Glen Innes cycling event goodnessgravel to host gravel bike riding

An Australian bike event company, goodnessgravel, in partnership with the Glen Innes Severn Shire Council, will host two days of gravel bike riding events on April 9 and 10.

On Saturday, the main event will consist of a 100-kilometre ride with over 1300 metres of climb, or a shorter 65km ride traveling through the gravel roads to the east of Glen Innes.

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On Sunday, the event continues the gravel experiences with either a 99km or again, or a shorter 55km ride incorporating great climbs, descents and some unique private roads though farming properties.

Will Levy, goodnessgravel owner, said these events would showcase the excellent gravel roads and stunning scenery throughout the shire and in future years would incorporate the soon to be developed Rail Trails.

"One of the great things about this event is that we are using pre-existing infrastructure and riding along the quiet roads throughout the district, in the Red Range area," Levy said.

"This will be our first event and we are really looking forward to hosting more events in future years."

He said the Rail Trail would help cement Glen Innes as a gravel destination and help showcase the beauty of the district.

"We've been running bike tours since 2009, predominantly overseas, but when COVID hit we had no business so we reached out to local councils to inform them about cycle tourism," Levy continued.

"We knew a lot of these councils had pre-existing rural gravel roads, so we wouldn't be leaving a huge impact. We went to a lot of NSW councils including Eurobodalla, the Upper Hunter, Condobolin and Grenfell.

"When COVID hit, bike sales went up and people wanted to travel in Australia. We wanted to let these councils know the potential for spending in their shire. In Victoria there are a massive amount of Rail Trails and look further afield to New Zealand where businesses have been born from the trails. They support local communities in country towns."

Levy said one of the best things about the trails was that they were suitable for everyone from kids and families to professionals and ebikes.

"They are accessible for all, even walkers, so they are a great facility."

A number or locals have signed-up to be involved in the April event with others coming from Sydney, the Central Coast and Queensland, with most to spend at least three nights in town.

The Lions have come onboard as well as the RFS to help support the event, cooking a barbecue and more. There'll even be local musicians helping entertain the crowd across the weekend.

For more details, and to register before March 28, head to goodnessgravel.com.