Category: Events

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Events

BQ’s Weekend at The Downs was a huge success!

Quiet country roads, fantastic hospitality and a strong sense of community made Bicycle Queensland’s inaugural Weekend at The Downs a resounding success, with 220 riders enjoying three days of cycling on the Darling Downs.

Held from 23–25 October at Brymaroo Rodeo and Campdraft, north of Toowoomba, the sold-out event brought riders together for a weekend of gravel riding, camping, great food and entertainment, while delivering valuable fundraising opportunities for local schools and community organisations.

Delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, with support from the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Weekend at The Downs showcased the benefits of bringing cycling events to regional Queensland.

Despite some passing rain, and a lot of rain on the east coast, riders enjoyed excellent conditions across Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, exploring quiet rural gravel and back roads on routes designed to suit a range of abilities.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said the atmosphere throughout the weekend had been overwhelmingly positive.

“People are super happy. Last night, there was rain outside the big shelter shed, but inside was just all smiles,” Dr Burke said.

“The riding’s been great. As one very wise man who came in off the ride said to me, ‘All the cars that I did not see were so great.'”

With minimal traffic, beautiful countryside and plenty of opportunities to ride with friends old and new, the event offered a memorable experience for participants.

Country hospitality delivers for local schools

One of the highlights of Weekend at The Downs was the warm welcome riders received from the small communities along the routes.

At Quinalow State School on Saturday, students and volunteers prepared a generous spread of food and refreshments, with the stop raising close to $2,000 for the school.

“The state school that we stopped at on the ride yesterday absolutely turned it on with treats for the riders. Really hospitable, really great spread. They absolutely went for it,” Dr Burke said.

Rotary Club of Toowoomba’s Steve Wilson said the visit was particularly rewarding because students had helped organise the stop as part of their Certificate II in Volunteering.

“The kids did all the preparation. It was part of a Cert II in volunteering. So it was a win-win for them and us,” Mr Wilson said.

“They were super enthusiastic, and we raised close to $2,000, which was a lot of money for a small school.”

Sunday brought another enthusiastic welcome at Kulpi State School, where parents, students and volunteers turned out to provide refreshments for riders.

These community stops were about more than a chance to refuel. They provided opportunities for small schools to raise funds, engage students in volunteering and share their hospitality with visitors to the region.

A partnership with a purpose

Weekend at The Downs marked a new chapter for the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, building on its experience delivering Ride the Range and embracing a new multi-day event format.

Mr Wilson said the success of the inaugural event had exceeded expectations.

“I am ecstatic that the event has gone so well. The weather’s cooperated with us. We had great registrations, great support from the BQ team, pulling all that together. It’s been wonderful,” he said.

“The people here are so friendly and everyone seems to have just had smiles on their faces the whole time.”

While Bicycle Queensland managed rider registrations, communications and event delivery alongside its experienced ride volunteers, Rotary brought invaluable local knowledge, volunteers and catering expertise.

That included the enormous task of preparing six meals for approximately 250 riders and volunteers across the weekend.

“The catering and the food side of it, to feed, with volunteers, about 250 people, for six meals and have the quality that Sean and the team have done has been exceptional,” Mr Wilson said.

Dr Burke said the complementary strengths of the two organisations had been fundamental to the event’s success.

“The Rotary Club have been fantastic partners. They bring a lot of local volunteers. They’ve handled the catering, they’ve handled a lot of setup at the site,” he said.

The partnership also meant the event could deliver a significant charitable contribution.

With raffles, auctions and fundraising activities held across the weekend, organisers anticipate the event will raise approximately $25,000–$30,000 for Rotary’s charitable work.

That includes youth programs in the Toowoomba region, alongside international projects in Papua New Guinea and Cambodia.

Dr Burke said riders had also appreciated learning more about the important work Rotary undertakes.

“They told their story last night to the riders. They had people come up afterwards and tell me they just never knew that the service clubs did this kind of stuff,” he said.

“They’re our charity partner on this event as well as our delivery partner.”

Mr Wilson thanked participants for their generosity and support.

“I would just like to thank everyone for their generosity. The riders, the participants, the volunteers, have all been very enthusiastic with the support of our auction,” he said.

