ned Kelly's path through Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Benalla. This large ride is held on November 7.
Oct 17
Around the Bay in a Day
Leading into its 18th year, this event is growing. It offers a choice of five ride distances: 50km, 80km School Challenge, 100km, 210km and 250km. With the exception of the 100km ride, which starts in Sorrento, all rides start and finish at Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne.
03 8636 8888
http://www.aroundthebay.com.au/
Aug 21-23
Ausbike 2010: Melbourne
This extraordinary expo covers all kinds of cycling including: road, track, time trial, mountain bikes, cross country, BMX, trials, kids, toddlers, even unicycles. Not only will bikes be showing but also a wide array of accessories to go with your bike and your lifestyle.
http://www.ausbike.com.au/
Sep 16-19
East Gippsland Rail Trail Tour
A leisurely exploration of the 100-kilometre trail with side trips of discovery to wineries, lakes and hidden places in Victoria's wildest corner. Enjoy the forestry and the fun that is the East Gippsland Rail Trail Tour.
http://www.snowyrivercycling.com.au/
Oct 29-Nov 1
Nowa Nowa: A Bike Odyssey
A weekend celebrating all things bike in a funky arts community next to the "Mingling Waters" at Nowa Nowa. A variety of rides on forest tracks and in the newly opened mountain bike tracks: films, competitions, workshops and more! For added fun stay an extra four days stay for the Ride Around the River action!
http://www.wildernessbikeride.com.au/
Nov 2-6
Ride Around the River
A cycle journey exploring the lower half of Australia's iconic Snowy River with its many and varied tributaries and the lush forested plateaux. The ride's setting in far east Gippsland makes it a tougher than average ride through forest and unsealed tracks.
http://www.snowyrivercycling.com.au/
Nov 7
Kelly Country Classic
Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Ned Kelly gang as you ride your modern "steed" through the scenic Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Benalla districts.
0417 236 840
info@www.kellycountryclassic.com.au
http://www.kellycountryclassic.com.au/
Nov 22-27
Snowgums to Seaweed
Explore the little known hinterland of East Gippsland, from high alpine and yawning mountain valleys to lush rainforest and a wild coastline. There is the freedom to start and finish each day's ride in the best spots, with a bus returning riders to snug roofed accommodation nearby at day's end.
http://www.snowyrivercycling.com.au/
Nov 27-Dec 5
The Great Victorian Bike Ride
Lakes, rivers and ranges. Wind your way from the Murray River through the Goulburn Valley and into Marysville. Only 5,000 tickets available.
Bicycle Victoria 1800 616 600
http://www.greatvic.com.au/
OVERSEAS
Jun 26-Jul 09
Futures '10 Project Cycling Challenge
Project Futures has partnered with RAW Travel to support the Somaly Mam Foundation (combating sexual slavery). This ride takes you through the Mekong Delta, around a tropical Vietnamese island and into the heart of Cambodia.
About 550km over 14 days, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Dave Reynolds: 1300 208 245
dave@rawtravel.com
http://www.rawchallenges.com/
Jul 10-24
Escape Goat Adventures: French Alps
This Escape goat is off to France, for the Alpine Mountain biking trip to the French Alps.
The trip is open to all Australian Mountain Bikers, and is a two-week fully catered and guided trip. Accommodation is in a 400-year-old quality chalet that boasts an abundance of character.
http://www.escapegoat.com.au/
Aug 20-Sep 14
Nepal - Tibet - Mount Everest Challenge
There are limited numbers on this Bike for Bibles ride.
Barry Earp, 0418 843 669
earp@exemail.com.au
Glenn Samuel, 02 4385 2240
rev@isage.net.au
Sep 18-Oct 13
OCF Tibet Cycling Challenge
An adventure that includes mountain biking, Buddhist culture, remote villages and even a visit to Everest Base Camp, then finishes with the longest downhill bike ride anywhere, then look no further. Raw Travel and OCF will take you there. About 1100km over 26 days through Tibet and Nepal
Dave Reynolds, 1300 208 245
dave@rawtravel.com
http://www.rawchallenges.com/
Sep 26-Oct 3
Bike Palestine
The tour will take riders from the north to the south of Palestine and will visit some beautiful terrain, including the Judean desert and the olive-tree covered hills that adorn the country.
+39.0575.690.060
george@bikepalestine.com
OCF 2010 CALENDAR
The Oncology Children's Foundation (OCF) created the 200 Tomorrows program to inspire ordinary people to achieve extraordinary deeds and help make tomorrow a reality for kids with cancer. Please participate and enjoy these events. For information see: 200tomorrows.com.au
Jul 4-17
Tour de Lake Qinghai
The Tour de Lake Qinghai Cycling Challenge in China is an awesome high altitude adventure, which is modelled on the highest mainstream race in the world, the UCI Tour de Qinghai Lake.
Sep 18-Oct 13
Everest Challenge, Tibet & Nepal
The Everest Challenge rides to the base camp of Everest and finishes with the longest downhill bike ride in the world.
Oct 17
Spring Cycle
Start your spring in a spectacularly memorable way! Cycle through the picturesque surroundings of Sydney and have the thrill of being able to cycle across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Oct 31
Fitz's Challenge, Canberra
Fitz's Challenge is Canberra's biggest one-day cycling event. If you are looking for a physical challenge to push yourself and test your capabilities, the Fitz's Challenge is for you.
Nov 6-19
Vietnam Remote Mountain Challenge
The Vietnam Remote Mountain Biking Challenge is a serious adventure with a heap of exhilarating climbing, which rewards you with spectacular descents and breathtaking views.
Dec 3-12
Andes Trail, South America
The Andes Trail Mountain Biking Challenge is simply an incredible adventure, which starts from the equator in Quito, Ecuador right down to the gateway to Antarctica at Ushuaia, Argentina.