Dirty Mudgee gravel courses – two new routes revealed

In response to rider feedback, the Classics organisers have replaced the original Dirty Mudgee course, first introduced in 2023, with two new routes that feature more gravel sectors.

On Saturday, 2 May 2026, as part of the Mudgee Classic weekend, the Dirty Mudgee will debut the 90km Grit Classic and the 55km Dash Classic.

James Yaffa, Publisher of Bicycling Australia and Founder of The Classics, said, “The Dirty Mudgee has grown in popularity over its three-year life, and it’s time to step it up with two distances and more gravel.”

“I’ve ridden the event each year, and have just returned from Mudgee, where I tested out the new 90km course. It’s a challenging route, but I know the increasing number of gravel riders will enjoy the high-quality roads that Mudgee provides,” said Yaffa.

The new routes will start from Cooyal Hall, just out of the Mudgee township, and take riders through the rugged beauty, rolling farmland and gritty backroads that make Mudgee one of NSW’s most underrated gravel playgrounds.

90km Grit Classic

The 90km Grit Classic is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who want a full-grit adventure. With long stretches of gravel, steady, morale-testing climbs, and backroads that feel worlds away from the city, riders will enjoy the off-road experience.

55km Dash Classic

The 55km Dash is every bit as rewarding as its big sibling. You’ll roll out on the same opening 30km as the 90km route before turning off onto true farmland tracks: rugged surfaces, raw terrain, and uninterrupted gravel that feels wild, remote and uniquely Mudgee.

Early Bird registrations for the 2026 Mudgee Classic weekend are now open, and you can save 20% on your 2026 Dirty Mudgee ride when combined with one of Sunday’s Gran Fondo road rides.

Find out more & register at www.mudgeeclassic.com.au