A great foundation for the future

For BQ, the success of Weekend at The Downs reinforces the value of regional cycling events that go beyond simply providing great rides, as we build our suite of events across the state.

By partnering with local organisations, involving schools and community groups, and encouraging riders to explore regional destinations, these events create lasting benefits for the communities that host them.

With the inaugural event selling out and receiving such enthusiastic feedback, there is already optimism about what the future might hold.

“Because the first time has been so successful and everyone’s so enthusiastic, I am sure that we’re going to get a lot of positive feedback,” Mr Wilson said.

Bicycle Queensland extends its thanks to the Rotary Club of Toowoomba, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the local schools and communities, and the many volunteers who helped make the weekend possible. We’re also grateful for the support of Winners Nutrition, Ground Effect Cycle Clothing and PieProof Helmets for the event.

And, of course, a huge thank you to the 220 riders who embraced the experience, supported the local communities and helped make the inaugural Weekend at The Downs such a success.

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Events

Riders come together for National Ride2Work Day

Bicycle Queensland celebrated National Ride2Work Day today as we welcomed riders, members and community partners to the northern end of Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens for a morning of coffee, conversation and cycling advocacy.

The event provided an opportunity for people riding into the city to stop, enjoy a free coffee at Mulga Bills cafe, and connect with Bicycle Queensland (BQ) and organisations working to make riding safer and more accessible across Brisbane and Queensland.

With National Ride2Work Day highlighting the many benefits of riding for transport, the morning was also an opportunity for BQ to share updates on its current advocacy campaigns, upcoming events and projects, while hearing directly from the people who ride Brisbane’s streets and bikeways.

“It was a great event! We had over 120 riders visit, despite the threat of rain. Thanks to all the riders who came along and had a coffee on us. So many smiles. The bike community is awesome,” said BQ CEO Dr Matthew Burke.

BQ was joined by Brisbane City Council, with representatives seeking community feedback on the Shafston Avenue and Sylvan Road projects. Both projects provided valuable talking points about improving Brisbane’s cycling connections and the importance of involving riders in planning better transport infrastructure.

BQ partner CycleLaw was also on hand to answer cycling-related legal questions, while Joe from Project 529 introduced riders to the bike registration and security system designed to help protect bikes and assist with their recovery if stolen.

BQ also used the opportunity to discuss our recent e-mobility survey, as we arm ourselves for the next phase of our campaign to defend legal e-bikes.

“We’ve also had a great response to our survey on the e-mobility laws, which many riders completed at the event today. We have over 700 responses, but are hoping to push past 1,000. Then we’ll really be able to tell government what the Queensland bike community thinks, and what the real-world impacts have been – both good and bad. The government has committed to a twelve-month review. We’ll need that evidence-base to get any changes.”

The event also welcomed the Hon Mark Bailey, who joined riders and representatives for conversations about cycling and active transport.

Bicycle Queensland thanks Brisbane City Council, CycleLaw, Project 529, Mulga Bills cafe and everyone who stopped by to help celebrate National Ride2Work Day.

Whether you ride to work every day, occasionally or are considering making the switch, Bicycle Queensland is working to make every journey by bike safer, easier and more enjoyable.

Find out more about Bicycle Queensland’s advocacy, events and membership via our Membership page.

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Events

Help shape the future of Her Ride

Bicycle Queensland wants to hear from women across Queensland who have taken part in Her Ride, as well as women who are interested in riding more, building their skills or getting involved in women-focused riding programs.

We’re reviewing Her Ride and looking at how the program can continue to grow. Whether that’s the full Her Ride course including gravel or mountain bike versions, to social rides, short skills sessions, maintenance workshops, Her Ride groups at events and other ways to help more women enjoy riding.

Whether you completed Her Ride years ago, recently, or have never taken part but would be interested in a program like it, we’d love your feedback.

Your feedback will help Bicycle Queensland develop programs that better support women to build skills and confidence, meet other riders and ride more often. What’s your dream Her Ride experience look like?

Plus, complete the survey and leave your details to go in the draw to win one of 10 Her Ride jerseys from Bowy Active.

