Mike O'Connor
The Southern Highlands will come alive over the weekend of Saturday 17th – Sunday, 18 October, as thousands of riders from across Australia and beyond descend on Bowral for the Bowral Classic cycling Gran Fondo.
Celebrating a decade of cycling with The Classics, the Bowral Classic has become a standout event on Australia’s cycling calendar, welcoming riders of varying abilities to take on challenging courses through the region’s picturesque countryside, rolling hills and iconic country towns.
The milestone event will bring thousands of riders, their families and supporters to the Southern Highlands for a weekend of cycling, community and local hospitality, with the festivities extending well beyond the start and finish lines.
Riders will depart from Bong Bong Street, Bowral, from 6:30am, taking on one of three courses — the 150km Maxi Classic, 120km Challenge Classic or 85km Rouleurs Classic.
The routes wind through the region’s scenic roads and country towns, including Berrima, Moss Vale, Bundanoon, Fitzroy Falls, Robertson and Glenquarry, showcasing the natural beauty that makes the Southern Highlands a favourite destination for cyclists.
A decade of cycling celebrated at the Event Village
The celebrations will continue throughout the weekend at the Bowral Classic Event Village at Loseby Park, with locals, visitors and cycling enthusiasts invited to join in the festivities.
Open from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, 17 October, and buzzing again from 10am on Sunday, 18 October, the Event Village will feature live local music, food and drinks, cycling exhibitors, kids’ entertainment and plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere.
As part of the 10-year celebrations, registered riders will also have the chance to win one of 10 fantastic prizes worth more than $9,800 in the Bowral Classic’s 10-Year Anniversary Giveaway.
The prize pool includes a Cervélo Soloist frameset valued at $5,900, cycling gear, local accommodation and dining experiences, and a range of other prizes from event partners.
The giveaway will take place from 2pm on Saturday, 17 October, at the Event Village at Loseby Park.
Registered riders can collect their entry ticket when picking up their rider kit, with winners required to be present for the draw.
Beyond the ride
Beyond the ride itself, the Bowral Classic has strong ties to the Southern Highlands community. Each year, over 150 local volunteers help bring the event to life, supporting everything from rider rest stops to course marshalling.
The event also works with local community groups and not-for-profit organisations, providing opportunities for fundraising and donations that support their valuable work across the region.
The Bowral Classic also provides riders with an opportunity to give back to causes close to their hearts.
This year, participants have already raised more than $61,000 for charities across Australia, demonstrating the generosity of the cycling community and the positive impact the event can have beyond the finish line.
The event’s 10th anniversary is a celebration not only of a decade of cycling, but also of the riders, volunteers, local businesses and communities that have helped make The Classics what they are today.
Road closures and community information
To ensure the safety of riders and the wider community, temporary road closures and traffic changes will be in place across parts of the Southern Highlands on Sunday, 18 October.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the Bowral Classic community information page for the latest road closure details, course maps and suggested detours before travelling.
For full details, visit www.bowralclassic.com.au/community.
The Bowral Classic is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
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.
