Shaky weather in the build-up and near-zero temperatures on the morning of the event weren't enough to stop more than 600 riders taking to the hills of the NSW tablelands for the 2023 Newcrest Orange Challenge.
The event had been put on hold for four years but was back and better than ever on 9 and 10 September as riders came from all around the country to take part.
A shift from autumn to spring set the scene for a magical weekend built around bikes, exploration and festivity.
The event village in Robertson Park played host to the start and finish line, a kids ride and a collection of local coffee, food and refreshment vendors.
Around it, a buzz built across the weekend as the skies cleared and people wandered through with dogs and prams. Meanwhile riders retrieved their packs, fitted their jerseys and geared themselves up for the task at hand.
Social rides on the sunny Saturday afternoon offered the perfect opportunity to warm up the legs before the big dance, taking riders on short but sweet tours of the magnificent countryside around Orange and a rewarding climb of Mount Canobolas.
Testing ascents and vast, vibrant canola fields awaited, as did the surreal sight of trees shedding shards of ice as the midday sun took hold overhead.
Afterwards, a briefing followed to prepare the riders for the following day, some readying themselves for the punchy 88km route and others taking on the longer 170km option.
Both demanded a lot of the riders, having them navigate challenging road surfaces and one gruelling climb after another with tricky descents in between.
Riders relished the atmosphere as they returned to the town centre and crossed the finish line, where spectators waited to help celebrate their achievements.
The finishers continued to roll in and bring the event village to life with laughter and tales from the road, before the sun set on a special weekend with friends new and old.
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