Thinking about taking on your first Bowral Classic?
Who better to ask for advice than the riders who’ve been there, done the climbs and lived to tell the tale?
We asked a few of our legendary ambassadors for one piece of advice for first-time Bowral riders. From pacing yourself and prepping your bike, to remembering to actually enjoy the day, here’s what they had to say.
AIDAN BURGESS
“It’s not a race. People treat it as one, but honestly, just get out there and have a good time. Challenge yourself. It’s you against yourself out there. Find a group that matches your ability and lock in. And smile. Make sure you smile.”
KATE LEE
“Pack and eat more food during the event than you think! It’s always good to have more than less! And have fun. Set a big, outrageous goal and go after it – what’s the worst that can happen!? Literally..”
JA HAZLETT
“Enjoy the whole day. Take photos. Chat to people you’ve never met. Eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty and remember why you signed up in the first place. The fastest riders don’t always have the best stories at events like these. Hang around in the village at the end and soak up the atmosphere.”
GILES BOURNE
“Why wouldn’t you want to do this? It’s one of the best events out there, spectacular scenery, and really — it’s just a cruisy day out in the countryside. (The Gibraltar climb at the end notwithstanding.)”
JAY GAFFEY
“Enjoy the whole experience and don’t underestimate the course! Take in the atmosphere, enjoy the community and soak up the day. And remember — the Athletes Village is waiting for you at the end, so keep pedalling!”
ANTHONY NGUYEN
“Pace yourself and save some energy for the last third! Also, if you see any of the pastries kit out there, give us a high-5 in exchange for a short tow.”
DYLAN ROBERTSON
“Rug up on the start line, get stuck into the beers in the village…and enjoy everything in between! It’s a very special event!”
KAREN NORRIS
“Enjoy the day. Don’t focus solely on your finish time. Take in the stunning scenery, pace yourself, and soak up the atmosphere that makes the Bowral Classic so special. Stop at the rest stations, enjoy the treats, thank the volunteers, and have a chat with fellow riders along the way, it’s all part of the experience.”
“And one practical tip: make sure you include a few hills in your training. The course has its fair share of climbs, and spending some time on hills beforehand will make the day much more enjoyable. The memories and friendships you make out on course will last much longer than what’s recorded on your ride stats.”
The common thread? Enjoy the ride.
There’s plenty of practical advice here: fuel properly, pace yourself, train for the hills and don’t forget to rug up. But perhaps the biggest takeaway from our ambassadors is that the Bowral Classic is about far more than your finish time. Take in the scenery. Say hello to the riders around you. Stop for a chat. Thank the volunteers. Enjoy the climbs, soak up the atmosphere and celebrate when you roll back into the village.
Ready to take on your first Bowral Classic? Join us on 18 October 2026 as we celebrate 10 years of The Classics. Register now.