Race to the Rock is a solo, unsupported bike race from Brisbane to Yulara. You can choose to ride the entree (shown here) from Brisbane to Rockhampton or the full meal which continues to Yulara (shown elsewhere).
This is draft v3 of the entree course. Compared with v2 this draft:
1. has a different finish from Kroombit Tops. This version also seeks to avoid highway sections but passes through Mount Larcom to keep the longest section without resupply to about 170km, making it less remote / challenging than v2
2. includes a reroute via Black Snake to avoid the rail trail closure between Goomeri and Kilkivan (it has been closed since April 2022)
3. has fixed the Mt Beerwah Rd entry
If you have any suggestions for improvements, or can spot any issues, please send them to racetotherock@gmail.com. Suggestions from experienced local riders are always welcome. I have been lucky most years to get advice from plenty of enthusiastic riders, keen to see the best route possible. We will be reccy riding in April and the course will be finalised on 2 Aug 2023, but this course is indicative of the final course.
Kick-off is on Sat 2 Sep 2023 at 6:22am.
You have two options:
1. The entree: Brisbane to Rockhampton (about 1,000 km)
2. The full meal: Brisbane to Yulara (about 2,800 km)
Beware: This course contains very remote sections that are extremely dangerous for unprepared or inexperienced bike tourers. There are extremely long gaps between services on unsealed roads and tracks that could turn into an unrideable mess with only a small amount of rain. You will need to do your own research to find where food, water and other supplies or services you need will be located. Be warned that many roads on this course could close due to fire or flood on any day of the year, sometimes for weeks.
Maybe lots of riders will show up for Race to the Rock? Maybe you'll be the only person there? That shouldn't matter to you. If you choose to show up, it will be your own personal race against the clock. If you choose to ride the course, that's your business and not my problem. It will be your own personal decision. You are the organiser of your ride. Not me. Do your own due diligence on the course. It is dangerous, remote and requires serious preparation and experience to complete unsupported.
This route does not have a cuesheet. Look for the icon in listings to find routes with cuesheets.