Brisbane Cycling Club

🚴💙💛 What a seven days for BNECC!
From the Brissie to the Gold Coast last Sunday to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Niseko, our riders were everywhere and a few in Switzerland too.
A huge BNECC turnout saw around 75 riders take on the B2GC, helping raise over $700,000 for cancer research. For some, 100km wasn't quite enough, so they rode back as well. Because apparently good decisions are overrated. 😅

Sunday delivered plenty of climbing, with G1 knocking over a casual 145km and 2,500m elevation (channeling their inner Niseko), G3 rolling through Brookfield hills, and G4 proving once again that every ride eventually ends with coffee but not before 90kms, 1300m elevation through Gap Creek and Western Brisbane. ☕️

Meanwhile in Japan, Nancy, Bish, Nghia, Tom, Dave, Matt and Heath at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, taking on 140km and 2,415m of climbing, not before getting some practice sessions with PR’s of course. By all reports, the final climb into a headwind was less "fun cycling event" and more "personal growth experience." 🌬️⛰️

Congratulations to everyone who rode, raced, climbed, volunteered and modelled the new club kit this week. What an effort! 👏Liza and Lachlan ready for the BNECC cat walk.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to send some good vibes to all our 73 BNECC 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ 💪riders gearing up for the big ride from Brisbane to Gold Coast tomorrow! Wishing you all a safe, fun, and memorable adventure.

For those tackling the return journey, there’s a treat waiting—a nice tail wind should help you cruise home. Of course, that means you might have to embrace a little suffering on the way down, but that’s all part of the challenge, right?

Hope you enjoy every moment, stay safe, and maybe I’ll catch you on the way down—and hopefully on the way back as well! Ride strong and have a fantastic day out on the road.

A few photos from last year too🤣

BNECC absolutely turned the dial up this weekend! With 43 legends taking on the Straddie adventure, 37 tackling the Jinker Track Redcliffe loop, and G1 casually heading off to Mt Glorious.

Speaking of G1, I've officially stopped asking for photos. If you want proof they actually rode, just stalk... sorry, follow their Strava accounts. James, Tim, Norman, Ben and the usual mountain goats spent the morning collecting PRs, KOMs and enough elevation to make the rest of us feel inadequate. Somehow they averaged speeds close to our Jinker ride, except they also climbed what felt like the entire Himalayas. Well done, lads. Completely unreasonable as always.

G3 rolled out with almost 40 riders, which caused Liza to split the group into Team Liz & Dom (clearly the better-looking bunch) and Team Tony & Pete (a respectable 🥈place). The morning was perfect: sunshine, smooth rolling turns, strong group riding and enough hit-outs to convince everyone they're secretly ready for B2G next weekend. The warmer weather also meant everyone ditched the winter kit. Brisbane winter lasted nearly three weeks this year. Brave effort.

Then there was Take 2 of the mighty G4 Straddie Adventure. Armed with a compulsory 5:10am ride brief and a small army of ride leaders (so much planning go into these rides to make them exceptional for our riders, thank you 👌❤️). The crew embarked on what can only be described as a cycling odyssey. Planet Cycles to Cleveland, ferry to Straddie, Amity Point (🐨 in those trees), Point Lookout, coffee, breakfast, 🐳spotting, Gorge Walk, beach views and even a swim for those whose core temperature hadn't completely collapsed. Then, because apparently that wasn't enough riding, there was the trip back and an optional 30km cruise home. Looking at Jon's photos, this ride had everything except a Netflix documentary crew.

No G2 this weekend. Rumour has it they're all in secret training camps preparing for B2G.

If you've never done the Straddie adventure, put it on your list. Great roads, great company, great coffee and enough memories to fill your Strava feed for weeks.

See you all at B2G next weekend. Start praying for tailwinds now.

🚴‍♂️ Confidence, Skills & Plenty of Fun at BNECC's Skills Session 🚴‍♀️

Sunday’s skills session brought together riders of all experience levels, from first-time cleat users to those looking to sharpen their skills. .

Led by Head Coach Dave, the session covered everything from safe stopping and unclipping to balance, cornering, bike handling and emergency braking. Riders practised in a controlled environment, building confidence step by step before progressing to the main event: Peloton 101.

After a briefing on bunch riding and rolling turns, participants put theory into practice, learning how to ride smoothly, communicate effectively and react safely to changing conditions. A few surprise obstacles, sudden stops and even some roaming e-bike riders added a healthy dose of real-world realism!

The session finished with group riding drills, transitioning between two-abreast and single-file formations while reinforcing the teamwork and awareness needed for safe bunch riding.

Supportive atmosphere created by the BNECC coaches, ride leaders and participants. A fantastic session that helped riders build skills, confidence and enjoyment on the bike.

