Gemma Mollenhauer
Now in its fourth year, the Gears & Beers Cycling, Craft Beer & Cider Festival is expected to draw in excess of 1500 riders to the rural town of Wagga Wagga on the 1st of October. The event features multiple ride options including the nationally acclaimed Dirty 130, as well as options for cyclists to partake in transfer rides from Sydney or Melbourne in the lead up to the event.
As if the enticement of bike riding on quiet and sealed (or gravel) roads and a cold beverage waiting for you at the end isn’t enough, here’s five more reasons you should make the trip to the Gears & Beers festival:
- Location, location, location:
Centrally located between the city hubs of Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, Wagga Wagga is easily accessible and features some incredibly picturesque countryside.
- Addition of the Filthy50:
Proving its popularity, tickets for the Dirty130 sold out very quickly, however with the addition of the inaugural Filthy50, riders will experience breathtaking scenery on rolling sealed and gravel roads. Other options include sealed 50km and 30km options, and a 9km route for younger riders.
- Entry to the beer and cider festival
Registered riders also get free entry to the craft beer and cider festival after their race. This includes a plethora of local produce, beer and cider on offer for everyone to enjoy. There’s only one thing better than finishing a long ride, and that’s finishing a long ride with a cool beverage in hand.
- A chance to spot some cycling celebrities:
Last year the event attracted the likes of the iconic Australian cyclist: Allan Iacuone, winner 2015 Trans America Bike Race Jesse Carlson and Sarah Hammond, the 2016 Race to the Rock winner. 2015 National Criterium Champion, Sophie Mackay and her NRS team, Specialized Women’s Racing were also keen to take on the 2016 edition of the Dirty130.
- Experience a cycling vibe like no other
Gathering likeminded people together in celebration of two things (bikes & brews) that ignite a passion is one thing, adding a beautiful countryside, bulk freebies and again: beer, cycling and food is no doubt a recipe for great success.
Video courtesy of Anthony Gordon
Participants can register as individuals or as part of a group, with all proceeds from rider registration and festival entry going to the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga.
EVENT INFORMATION:
• DATE: Sunday 1 October, Wagga Wagga NSW
• LOCATION: Victory Memorial Gardens
• TIME: Riders depart from 7am o Beer and Cider Festival commences from 11am
• RIDE OPTIONS
o 9km: $20 per person
o 30km: $40 per person
o 50km: $50 per person
o Filthy 50: $60 per person
o 105km: $80 per person
o Rapha Dirty 130 – SOLD OUT
• FESTIVAL ENTRY: Free for registered riders, or $10 per person
• MORE INFO AND RIDE REGISTRATION: gearsandbeers.org.au
