Beechworth Granite Classic

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you roll into Beechworth.

The Basics

Etiquette

We get to ride in some wild places at BGC, public, precious and private, and that's not an accident. It's an event built on access, trust, and goodwill. We ask that you respect the land, respect locals, and respect every road. Ride like you want to be welcomed back. We've worked hard over the past 6 years to build advocacy and positivity around the event in our town, so please respect our no d%$khead policy.

Is it a race?

Nope. BGC is a strictly podium-free affair with no timing and no results. A celebration of the achievements of all!

When and where is it?

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 April 2027, with the main event on Saturday the 17th, based in Beechworth in North East Victoria's High Country. Our start and finish is at the Beechworth Historic Reserve, right in the centre of town.

Who is it for?

Adventure-loving bike riders. First-timers, seasoned gravel tragics, and everyone in between. We've built the distances so there's a genuine option no matter where you are on your gravel journey. Pick the one that sounds fun, not the one that sounds punishing. Or just follow your heart!

Who owns BGC?

BGC is owned and hosted by Bridge Road Brewers, Beechworth locals and passionate cyclists.

Choosing your ride

What distances can I ride?

For 2027 we're running five distances: 15/45/65/100/125 km. Each one is a loop, starting and finishing in Beechworth, and every route is signed, supported and managed by our friends at Rapid Ascent.

Each route leaves at a different time. we'd imagine they will spaced about 45 mins apart from longest distance to shortest distance.

This year with our new courses, the 100/125 share aid stations and a similar 'spine' on the north west side of Beechworth. And the 45/65 share aid stations and a similar spine and are to the south of town.

Which distance should I choose?

• 15 km - A li'l taste of the good stuff. Perfect for newer riders, families, or anyone easing in.
• 45 km - A brand new course for 2027 with a proper sense of terrain, some real climbing, flowy descents and killer high country vistas (approx 600m of elevation)
• 65 km - A new course and new distance. Killer high country vistas. a mix of terrain + some solid climbs (approx 750m of elevation)
• 100 km - A serious gravel century. Those of you who've done the 90km course in previous years, this is a remixed / extended version, with some exciting new additions (approx 1250m of elevation)
• 125 km - Our signature course - The full gamut. the longest and most rewarding way to sample Beechworth's Champagne Gravel (approx 1600m of elevation)

If you're between two, pick the shorter one and enjoy our famous aid stations and the festival feels. You can always come back and go longer next year. Fear not, there will always be a place to rest and refuel. And remember, you've got plenty of time to get it done!

Where can I get the maps / GPX files?

We'll release the 2027 course maps in early April 2027. Due to the private property sections in all courses, the official BGC courses can only be ridden on event day. If you want to do some training / pre-event exploring around Beechworth, we've made a few BGC-endorsed training loops, which give you a sense of the riding in this part of the world.

• Beechworth > Chiltern Loop
• Beechworth > Wooragee Loop
• Beechworth > Stanley Loop

What's the Beechworth terrain like?

A good gravel course throws it all at you, and these ones sure do. Expect everything: fast hardpack roads, sandy tracks, rough farm lanes, the odd corrugation and rut, maybe a creek crossing, rail trail sections and, most importantly, Champagne gravel. There really is a bit of everything!

Are e-bikes allowed?

Yes indeed. All bikes are welcome.

Can I ride if I'm new to gravel?

Absolutely. The 15 and 45 km were made for you. Yes, they can be challenging, but as long as you're comfortable on a bike and can look after yourself between aid stations, you'll have a ball.

Registration & tickets

How do I enter?

Registration is open now right here on Race Roster (it's not a race ;-) ). This is a new rego platform for the event in 2027.

How much does it cost?

We run three release windows, and prices step up with each release, so the earlier you jump in, the better the deal. Once a release sells out or closes, that price is gone, so don't sit on it. FYI: event organisers LOVE it when people register early!

What's included in my entry?

