How hard will the event be?

by Chris Dixon, Event Director

The Kyogle Classic is a demanding gravel event — there’s no sugar-coating that. Long distances, sustained climbing and constantly changing surfaces mean it asks both physical and mental questions of every rider.

However, it’s important to say this clearly: finishing the Kyogle Classic is achievable for anyone who arrives with a solid fitness base and has put time into appropriate endurance training. This is not an event that requires elite-level speed or technical bike-handling skills, but it does reward preparation, pacing and self-awareness.

Not everyone will ride the full distance without stopping — and that’s entirely the point. The course passes through spectacular country, with natural opportunities to regroup, refuel and reset along the way. Strong riders will push on, others will manage their effort carefully, and many will find their rhythm somewhere in between. The riders who get the most out of the day are those who understand their strengths and limitations, and plan their event accordingly.

The course itself has been designed to be physically challenging rather than technically intimidating. Expect gravel roads, fire trails and a handful of rougher sections, but nothing that requires advanced technical skills. The difficulty comes from the terrain, the distance and the accumulation of climbing — not from tricky line choices or high-risk riding.

It’s also worth remembering that for many participants, the goal isn’t a podium position. The goal is simply to finish — to push further than they’ve gone before, to spend a full day immersed in beautiful Northern NSW country, and to test their personal limits. For some, that alone is a huge achievement.

If you’re reading this and feeling unsure, that’s exactly why the 50km Kyogle Classic exists. It’s designed as an accessible entry point into the event — shorter, more achievable, but still very much a proper gravel challenge. It’s the perfect option if this is your first gravel event, if you’re building confidence, or if you simply want to experience the atmosphere and terrain without committing to the full distance.

That said, events like this do have a natural attrition rate. Not everyone who starts will finish — and that’s okay. The Kyogle Classic is ultimately about measuring yourself against the course, the conditions and your own expectations, and seeing how far you can go.

Camaraderie & Community

One of the great things about gravel events is the shared experience. Riders naturally form small groups on the road, working together through headwinds, climbs and low moments. Conversations start, advice is shared, and support comes from unexpected places.

Helping a fellow rider with a tube, sharing food, or simply offering encouragement can make the difference between finishing and pulling out. Yes, this is a competitive event for some — but it’s also a day built around community, respect and mutual support.

Ride hard, ride smart, look after each other — and enjoy the journey.