• Charles Sturt University will host the Bathurst Rotary Gravel 2024 off-road bike riding event on three courses as part of the Bathurst Cycling Festival on Saturday 11 May

The Bathurst Rotary Gravel 2024 cycling festival, hosted by Charles Sturt University, will give bike enthusiasts of all ages and abilities the opportunity to ride on safe, stable surfaces, off road and on some fully-closed roads in a scenic setting.

Director of External Engagement, Ms Julia Andrews, said Charles Sturt University in Bathurst at the base of Mount Panorama/Wahluu is a picturesque place to ride in a variety of environments with no steep hills, a few fast sections for fun, and lots of scenic beauty.

“The Bathurst Rotary Gravel 2024 offers a choice of three courses and will be filled with the fun vibe that goes with the perfect gravel event,” Ms Andrews said.

“Whether you are a rider or not, this will be the coolest place to either start and finish your challenge or just hang out and enjoy the sounds of the afternoon festival.”

The festival will offer market stalls featuring local food and beverages and the riders will pass through or close by the festival village twice per lap making it easy for non-riding spectators to cheer on friends and family members.

“There will be live music by local artists, and street theatre entertainment providing continuous spectacle and involvement with the crowd,” Ms Andrews said.

“The Rafters bar on campus offers food, drinks, and space to relax or to party for 1,000 people if the weather is inclement.”

The Bathurst Rotary Gravel 2024 Community Partners are Bathurst Rotary, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Regional Council, Community Broadcasting Foundation, and Bathurst Cycling Festival.

The Charity Partners are Lifeline Central West, Central West Women’s Health Centre, and Veritas House.

Bathurst Rotary event organiser Mr Rob Barlow is a bike enthusiast - race, gravel and mountain bike - and said this event aims to encourage all who love bikes and the community to embrace the ideals that bike riders believe in.

“I encourage bike riders from near and far to enter the Bathurst Gravel event to support charity, learn more about their love for bikes, and about how they can contribute to their community,” Mr Barlow said.

“Kids and good parenting are our future, and kids need opportunities to challenge themselves and have fun in new and unpredictable environments. I urge parents to encourage their kids to develop their bike skills and have fun in a community-based bike riding event like the Bathurst Gravel. They may then want to ride to school.”

Mr Barlow noted that local ex-professional cycling champion Mr Mark Renshaw ( @markrenshaw ) of Renshaw Pedal Project used these roads and paths as a child before heading to Europe as a young man for a career competing in international cycling events.

The Bathurst Cycling Festival provides premier cycling events across the picturesque locales of Cirencester in the United Kingdom and Bathurst in Australia, as well as in the virtual realm.

The Bathurst Cycling Festival is inspired and in support of the Cirencester Bathurst Friendship, a collaborative effort aimed at fostering strong international ties between Cirencester and Bathurst to promote cultural exchange, economic partnerships, and educational connections between the two communities.

Find more information and register here.

Non-riders can attend any time after 12pm and are encouraged to give a generous donation to Rotary charities at the entry gates.