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peaks challenge
Not your average Sunday pedal

Thousands of riders will enjoy a Sunday pedal this weekend, but only around 1750 will be taking on Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2022 – one of Australia's hardest one-day cycling challenges. 

This will be Bicycle Network's 13th edition of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, an event that has amazingly not skipped a beat through the past two years of COVID cancellations. 

The 2020 ride was threatened by the major bushfire crisis that gripped the country early in the year, but ride went on, providing a much needed boost to the region.

Last year's ride fell in between COVID lockdowns and event restrictions, but the ride went on, providing many riders the boost they needed to push through a challenging time.

And after an extended stint of lockdowns, when many rediscovered their love for bike riding, this year it seems riders are as keen as ever to get out there and enjoy the magnificent Victorian Alpine course among their bike riding peers.

As per always, the notorious ride will tackle a 235km loop, starting at Falls Creek and riding up Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and through Omeo before heading up the back of Falls Creek, for a total of 4000+ metres elevation. 

But it is the 13 hour time limit that makes this ride extra challenging, with hundreds of riders every year falling short of cut off times and therefore not able to claim the coveted Peaks Challenge finisher's jersey.

Bont Cycling will be crowning the King and Queen of Peaks Challenge for the fastest individual climbers up the three peaks, and this year for the first time Bicycle Network will also be rewarding the fastest finisher in each age bracket.

Last year saw Justine Barrow take out Queen of Peaks and also set a new women’s course record of 7:34:21, finishing 17th overall. Stinus Kaempe was the first across the line in a very impressive 7:08:40 at an average speed of 32.86kmh.

The weather forecast at the moment looks okay, with a cool morning and potential showers in the afternoon no doubt troubling some riders – but that's what pushing your limits is all about!

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek riders have (hopefully!) put in months of training for this day, and won't be letting the cold, wind or rain dampen their spirits as they strive to compete something most won't dare attempt.

Bicycle Network wishes all riders the best of luck and can't wait to see you all at the start and (hopefully!) finish line.

You can learn everything about this year's ride in the official Peaks Challenge 2022 ride guide

We've also included some additional Peaks content below to get the party started!

Ela digs deep to conquer Peaks

When COVID reared its ugly head in 2020 and forced us all to rethink our routine; for Ela, this meant riding. So she committed to...

Peaks partners with Porsche

We're excited to announce the lead car at Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2022 will be the all-electric Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, thanks to our...

Peaks Challenge 2020 rider stories

We asked for rider stories and got some great personal accounts back. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping inspire others to find their...

Wind, rain and mist no match for Peaks

Wind, mist, rain and near-freezing temperatures didn't stop almost 1,100 riders from finishing Peaks Challenge Falls Creek today.

Final tips for Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

The forecast for Sunday’s ride is looking pretty cold and most likely wet. With this in mind, there are a few things to consider when...

Tim’s 10 years of Peaks

Tim Ellison is saddling up for his tenth Peaks Challenge Falls Creek ride in 2019. We asked him about some of his favourite moments and...