Here is a short extract from Glenn, new to cleats and bunch riding, "I came to the session as a first-time cleat user and honestly wasn't sure what to expect. The coaches broke everything down into simple steps, and by the end I was riding in a bunch, practising rolling turns and feeling far more confident on the bike. It was challenging, supportive and a lot of fun. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to build their skills and confidence." 🚴‍♂️

👏 Great coaching, great attitudes and another great day on two wheels and if you looking for a great club to join, go tour website for more information - brisbanecyclingclub.com.au

What a weekend! BNECC got all groups rolling and even added a gravel ride led by Gerrit and Nik. Before the ride reports, shoutout to our ride leaders who volunteer every week to keep things safe, inclusive and fun. Shoutout for today’s skills session at Muzz and welcome to Glenn Stapleton has just joined BNECC and is doing the clipping-in Masterclass 101. Hopefully G4 will see you soon, Glenn 👌

The gravel crew saw seven brave riders tackle the Ripley loop, covering 68km and 1,180m of climbing between Ipswich and Jimboomba. Looking at the photos, they spent hours riding on surfaces most cyclists spend a fortune trying to avoid. It looked like a cracking morning. Well done to Nik and Gerrit.

G4 was a masterclass in ride project management. More than 40 riders, six ride leaders (Graham, Mort, Daniel, Jonathan, Szczepan and Jon), a few illnesses and plenty of reshuffling. The Cain Train loop to Jacobs Well offered 105km or 120km and over 800m of climbing. Special mention to Graham taking on Head Ride Leader duties for the first time. No pressure, just coordinating 40 cyclists.

G3, led by Liza, Jarrod, Zach and Lachlan, tackled Mt Gravatt, Ford/Avalon and the Two Points for 100km and 1,100m of elevation. Everyone looked fresh at coffee.

G2, Dan and Jeremy successfully organised a 100km Ipswich ride for five riders. What they didn’t organise was a single photo. Not one. There will be a formal investigation and possibly sanctions. Fortunately, the ride itself was a success 🤣

G1 also failed the photographic compliance audit, forcing me to borrow evidence from Norman’s Strava. Six riders smashed out a rapid Carbrook loop of around 90km and 1,500m of climbing. Apparently that wasn’t enough suffering for one rider, who added Brookfield Two Finger afterwards.

A fantastic Sunday all round. Thanks to everyone who rode, led and helped out. If your group doesn’t provide photos next week, I’ll assume you spent the morning in a cafe manufacturing Strava results. Don’t forget skill session at Muzz starts at 2:15 for clipping in or 3:00pm. Thank you Dave S💪

Well, what a cracking weekend! Despite a little early morning drizzle, the mighty G3 and G4 riders looked at the weather, laughed, and headed out. Judging by the stories, photos and coffee-stop bragging that followed, a few may be regretting that decision. As for G1 and G2, who knows? Rumour has it race day was more important. Either that, or they were conducting highly classified aerodynamics testing somewhere.

G3 got underway under the guidance of some of our newest ride leaders, Zack and Pete, with excellent support from Jarrod and Nik. Not only did they complete a cracking ride and get everyone home safely, but I had the pleasure of seeing this impressively organised bunch rolling through Sandgate while I was conducting a critical roadside operational pause with friends.

Their route took them through Samford where the cooler temperatures were no doubt welcomed before the serious business began. By Eaton's Crossing they had already ticked off Settlement Road, Samford Range and Eaton's Crossing itself. Apparently, legs were still functioning, so Lily Road was added for good measure before the trek through Petrie and on to Redcliffe. The ride finished at South Bank where important recovery decisions had to be made between Lost Bean and Coco Bliss. Sports science remains divided.

Meanwhile, the mighty and ever-popular G4 rolled out with more than 40 riders across the Effort, Solid and Social Elite groups. Leading the charge were Tiff, Jon, Jonathon, Gerrit, Carly and Graham.
Like G3, they appeared to be under observation from BNECC director family members. Our spies are everywhere. Fortunately, our ride leaders once again delivered, ensuring the groups rolled smoothly, safely and with plenty of smiles.
The ride brief was simple: "Let's go lumpy." And lumpy they went.
A Mt Gravatt special was followed by a reverse Riverloop before those who felt their legs hadn't suffered quite enough tackled Mt Coot-tha as dessert. Character-building at its finest.

Reminder: this Sunday 9 August at Muzz, BNECC will be running its Ride With Confidence Clinic from 2:15pm, flyer added.
Have a great week everyone and see you Sunday! 🚴☕🍰

Want to feel more confident on the bike?

Join us on 9 August at Murarrie Recreation Reserve and take the next step towards safer, more enjoyable riding. Members, friends and family are all welcome.

At Brisbane Cycling Club, we're doing our part to help more people enjoy cycling by building the skills and confidence needed to feel comfortable on two wheels.

Our Ride With Confidence session provides a safe, supportive and judgement-free environment for riders who are:
- New to cycling
- Returning after time away
- Looking to improve their road riding skills
- Wanting to feel more comfortable riding in a group

The session focuses on practical skills including:
- Holding a straight line
- Looking behind without drifting
- Riding safely in groups
- Drinking while riding
- Bike handling and control
- Clip-in pedal skills

Sometimes all it takes is a little guidance and encouragement to turn "I'd like to ride more" into "I can't wait for my next ride."
Safer roads matter. So does helping people feel confident enough to use them.