BGC prides itself on being the best value mass participation sports event experience in Australia — hell, maybe even the world! You'll ride a fully supported, signed and managed course through glorious dirt roads, national parks and farmland, with multiple aid stations (mini-festivals, honestly) featuring live music, food and hydration (options vary by course), a rider pack with quality offers from our presenting partners, and a beverage (beer or non-alc) waiting at the finish line. Plus a few other surprises along the way. It really is unlike any other event

Can't make it anymore?

Life happens. Here's how it works:

• Entries are non-refundable — but you've got two good options below.
• Optional refund protection is available at checkout when you register. If you choose it, you can claim a refund for covered reasons (injury, illness, emergencies and more) directly through the provider at any time. Note: refund protection doesn't transfer with your entry. If you transfer to another rider, they can't claim on it.
• Transfers — you can transfer your entry to another rider for a $5 admin fee, any time until 10 April 2027.
• Distance changes — free until 10 April, subject to availability (upgrades pay the difference).

How do transfers work?

Sign in to Race Roster and use the transfer option on your registration. You'll enter the new rider's email, they complete their details and payment, and your refund is processed automatically once they're done. No forms, no waiting on us, and a small admin fee. Transfers are $5 to cover admin (any arrangement between you and the new rider is yours to sort) and stay open until 10 April 2027. One thing to know: each entry can only be transferred once through the automated system. If it needs to move again, email us and we'll sort it manually.

How does refund protection work?

It's optional insurance offered at checkout when you register, administered by the provider (not by us). If a covered reason (injury, illness, family emergency and more) stops you from riding, you claim directly with them, upload your documentation, and they refund your registration. Two things worth knowing: it can only be purchased at registration (it can't be added later), and it doesn't transfer. If you pass your entry to another rider, the protection doesn't go with it. Full covered reasons and terms are in your confirmation email from the provider. Find out more about refund protection HERE

Can I defer my entry to next year?

No. We've retired deferrals. In previous years we offered them, but they've been replaced with two options that cover you later and more generously:

• Refund protection (optional at checkout) gets your money back for injury, illness, emergencies and more. Claimable right up to event week, no waiting a year to ride.
• Free transfers mean your entry can go to another rider up to a week out, so your spot never goes to waste.

The Granite Classic sells out, and every deferred entry used to mean an empty place on the start line that another rider missed out on. This way, every spot gets ridden. And if life gets in the way, you're looked after either way.

(Deferred your 2026 entry? You're unaffected. Check your email for how to claim your 2027 spot.)

What if the event can't go ahead?

In the unlikely event the Beechworth Granite Classic cannot proceed on its scheduled dates, we'll notify all registered riders as soon as possible with their options — which may include revised event dates.

Do I need a cycling licence or membership? No.

Your bike & gear

What kind of bike do I need?

A gravel bike is ideal, but a mountain bike or a capable cyclocross or even a hybrid will happily get you round. We’ve even seen tandems and cargo bikes, and yes, e-bikes are welcome. Whatever you're on, make sure it's in good working order and set up for mixed surfaces.

What tyres should I run?

Something with a bit of tread and some volume. Most riders are happy in the 40-50 mm range. The surfaces vary a lot, so err toward comfort and grip over speed.

Is there any mandatory gear?

An approved helmet is mandatory, always. Beyond that, you'll want to be self-sufficient between aid stations: spare tube(s), tyre plugs, pump or CO2, basic tools, a charged phone, and enough food and water to get you between stops. Don't rely wholly on the aid stations! Given the time of year, we'd recommend some lights for visibility on the road. We'll have basic repair kit on course.

What should I wear? April in the High Country can serve up anything from warm sun to a cold snap. Dress for the forecast, pack a layer for the longer distances, and check the weather in the days before.

On the day (Timings may change closer to the event)

What time do I start?

Rides set off in waves, with the longer distances heading out earliest (the 125km leaves at 7:30am) so everyone gets the daylight they need. Full wave times for every distance will be in your rider info email before the event. Registration opens at the Hub (Bridge Road Brewers carpark) from 6:30am, and food and coffee are available in the start/finish precinct before and after.

Are there aid stations?

