Bicycle Queensland’s first major gravel and adventure weekend of 2026 proved that riders are hungry for challenging routes, good company and a relaxed event format that puts the riding experience first.
Held across May 16–17 in the Noosa Hinterland, BQ’s Weekend at Pomona brought around 150 riders together for two days of off-road adventure riding through some of South East Queensland’s most scenic backroads, forest trails and hinterland climbs. Based out of the Pomona Showgrounds, the event adopted the same “base camp” style that proved popular at Weekend at Wondai in April 2025, where riders could settle into one location and choose from a range of supported ride options across the weekend.
The format was designed to make the event more accessible and affordable while still delivering a premium riding experience. Riders had the flexibility to camp at the showgrounds, bring a caravan, or organise their own accommodation nearby, while meals were left up to individuals and local businesses. Instead of structured dinners and bundled accommodation packages, BQ focused on what mattered most: the riding itself.
Each of the four planned routes delivered a distinctly hinterland flavour, combining gravel roads, dirt trails, quiet sealed roads and plenty of climbing. Ride leaders guided groups across all four courses, with support crews positioned throughout the routes providing water, snacks, mechanical assistance and medical support where needed.
While rain showers in the lead-up had many riders nervously watching forecasts, the weather ultimately delivered near-perfect riding conditions. Damp trails and lingering puddles added a layer of adventure without dampening spirits, and many riders embraced the occasional mud pit as part of the experience.
For first-time participants, the supported nature of the weekend proved to be one of the event’s biggest drawcards.
“The confidence of having ride support made it a very exciting adventure as first timers, with plenty of laughs and beautiful landscapes,” one rider said after the weekend.
Another participant praised both the atmosphere and the organisation behind the event.
“We absolutely loved it, one of the most exciting things we have ever done and we have travelled a lot, just really well done event & we can tell that the BQ leadership and team worked well together to make it a success,” another said.
The relaxed base-camp model also encouraged a more social atmosphere away from the bike. Riders returned to Pomona throughout the afternoon to swap stories, clean their bikes and compare route highlights from the day’s adventures. Unlike point-to-point events that often see riders disperse immediately after finishing, the showgrounds became a communal hub for the weekend – as did the town’s cafes, pub and distillery.
Pomona itself proved an ideal host town. Nestled in the heart of the Noosa Hinterland, the township offered riders easy access to cafes, bakeries and accommodation options while serving as a gateway to the extensive network of gravel roads and forest routes surrounding the region. The nearby Noosa Trail Network and hinterland climbs showcased a different side of the Sunshine Coast area, one far removed from the busy beachfronts more commonly associated with the region.
The success of Weekend at Pomona also reflects the growing popularity of gravel and adventure riding in Queensland. Riders are increasingly seeking out events that prioritise exploration, scenery and camaraderie over racing and competition. By combining challenging riding with a low-cost, flexible structure, we think we have found a format that appeals to both experienced gravel riders wanting to find new places to ride and those looking to try supported off-road riding for the first time.
Importantly, the event maintained a strong safety and support presence throughout the weekend despite its more relaxed structure. Ride leaders, course support, water points, mechanics and medics were all positioned to ensure riders could tackle the challenging routes with confidence.
Following the success of both Weekend at Wondai and Weekend at Pomona, the base-camp adventure format appears likely to become an important part of BQ’s future event calendar. The combination of affordable participation, regional tourism opportunities and supported adventure riding has clearly resonated with members and riders alike.
For many participants, the appeal went beyond simply completing the routes. The weekend offered a chance to experience Queensland’s regional landscapes at a slower pace, challenge themselves on unfamiliar terrain and connect with a broader community of riders.
And while many bikes and riders returned home carrying a healthy coating of hinterland loam, the overwhelming feeling at the end of the weekend was simple: riders were already asking when the next one would be.
