Gary Hunt
Welcome to the inaugural Bowral Classic, New South Wales’ finest Gran Fondo experience!
NSW has been sadly lacking in quality cycling events for fondo and sportif riders, but we’re here to change all this. The Bowral Classic will be a fun and challenging ride through a rural and forested landscape.
The glorious Southern Highlands await you with stunningly scenic roads and diverse terrain. The course is challenging with a full Imperial Century distance of 160km for the hard core and challenge driven rider. With an early start on Sunday the 23rd planned it may be cool as we roll out of Bowral, but there are some ‘undulations’ in the first 30km to get the blood pumping. There’s a kick in the tail too that will catch you out if you push too hard early on; Kangaloon Hill will be a tester for many but with special Kangaloon Kudos allocated for the best times, I’m sure you’ll dig deep.
The 90km option is graced with the same elegant vistas but is no walk in the park. Likely enticing some riders to set a more intense pace over the shorter distance, it should be a decent challenge for those with less time on their hands or distance in their legs. There’s even an easy 25km option for youngsters and families who want a taste of road cycling!
But no one said you have to ride just one day! Take some time out to ride the roads of the Southern Highlands, there’s so much more than we could pack into 160km!
Beyond the great riding experience we have in store, the Southern Highlands are packed with fine dining options, restaurants and cafes as well as antique and boutique shopping experiences. There are also wineries and gardens to visit; much more than enough to keep you occupied while not on the bike. It’s a great place for a family weekend away or time out with your partner—whether they ride or not.
Accommodation choices are broad; from the fabulous Bendooley Estate to the Gibraltar Hotel, named for the local monolith, to Peppers Craigieburn with its sweeping lawns, or the Grand Mercure and Links House to cheap and cheerful options, you’ll find somewhere to lay your head before the ride’s early start or equally, a bed to rest those weary legs after your efforts.
The highlands may see all seasons in one day in October, but the hospitality is sure to be warm and welcoming. Our event partners have prepared a welcome pack for those early birds who sign up before March 10, and more broadly the whole town is ready and waiting to provide you with a great cycling getaway too.
Stay tuned to this page for updates about the ride, training info and articles.
We hope you can join us and look forward to riding with you on October 23 at the Bowral Classic.
