The Weekender
Event Update: The Weekender 2023 Cancelled
Due to low participation numbers we’re devastated to advise that The Weekender will no longer be proceeding on 22 – 23 April 2023.
We’ve explored all alternative options, but unfortunately none align with what you, our riders, community & stakeholders expect from our world-class events.
We understand the disappointment you may be feeling – we know the commitment it takes to train & book a weekend away & want to take this opportunity to thank you for joining us. Gippsland is a breathtaking region to ride in, we encourage you to continue to visit the region & consider aligning your trip with one of the following events they have planned this year:
Great Vic Bike Ride: 25 November – 3 December
What happens next?
To make it easy, your ride entry will automatically be refunded & processed over the next two weeks.
If you have booked local accommodation, please contact your provider to make the relevant arrangements.
Getting there
A short two-hours drive from Melbourne, Leongatha is a small town in the Gippsland region and nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges
The Weekender provides the opportunity to explore surrounding small country towns while soaking in the stunning scenery from lush rolling hills to forest and coastline.
Both Day 1 and Day 2 start at 8.30am in Leongatha. We recommend arriving 30mins prior to park your car and get yourself and your bike to the start line.
Accommodation
Camping
Book ‘The Weekender Pass’ with your mates to join us at the campsite in Leongatha on Saturday night. Included in the pass you will get a camping spot (BYO tent), a post ride beverage, dinner & breakfast (and coffee), toilets, showers, car parking and overnight security.
Book your own
If you prefer a bit more luxury, opt for the 2-day ride pass and make the most of the regional accommodation. From cosy B&Bs, self-contained coastal cottages, cabins, apartments and deluxe villas there is something to suit all budgets in Leongtha and surrounds.
Have a look at these Air BnB options.
EventFAQs
Here are the answers to your most common questions.
If your question isn’t in the list, please contact us.
What on-route support is provided?
We’ve got your back throughout the ride with mechanical support, SAGs (who will pick you up if you’re struggling or can’t continue the ride), hydration and nutrition stations, traffic marshalling and a fully signed route.
What type of bike should I ride?
This ride is suitable for road bikes but you may opt for a gravel bike or hybrid bike if this is what you prefer to ride. The 3.2km hard compact gravel section on Day 1 of the ride is suitable for road bikes. We recommend mountain bikes are not used due to their tendency to be heavier than the other options.
What do I need to bring on the ride?
Water, lunch and snacks will be provided on the ride. We recommend you bring two full water bottles, spare tubes and pump and any individual nutrition you may require.
What accommodation options are available?
Book ‘The Weekender Pass’ to stay on the campsite in Leongatha. Watch out for more info coming soon!
If camping is not your thing opt for a 2-day ride pass and check out the local area to book your own accommodation.
Do I need a tent?
If you would like to camp, you’ll need to bring a tent and everything else to make yourself comfortable. We recommend sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow.
Where will I eat while camping?
Food and drink trucks will be available at the camp site and a dinner voucher will be provided as part of ‘The Weekender Pass.’ For breakfast hot bacon and egg rolls (and dietary options) will be on the menu plus a local coffee cart – again this will be included in ‘The Weekender Pass’.
Lunch, snacks and nutrition will be provided for all ride passes on the route.
We also recommend checking out our host town Leongatha for a variety of restaurants and local businesses on the route.
Where can I park?
Parking will be available in Leongatha for all participants including those who are camping or driving for the day. More details to follow.
What’s provided at each rest stop?
Water, nutrition (lunch or snacks), mechanical support, toilets and first aid.
Riding on event
Road conditions
The Weekender course takes in a number of different roads in the Gippsland area. It is mainly run on sealed roads with small closed sections, except for day one that includes a short 3.2km hard-packed gravel section. If you’re not familiar with riding gravel, we’ll be available with extra SAG support and an on-route mechanic with spare tubes if you need it.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect across both days.
- Closed roads: sections of the course will be closed to traffic or closed in a given direction to reduce the risk to participants.
- Shared roads: while passing through the towns, this will be done on open roads to allow local traffic access
- Traffic managed: on sections of the course traffic management will be deployed to manage riders and traffic.
Bike Selection
The Weekender is open to all riders however we recommend you ride a bike that you can comfortably complete the distance/elevation on. This ride is suitable for road bikes but you may opt for a gravel bike or hybrid bike if this is what you prefer to ride. We recommend mountain bikes are not used due to their tendency to be heavier than the other options.
E-bikes are welcome on event, subject to our e-bike policy, but please ensure the range is suitable for the chosen ride option.
What to pack?
Forgetting to pack something is never a great way to start a holiday. Here’s our basic guide to packing. You can add to this list of recommendations as you please.
Camping Gear
- Tent, bed roll or mattress and sleeping bag
- Quick-dry towel
- Toiletries
- Thongs
- Warm clothes
- Waterproof gear
- Suitable cycling clothes (be prepared for all weather!)
- Torch or head lamp
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Riding Gear
- Your bike – You won’t get very far without this!
- A helmet – It is mandatory to always wear a helmet when riding.
- Bike lights – A white one for the front and a red one for the back to use in dark conditions. Also remember a charger or spare batteries.
- Water bottles – While we have rest stops along the way, we encourage all riders to bring two water bottles, and have cages on their bike to carry them while they ride.
- Spare tubes – Repair kit and bike tool. While we will have mechanical assistance on the ride it is a good idea to always have some spares on you.
Become our friend
Find out more about Bicycle Network and support us in making it easier for people to ride bikes.