girls gravel & Gourmet weekend : beechworth - rutherglen
2023 dates tbc
beechworth - rutherglen, vic.
Join us for our small-group Girls Gravel & Gourmet Weekend: Beechworth - Rutherglen and explore the roads less travelled in the beautiful High Country while eating and drinking along the way! Stunning gravel roads meander through farmland, forest, wineries and rolling hills as we get off the beaten track to visit some of the highlights of north east Victoria.
Together we will ride a 3 day loop, starting and finishing in historic Beechworth. We cycle silky smooth gravel through the beautiful Mt Pilot national park, riding through farmland and vineyards as we pedal to Rutherglen, one of Australia’s oldest and premier wine producing regions - the perfect location for plenty of Gourmet goodness! Day 2 is a loop ride with a gourmet al-fresco lunch. Our final day takes us through historic Eldorado to return to Beechworth for a final lunch before saying our farewells.
This tour is supported with our HCWC vehicle, crew and the camaraderie of others. So grab your gravel bike or mountainbike (hardtail/29er best), an overnight bag, a sense of adventure and get ready to ride!
thurs 13 oct
meet & Greet, welcome drinks & Dinner
We start our weekend in the historic township of Beechworth.
Check in from 2pm
3:30pm - Optional 1hr loop ride
6pm - Welcome aperitivo of local wine & antipasto
7:00pm - A relaxed evening meal with some regional produce & drinks at a local restaurant with a weekend introduction & briefing by Michelle and Clare.
Meals: Aperitivo hour, Dinner
fri 14 oct
beechworth to rutherglen
On Day 1, we fuel our bodies with a wholesome and hearty breakfast and cycle from Beechworth to Rutherglen through Mt Pilot national park. The morning ride includes a gravel skills session - learning how to handle the bike, tips for climbing and descending on gravel and body position!
The spectacular views from the Mt Pilot lookout are the setting for our gourmet morning-tea stop, before descending to historic Chiltern for lunch.
It’s easier riding through farmland and vineyards as we pedal along smooth gravel to Rutherglen, with afternoon wine tasting at Scion winery.
Rutherglen is one of Australia’s oldest and premier wine producing regions, and home to a curated selection of cellar doors, vineyards and award winning restaurants - the perfect location for plenty of Gourmet goodness!
We’ve booked a table at one of Beechworth’s great restaurants for an evening of food and wine!
Meals: Breakfast, Aperitivo hour
sat 15 oct.
rutherglen gravel loop
Today we explore the gorgeous gravel roads around Rutherglen - our ride takes us to Wahgunyah, Lake Moodemere and along the river red gum forests.
We pedal past some of the region’s best wineries - with plenty of opportunities to pop in for a tasting and we enjoy a a gourmet al-fresco long-lunch at one of the region’s best cellar doors.
We return to our accommodation in Rutherglen, the beautifully restored historic Convent, offering a unique experience for the group.
We enjoy an aperitif together and in the evening head out for a celebratory group meal at one of the town’s best restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, Aperitivo hour, Dinner
sunday 16 oct.
rutherglen - beechworth
Our final day takes us on more gravel goodness as we ride past craggy granite tors and old hideouts of ‘Ned & the boys’! We stop at the cute as a button village of Eldorado, famous for its giant dredge and more recently….the pastries at Firebox Bakery.
We tackle the famous Mason’s road - an opportunity to nab a gravel QOM and return to Beechworth for a final celebratory lunch.
After lunch it’s time to say our farewells and head home.
Meals: Breakfast
A few other things…
You must read and agree to the Girls Gravel Weekend Terms & Conditions as part of participation in this Event.
Once you sign up for the Weekend, we will send you a detailed Girls Gravel Weekend Guide with more information on arrival/accommodation, a suggested packing list, each days itinerary and GPS cycle routes.
You must ensure your bike is in good working order - we highly recommend get it checked by a qualified mechanic prior to attending and obtaining relevant insurances for your bike, yourself and 3rd party.
This is the inaugural Girls Gravel & Gourmet Weekend: Rutherglen, so the itinerary may change slightly over coming months as we fine tune the program. Additionally, in case of extreme weather we may need to alter the itinerary for everyone's comfort and safety.
In the case we have to cancel the event due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund.
2023 dates tbc
$400 deposit (non refundable) to secure your spot!
your 2022 beechworth rutherglen GIRLS GRAVEL & GOURMET weekend includes:
3 days, 3 nights supported cycling weekend in the Beechworth - Rutherglen region of Victoria’s High Country
Approx 60-80km per day and 500-1000m altitude gain
Camaraderie, fun & support: women supporting women!
3 days of food, wine & regional produce!
Designed and run by Michelle Armstrong & Clare Holdsworth with extensive knowledge of the region, the rides, the local food & wine and in delivering high quality supported cycling events and tours
Explore the best gravel roads in the region! Each day is around 90% on gravel roads.
Hand picked routes to showcase the stunning scenery, countryside and villages along the way.
Gravel skills session to give you a few tips for riding on dirt!
Ride with GPS route uploads for your GPS cycle computers
3 nights twin share accommodation
1 night in a well located motel in Beechworth with a pool
2 nights in the unique & beautifully restored Rutherglen convent which we have booked-out for our private use for the weekend. Many rooms have shared facilities - these are tastefully restored and offer private showers. It’s a magical and special place. Check out their website.
Limited single rooms available for $240 extra per person (book early to secure a single room)
Relaxed Welcome Drinks & antipasto (Thursday) in Beechworth followed by a group dinner to chat through the rides & weekend ahead!
Sag wagon / support vehicle for all the rides - it’s OK if you only want to ride part of each ride!
3 healthy cyclist friendly breakfasts each morning
“Aperitivo hour” - a glass of something local and a nibble in the late afternoon on Friday and Saturday.
Nutritious on-road snacks for while you’re riding
Celebratory dinner in the beautiful dining room at Rutherglen Convent including drinks! (bring a Little Black Dress)
We’ve organised with our hotel in Beechworth shower facilities back at the hotel after the Sunday ride before heading home.
Cars will be parked in safe street parking for 2 nights (Beechworth).
For further
information
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Your bike, spares etc.
Travel to/from Beechworth
Lunch each day
Additional drinks to those not included in group meals
Dinner on Friday night
Specialized sports drinks/nutrition for on the road
Cycle mechanic - we will have basic mechanic support however for any significant bike repairs we will use our friends at the bike shops in the region as needed.
Insurance - this is recommended to protect yourself, others and your bike in case of incident. If not already covered, you could check out Cycling Aus insurance and/or home/contents for your bike.
Contact us if you’d like info on hiring a suitable gravel-friendly bike
who is the ride for / how fit do i need to be?
You don’t need to be a gravel expert or CX-star. So long as you have a gravel/adventure or MTB and have cycled on gravel previously - join us! We will be learning together and there to support you as you learn more about riding on gravel.
You need to be a relatively fit/strong rider and be able to be able to ride in rolling hilly terrain for approximately 4-5 hours on consecutive days (less on Sunday).
If you have minimal experience cycling on gravel , that’s OK so long as you are a strong, confident road cyclist and have a suitable bike.
We do have a support vehicle if required - so if you get tired we can help you out!
The weather can be changeable and the gravel can be impacted in case of significant weather events so we may need to alter the route. You should also be prepared with cycling clothing for all conditions.
This ride is not suitable for beginner cyclists as some technical skills are required as is bike fitness.
Unsure? Contact us and ask!
