Mike O'Connor
This guide is brought to you by Focus, our Major Bike Brand Partner.
With news that the 2026 Mudgee Classic has officially reached capacity, it’s now the time to start thinking about prepping your gear for what has become one of the standout weekends on the Australian cycling calendar.
We know from the entries many of you are signed up for both of our Gravel and Road events on May 2-3, so we’ve gathered a checklist of things we reckon you should keep front of mind as you start to prep your bike(s) for this incredible weekend adventure in a truly spectacular place.
Gravel Preparation
Regardless whether you’re planning to do the longer 90km Grit Classic or the shorter 55km Dash Classic, having your bike ready to handle long stretches of corrugations and loose gravel is critical.
For a course like this, we recommend a bike with clearance for at least 34mm tyres – something like Focus’ gravel ready Atlas would be ideal.
Tubeless tyres
We strongly recommend you switch to tubeless to reduce the risk of pinch flats. There’s endless guides online to setting up tubeless (try ours here for example) but ultimately it lets you run lower pressures for better grip and comfort over rough surfaces.
Wheel prep
Make sure your wheels are true, the bearings are running smoothly, and your spokes are properly tensioned to handle the rough terrain you’ll be facing.
Check sealant
Tubeless is only as good as the sealant inside it. Top it up or refresh it before the event so it can do its job when needed.
Inspect tyres
Easily overlooked, now is a good time to look closely for cuts, sidewall damage or worn tread. Gravel can be unforgiving, and small issues can quickly become ride-ending problems. Don’t let an old tyre ruin your day.
Tyre choice and PSI
This is critical. Match your tread to the conditions and dial in pressure for a good balance of grip, rolling speed and puncture protection. The Grit Classic for example has 65.6km of unpaved roads, including one monster 40km stretch, so you’ll want to take the time to get it right.
Drivetrain and brakes
Check chain wear, inspect your chainrings for shark-toothing, make sure your brake pads have life left, and have everything clean and well-lubricated before you hit the start line.
Tools and spares
While there will be mechanics on course, they are likely to be flat out on the day, and having some gear yourself will help greatly. Dirty Mudgee is self-sufficient, so a multi-tool, plugs or tubes, and a pump or CO₂ should be essentials in your kit.
Bottle cages
Rough terrain can shake things loose, and with over a thousand metres of elevation change on the Grit Classic and course you can expect things to shift around on the descents. Double-check cages are tight and bottles won’t eject.
Charge electronics
Bike computers, electronic shifting and even lights are easy to forget to charge. Make sure everything is fully charged before you roll out, and bring a charger just in case.
Nutrition and hydration
There are rest stops, but bring what you know works for you. Gravel efforts can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly.
Final check and test ride
The final one is a biggy – test, test, and test again. And remember, always give your bike a once-over the day before and take it for a short spin to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Road Preparation
The Mudgee road courses present a different kind of challenge to the gravel routes, but they’re no less demanding, and making sure your bike is properly prepped is just as important.
It may sound obvious, but a road bike is what you need for an adventure like this – something that’s fast and efficient on smooth terrain, but that you can spin for miles without getting worn out.
Focus’ Paralane is the kind of bike that would be a good choice here.
Book a service
If possible, get a professional service, or at least give your bike a thorough check in the lead-up.
Tyres and tubes
Like with our gravel tips above, inspect for wear and replace tyres well before race day to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Brakes and cables
Make sure your pads are not worn and cables (or hydraulics) are functioning smoothly and reliably.
Clean and lube
Give the bike a proper clean and fresh lubrication about a week before, followed by a test ride to confirm everything is dialled. It’s probably worth bringing a small bottle of chain lube in your kit too.
Bolt check
Go over key bolts and tighten to correct torque, especially stem, seatpost and crank bolts.
Cleats and shoes
Often overlooked, but worn cleats or loose bolts can ruin your day. Check them well in advance, and while you’re at it, check your shoes too – are the dials and straps in good order? Something tiny like this could make a difference on the big day.
Avoid last-minute changes
We strongly recommend you don’t make major changes to your bike at the last minute. The night before is not the time to switch out things like swapping saddles, bars or major contact points. Give yourself time to make these changes, and adapt to them, if you have to.
Charge electronics
We hate to see it, but riders turning up with flat batteries is still a thing. With longer distances like the 170km Maxi Classic, the last place you want to be is stranded with a dead computer or shifting system. Charge everything early, and give it a quick check again the night before.
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Regardless of whether you’re lining up for the gravel, the road, or backing up for both at Mudgee, you’re in for something special. It’s a part of the country we love, and one that we can’t wait to see you experiencing for yourself in May.
So, get you and your bike ready, and we’ll see you on the start line!
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
