After an exceptionally successful first year in 2022, the Gravel n Granite Bike Race is set to return to Tenterfield this March.
Organised by the local not-for-profit group The Saddlers Mountain Bike Club Tenterfield, 2023 promises to be another huge event for the region. The race will this year be held on Saturday the 4th of March starting at 7.30am. There are multiple categories available for entry and all include a 29km Short Course, a 69km Medium Course and a 105km Long Course option. 2023 will also see the introduction of a free youth event for 9-14-year-old riders to test their skills.
For those who participated in last year’s event, the organisers say that the routes will be very similar to last year’s course. They have added an extra water station based on feedback from riders. First aid, fruit and lolly stations will also be placed strategically along the route.
If you are keen to ride, online registrations will close on Monday 27 February at 12pm. However, in-person registrations will still be accepted on-site on Friday the 3rd of March.
Spectators will also find plenty to take in on the day. The AusCycling Gravel State Championships are occurring over the weekend and promise to bring plenty of action. At the event village there will be food and drinks available and plenty of live entertainment on show.
This year’s raffle is being run by the Angry Bulls Trail group. The main prize will be drawn at the event and is a Trek Mountain Bike worth over $5000. Tickets can be pre-purchased now and all proceeds go towards the Angry Bull Trails Mountain Bike Trail Network Project.
If you’re feeling creative, why not enter the Bike Art Sculpture Side Event? All you need is an old bike, or some bike parts and a whole lot of imagination. Entry is free but there are cash prizes up for grabs. The competitors’ creations are sure to be worth checking out. Or if painting is more your style, you can book a Vino and Van Gogh experience and learn to paint an impressionist cycling scene.
For those planning on spending the whole weekend in Tenterfield, there will be a pre-party event on Friday the 3rd of March. Footloose Friday will be held at The Barn at Glenrock Gardens and promises a pre-ride buffet-style dinner to have riders fueled up for the long ride ahead.
For all the details on entry requirements, full event details and how to join in on the action, be sure to head over to the Gravel and Granite event page.
Have something to say about this story? Submit your own opinion piece, or quick word, to The Net.