Gravel Macedon

Event Info

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Get ready for Gravel

We’re looking forward to seeing you this Sunday for Gravel Macedon and sharing a great day out on the beautiful gravel roads of the Macedon Ranges region.
Below is some information to help you prepare for the day, including route links, rest area information, on-route support and tips for dressing for the conditions.
As always in this part of Victoria, conditions can change throughout the day. Please check the latest forecast before you leave home and come prepared to ride in the conditions.
A warm layer, rain jacket, full finger gloves and a change of clothes for after the ride are all sensible options that you should consider.
Importantly, make sure you have functioning front and rear lights – we can expect some low cloud and reduced visibility this Sunday.
The event will go ahead on Sunday, and our team will be on course to support riders throughout the day.

This includes rest areas approximately every 25km, SAG wagon support, motorcycle marshals, medics and on our short route we will also have our wonderful WARBY Team to help make sure you have a successful ride.

View the Routes

Ride with GPS route links are available for each distance. Please download your route before event morning and make sure it is loaded to your head unit or phone before you arrive. The Ride with GPS routes also include points of interest, including rest areas and key course notes. On some devices these may appear as waypoints or alerts during your ride, but this will depend on your head unit and settings.

All three routes can be downloaded here.

52km Route

The 52km short course is more achievable and more fun for more riders. It’s still a challenge, but far more achievable.

75km Route

The 75km middle course is a rewarding challenge but sits nicely as the perfect middle distance.

126km Route

This one includes more elevation, longer sustained climbs, passes through four different towns, and stays predominantly off sealed roads, with 76% of the route on gravel.

Download the gpx routes

Rest areas and food

Rest areas will be available on course with a range of rider support, including water and snacks to help keep you moving. You will find they’re location on the route maps, buy expect them at about every 25km. You can expect a selection of simple ride food such as fruit, sweet and savoury snacks, and hydration and bars or gels supplies by Winners Nutrition. Water will be available at all stops. And don’t forget, depending on the route you ride you may also pass through fantastic local towns that have all manner of delicious treats. So look forward to getting handed a Holgate Love All pale ale (non alcoholic) as you cross the finish line. Please still start the ride with enough food and water for your distance, especially if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.

Ride Guide

Please read the Ride Guide before Sunday. It includes key event details, start times, parking information, safety advice, support information and what to expect on the day.

DOWNLOAD RIDE GUIDE
Lastly, remember that while this ride mostly takes place in quite gravel forest roads, the roads are still open to other road users and you need to obey all road rules.
We’re excited to see you on Sunday for a big day out in the Macedon Ranges.

Getting there

Woodend is located one hour north west of Melbourne and is the perfect base to explore the Macedon Ranges by bike.

Location: Racecourse Reserve, Woodend

Via car – 1 hour

Grab a mate or three and car pool to Woodend. There is free parking available at Woodend Racecourse Reserve. 

Please follow the marshal’s instructions upon arrival.

EventFAQs

Here are the answers to your most common questions.

If your question isn’t in the list, please send us a message or call on 1800 639 634

Your registration pack will be available for collection on event day before your ride. Registration will be open from 7:30am.

Start times for the respective ride options are as below:

  • Route 126: 8:00am
  • Route 75: 8:30am
  • Route 52: 9:00am

The route is on wide unsealed/unpaved roads and fire trails and is best suited to a gravel bike or mountain bike. However, we love all bikes, and if you are comfortable riding your bike on gravel roads then feel free to use it! Learn more about choosing the right bike for gravel here.

Please note, the event is not suitable for road bikes.

Ebikes

Riders who prefer to to ride in a little more comfort are more than welcome to bring an eBike. Though you may need a little extra juice (i.e. a spare battery) if you’re looking to take Route 77 or Route 131.

To ensure your rides goes as smoothly as possible, please check the weather forecast and prepare your gear the night before. This is a supported ride with mechanics, snacks and water on-route.

We recommend you take the following items. 

Compulsory
  • Helmet
  • Event number/wrist band
Essential
  • 2 x water bottles
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves
Suggested
  • Spare tubes/flat repair kit 
  • Money/eftpos card for the inevitable bakery/cafe stops!
  • Front white and rear red lights
  • CO2/Pump
  • Bike computer or phone with riding route downloaded
  • Additional food
  • Sunscreen  

You must be aged 16 years or older on the day of the event to participate. 

If you’re under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must provide their consent during the online registration and the rider must be accompanied on the ride by a registered rider over 18 years old (as nominated during registration). 

Riders aged 15 or under may express their interest in participating by supplying evidence that they can comfortably complete the route (i.e. a training ride on Strava).  

We welcome expressions of interest to volunteers from the local community. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To sign up as a volunteer please register here

Please contact volunteer@bicyclenetwork.com.au.

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