Gravel Grit Laguna
2019 ride guide
The Gravel Grit Laguna ride guide has all the information you need about key times, essential event information and route details. Give this one a good read so you’re up to speed for the big day.
Download nowGetting there
Only two hours drive from Sydney, Laguna is a small town set in the Hunter Valley. The start and finish site will be located at the Great Northern Trading Post.
At the main event site you will find:
- Event registration and event information
- Sponsors and exhibition stands
- Food, drinks and coffee
- Water filling station, toilets and bike wash
Here are the answers to your most common questions.
If your question isn’t in the list, please contact us via our website or call on 1800 639 634
How do I unlock access to a Bicycle Network member pre-sale entry?
We’ll email out a promo code to Bicycle Network members so they can access pre-sale entries from Monday 5 August – Sunday 11 August. If you haven’t received this please contact us.
Is tent hire available with the weekend pass?
Tent hire can be booked separately with your weekend pass for $50 per tent. It includes set-up and pack-down for a night under the stars but sleeping gear (sleeping bags, blankets, etc) is BYO. Tent price is per tent and sleeps a max. 2 people.
What type of bike should I ride?
We recommend riding a bike with minimum 28mm tyres but you’ll be a lot more comfortable on something with a wider tyre profile such as a CX bike. You could even opt for a mountain bike if you’re looking for a bit of suspension. Learn more about choosing the right bike for gravel here.
Ebikes
Riders who prefer to to ride in a little more comfort are more than welcome to bring an eBike. Please note, you’ll need a little extra juice (potentially a spare battery) if you’re looking to take the high road.
What do I need to bring on the ride?
- ID Wristband (collected from registration)
- Helmet
- Two water bottles
- Front white and rear red lights
- Gloves
- Additional food
- Puncture repair kit
- Spare tubes
- CO2/Pump
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket
- Cash (no EFTPOS service available)
Pure gravel bliss
Warm up rides
Whether you’re arriving early on Saturday with the weekend pass or need some ideas for your next visit, Laguna is the gateway to some untapped pure gravel riding bliss. Check out some recommended routes below to warm up your legs before the big dance on Sunday.
Please note: rides on Saturday 26 October are unsupported and are subject to normal road rules.
Cruiser – 21km
Turn right out of the GNTP and head along the Great North Road towards Wollombi. Take a left onto Yengo Creek Road and enjoy the flat gravel road before a short ascent and sealed section to finish.
Burner – 28km
Get your lungs and legs fired up with this short and sharp loop starting and finishing at the GNTP. Don’t be fooled by the tame profile, the climb out of Dry Arm Track is steep! The worst (best) bit comes shortly after turning left off Yengo Creek Road. Once on the ridge you’ll enjoy a rolling ride before a fast descent to finish.
Photo by @flow_mtb
Explorer – 40km
An afternoon ride short in distance with a steady and long climb up into the Yango State Forest.
Starting from the GNTP, turn right onto Great North Road and follow for a little under 2km until reaching the right-hand turn up Yengo Creek Road. You’ll climb up and over the short ridge before turning right again onto Boree Valley Road. Climb up into the State Forest before steadily turning west and then north along the Yango Track. Make a sharp right-hand turn at 23.4km and head east along the Finchley Track before a ripping descent off the range. Turn right again and heard back over Yengo Creek Road and to the GNTP for a refreshing ale.
Put aside two–three hours for a return trip.
Yew! That was a ripper ride. Want to join our next adventure?
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