Looking forwarding to seeing you all.

Brisbane finally switched on its version of “winter” and our riders reacted as if the Bureau had announced a polar vortex🥶🥶. Out came the thermals, shoe covers, neck warmers, winter gloves and long bibs. A few warriors still arrived in shorts, proving either exceptional toughness or a complete disregard for self-preservation. The temperature only dropped further as G4 headed to Samford, G3 rolled towards Moggill Ferry and G2 made for Cleveland. I was glad our G3 route avoided some of the icy suffering handed to G4. I was briefly tempted by some pro-hours myself, although Liza would probably have listed me as a missing person. 😉

Our G2 riders took one look at the thermometer and decided sleep was the smarter training option. Only four souls rolled out for the Three Points route via Victoria Point, Cleveland and Wellington Point. It was 106km with a modest 806m of climbing. Not to compare groups, but the G3 riders somehow found nearly double that while searching for warmth.

The G3 ride featured climbing, more climbing and a surprising amount of additional climbing. We finished with over 1,500m of elevation and around 100km. A pothole on Waterworks Road ended one rider’s day early. Apart from that and the cold, it was a great ride. Gap Creek helped us generate body heat, Brookfield reminded us sunshine is optional, and Pullenvale delivered its usual punchy hills designed by someone with unresolved issues. We were also joined by our Club Captain, who promised to identify as a G3 rider rather than his usual G2 alter ego. He behaved so well we may even invite him back.

Then there was G4. Questions must be asked of the ride leaders. Did they fully understand what awaited them down the range into Samford? The temperature dropped so quickly it felt like your body was downloading a system shutdown update. My coffee-powered mate Jon described it as “cycling brain freeze”, where the only thing your brain can process is: “What life choice led me here?” The photo tells the story perfectly. Massive kudos to the G4 crew. You braved the cold, conquered Cedar Creek, survived the experience and earned every post-ride coffee.

Until next week, take care and stay warm 🤣

Welcome to another Sunday update. Apologies for the delay, my day job once again had the audacity to interfere with my cycling newsletter career. Apparently people expect actual work during business hours. 😉

A small group of G1 super-elite riders tackled Carbrook this week. Norman, James and Tim lined up and, honestly, all that needs to be said is fast, fast and somehow even faster. These are the sort of riders who accidentally collect Strava PRs while looking for coffee.

Dan and Jeremy took over from Lachlan and Andrew’s G2’s this week, leading a small but highly motivated crew on the classic Carbrook loop. A casual 95km featuring a "small amount of climbing" at just 1,000m.
I always get nervous when a ride briefing includes terms like firm ride and steady on the hills. In cycling language, this translates to pain, suffering and questioning your life choices by kilometre 60. Then came the traditional 12km hit-out on Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road where conversation stopped and survival mode commenced.
I particularly enjoyed reading that it was another flat ride. If this is flat, I'd hate to see what they call hilly. Probably Everest with a coffee stop.

Yours truly, Liza and Jarrod braved the wet roads with a G3 crew of 14 on the classic Redcliffe loop. We somehow missed the rain but found enough water on Gympie Road to suggest Brisbane had quietly opened a new river.
Thankfully everyone dried out by Redcliffe and enjoyed a solid 100km before returning to Lost Bean.

The G4 ride description started with the words: "Every legend has a weakness."
My first thought was the planned 1,047m of climbing. On reflection, it may have referred to the amount of birthday cake waiting at Lost Bean for Jon.
Stefan, Jon, Graham, Genevieve, Jonathan and Gerrit guided 19 eager riders on the Westlake and Mt Gravatt special. Given the early shower, I suspect a few members discovered a last-minute commitment to sleeping in.
Those who made it out were rewarded with plenty of climbing before returning to celebrate Jon's birthday. Reports suggest Jon didn't buy a single coffee all morning🤣

Another fantastic weekend of riding. Just another normal Sunday at BNECC. 🚴☕🎂😂

Community Lap-a-thon — Brisbane to Perth and Back… One Lap at a Time

On Sunday 26 July, the Murarrie Crit Track will open its gates to the whole Brisbane cycling community for a special Community Lap-a-thon hosted by Sisters of the Saddle.

This is open to everyone — men, women, club riders, casual riders, kids, and anyone who owns a bike and can remember where they left their helmet.

The challenge? As a community, we’re aiming to ride 5,851 laps, covering a massive 8,484km — the equivalent of riding from Brisbane to Perth and back. No pressure… just a casual cross-country return trip around Murarrie.

But this is not a race. It’s a fundraiser, a community day, and a chance to be part of something bigger. Whether you smash out a stack of laps or roll around for a few, every lap counts toward the total.
There’ll be music, a sausage sizzle, bake sale, bike safety checks, kids’ activities, and plenty of good vibes at one of Brisbane’s best cycling venues.

So dust off the bike, bring the family, bring your mates, and come help Brisbane ride all the way to Perth and back — without anyone having to cross the Nullarbor.

More information:
https://lap-a-thon.raiselysite.com/signup