Yes. Every route is supported with aid stations stocked to keep you fed, watered and moving. They're also a mini-festival in their own right. Our feed zone vibes are famous for a reason.

• 3 main aid stations on the 125 (@ 42km / 94km / 110km)
• 3 main aid stations on the 100 (@ 35km / 74km / 88km)
• 2 main aid stations on the 65 (@ 35km / 55km)
• 2 main aid stations on the 45 (@ 17km / 36km)

Separate to this, there are other activation surprises on course which will have refreshments.

Is there a cut-off time?

Our cut-off time for the finish in Beechworth is 5pm (we need everyone back before dark!). We'll likely have time cut-offs at specific parts of the course, which we'll advertise closer to the event.

What if I get a mechanical or can't finish?

The course is managed by the team at Rapid Ascent with course checkers and sweep vehicles. Carry spares and know the basics, but if something goes properly wrong out there, help is on hand. We'll also have a mechanic at the start line for any pre-ride tweaks, and you can ask for basic spares and tools at all aid stations.

Is there timing or results?

No, and that's by design. BGC is podium-free. You ride your ride, at your pace, for your reasons. Super keen? Record your ride and see how you went on Strava. People always build out sectors.

What about safety and first aid?

Rider safety is managed across the course by Rapid Ascent, with first aid on hand across the course from St John's. You'll have a wristband with emergency contacts.

Will there be food and coffee?

Yep. The village has food trucks and Genovese coffee before and after your ride. We endeavour to have options for all dietaries. We're also located in town, so there are a bunch of eateries, a well-stocked supermarket and an awesome family-owned greengrocer. Please note: town has been known to run out of bananas on event weekend, so be sure to pack a couple ;-)

The weekend program

There's a full schedule of events: shakeout rides, a party, a bike show and expo, dinners, breakfasts, morning teas. Suffice to say there will be plenty to do if you love riding bikes, but also if your partner, kids or friends want to come and hang out and support you for the weekend in Beechworth. The event website will be launched really soon with full details.

Getting here & staying

How do I get to Beechworth?

• Driving: ~3 hours from Melbourne via the M31 Hume Freeway, then the Great Alpine Road (B500) to Tarrawingee and the C315 to Beechworth. ~6 hours from Sydney via the M31 to Wodonga, then follow the signs to Beechworth on the C315.
• Flying: Albury Airport is about 50 minutes away, with daily flights from Melbourne and Sydney (Qantas, REX, Virgin). Hire cars available at the airport.
• Train + coach: Daily rail from Melbourne and Sydney to Wangaratta and Albury (V/Line and NSW TrainLink XPT). V/Line also runs coaches from Melbourne, Wangaratta and Bright. Timetables at vline.com.au

Where can I stay?

Beechworth has accommodation to suit all budgets, nearly all of it within a walk or short ride of the start line. When town fills up (and it does!), look to nearby Yackandandah, Chiltern, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Albury/Wodonga and Bright. Browse local options at explorebeechworth.com.au/accommodation-search.

Is there camping?

We will have an event camping village in town. Details to be announced ASAP. You will be emailed about it and sites will be for sale here. There are also powered and unpowered sites available at Lake Sambell Caravan Park and Beechworth Holiday Park.

Where do I park my car?

All-day parking is available in many spots around town, all near the start/finish. Please observe the parking signs on the day.

Spectators, family & extras

Can I bring my family / supporters?

It's a great weekend and a great place to visit for all your support crew. Plenty to see and do in Beechworth and lots of fun programming around the event.

Are there toilets on course?

Yes, at all aid stations.

What about bag drop / cloak / lost property?

There will be a cloak / lost property spot at the Rider Services / Info tent in the start/finish precinct.

I have a dietary requirement — can you cater for me?

We make every attempt to cater for most dietaries on course. But if you need something specific, we'd strongly recommend self-catering rather than relying on event catering.

Still got a question?

We're a small team of local riders who run this event, and we're happy to help. You can reach us at hello@beechworthgraniteclassic.com.au and we'll get back to you. Look forward to riding with you all!