The Bowral Classic is one of the Gran Fondo & Criterium highlights of the year but thereâs more to it than just cycling – here we take a look at some of the other local rides plus highlights from the town & surrounds.
The Bowral Classic is the jewel in the Gran Fondo crown, it’s Bicycling Australia’s signature cycling event, and regarded as the premier event on the annual ‘must ride’ calendar.
Come the weekend of October 15 & 16, the thousands of riders who’ve registered for this award-winning cycling spectacular will again descend on the stunning roads of Bowral and the Southern Highlands.
Bowral Classic: The Story So Far
First held in October 2016, the inaugural Bowral Classic was Bicycling Australia’s first mass participation cycling event. With the objective of raising funds for charity while also providing a challenging and goal-oriented day out, around 3000 riders collectively raised more than $120,000 for those most in need. The Classic returned bigger and better in 2017, with more riders and ultimately more money raised for charity, bringing the collective total to over $250,000!
The Bowral Classic then won a number of major awards including Australian Event of the Year in two categories – Best New Event and Best Community Event, and has recently been nominated for yet more awards.
The popularity and success of the Bowral Classics has led to several other major events including the Clare, Snowy, Mudgee & Noosa Classics.
The 7th Annual Bowral Classic
Back bigger, bolder and better than ever, the â22 Bowral Classic will again feature a major criterium on the Saturday afternoon then the main event – the Gran Fondo – on the Sunday.
Where Else To Ride
Fozwat
Quite possibly the most ridden cycling route in the Southern Highlands, this is a 40km loop with approximately 400m of elevation. With a few rolling hills, it is not an overly difficult loop and will take the average rider between 1hr 15min to 1hr 45min to complete.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1227432770
Greenhills
Another common route ridden dozens of times per day by local riders, this loop traces the first quarter of the Bowral Classic Maxi Classic and is a challenging yet rewarding ride. It features several tough hills, but the breathtaking scenery makes it all worth while.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1061831593#26120343128
Macquarie Pass Return
This 75km loop is not an easy one, but is definitely a spectacular one. This route takes you from the height of Bowral (at 690m above sea level) to Albion park (at only 21m above sea level). You will descend the awesome Macquarie Pass (a 9km climb) and the challenging return climb. With a fair bit of elevation, this ride is a tough one and usually takes between 3 and 4 hours (including breaks).
https://www.strava.com/activities/151515485
Tallong Return
A relatively flat 100-120km out-and-back ride that takes you along some of the course of this years Classic. A few dead roads will test your patience but otherwise itâs a very cruisy ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/219258474
Avon Dam
This ride takes you up north to Avon Dam, where you will climb 3 short (3km) hills. You descend all the way to Avon and climb your way out. It is a very scenic ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/221738508
Top 5 Things To See And Do In The Southern Highlands
Thereâs literally so much to do in this amazing region youâd honestly need a week to see and do it all. In no particular order here are some of the standout highlights.
- The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, commemorates legendary Australian batsman Sir Don Bradman, also known simply as âThe Donâ.
- A Short Drive Southwest of Bowral is historic Berrima and the convict-built Surveyor General Inn, a sandstone pub. This is a must-visit town that will truly take you back in time.
- Visit The Magnificent Fitzroy Falls in the vast Morton National Park. And near the village of Robertson is the splendid Belmore Falls. With a sub-tropical feel, these dramatic falls are a photographers, walkers and bird lovers paradise. There are also enjoyable bush walks, such as the Lovers Walking Track, and exhilarating mountain biking trails near Bundanoon.
- The Food And Wine experiences are delicious. The altitude is perfect for cool-climate wines, with plenty of wineries to visit.
- Corbett Gardens becomes tulip central each September for the annual Tulip Time Festival. More than 100,000 splendidly coloured tulips bloom. This beautiful park is enchanting at any time of the year, with its seasonal colours.
For a full range of year-round activities see the Southern Highlands events calendar and plan your getaway today. You can also book your accommodation on the website â visithttps://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/southern-highlands/bowral today.
For More On The Bowral Classic And To Register Click Here.