Have your say and help us shape what comes next for Her Ride.

complete the her ride survey

Survey closes October 26, 2026. Only jerseys sizes in stock can be provided. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. Bicycle Queensland will contact winners for their full address to post out a jersey.

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2026 Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer a great success!

Thousands of riders rolled out of Brisbane on Sunday for the 2026 Mater Uncancer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, enjoying brilliant conditions for the event’s new August date.

The annual charity ride brings together cyclists on a journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, raising vital funds for cancer research along the way.

Bicycle Queensland has a long connection with the event, having established the Brisbane to Gold Coast ride more than two decades ago before the Mater Foundation took over its delivery. BQ Chair Hon. Rachel Nolan was among the many BQ members, staff and supporters taking part on Sunday.

“It’s completely joyous. It’s a whole bunch of people coming together to ride further than they probably ordinarily would, and they do it in a real spirit of the joy of cycling,” Rachel said.

“While we don’t run the event anymore, we did start it as a big charity ride, and are responsible for the spirit of the event. The Mater are continuing that tradition really well.

For Rachel, one of the most important aspects of the event remains its ability to show that riding a bike, even over a substantial distance, isn’t something reserved for highly trained cyclists.

“When BQ started this event, the whole idea was to convince ordinary people that they could ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast,” she said.

“This wasn’t some kind of hardcore athletic activity but something that an ordinary person could do. And I think there is a bit of that spirit now. There are lots of people who are just thrilled that they can ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.”

Bicycle Queensland works to make riding a normal part of life for more Queenslanders, and the spirit of the event helps highlight that.

“At Bicycle Queensland, what we’re about is promoting bike riding for fun and for transport, just as a normal, legitimate way to get around,” Rachel said. “So having all of these people come together and safely ride to the coast is right in the heart of what we believe in.”

Riding for cancer research

For Mater event director Hans de Koning, the support shown by riders and fundraisers was once again a highlight of the event.

“It’s been amazing to see the community support for cancer research. It’s always humbling,” Hans said.

“What has stood out to me the most this year has been the community support. These are people that don’t have to do it, and they do it because they want better outcomes for health. I think that’s incredible.”

Hans said funds raised through the event provide crucial support for medical research, helping researchers improve treatments and outcomes for people living with cancer.

“Cancer is a really tricky beast in general, and I think the only way we’re going to be able to solve cancer, or at least make it easier for those patients with cancer, is through medical research,” he said.

“We’ve seen what outcomes look like in areas such as the cervical cancer vaccine. These things do exist. Treatment for cancer is getting better, and the only way that we can do that is with capital.

“That’s why the funds that we raise are so important, because they give us the opportunity to go out and try and find these cures or these treatment options for people with cancer.”

The whole event is possible thanks to the strength of those who take part, which Hans highlighted.

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to the supporters and all those people who rode today.”

Bicycle Queensland was proud to once again support the Mater Uncancer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, including providing one-day rider insurance for participants.

A thank you to our members

Congratulations to everyone who took on the ride, but especially to the Bicycle Queensland members who participated and raised funds for the Mater Foundation.

“We thank all our members who came along. Especially those who personally donated, who helped fundraise themselves, or sought donations as part of teams,” said BQ’s CEO Dr. Matthew Burke.

“We’re really pleased charity giving was so high this year.”

“Whether it was your first time and you discovered you really can ride a bike from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, or if this was your fifteenth ride south on this event, thanks for making it a great day.”

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BQ Bike Park proves fans are ready to ride to the Gabba

Bicycle Queensland’s first free Bike Park at the Gabba has successfully demonstrated that secure bike parking can become part of the game-day experience for Queenslanders, with the inaugural trial proving the concept works for Brisbane sports fans.

The Bike Park, delivered in partnership with Microbility, welcomed riders attending the Brisbane Lions’ home game on Sunday 12 July, providing free, supervised parking just 100 metres from the stadium.

The successful first event is the beginning of a trial that will continue across the remaining Brisbane Lions home games this season, giving more fans the confidence to leave the car at home and ride to the football.

The Bike Park operated smoothly through the afternoon and evening, with riders checking bikes in and out through a simple valet-style process while volunteers monitored the facility for the duration of the match.

Bicycle Queensland CEO Dr Matthew Burke said the trial addresses one of the biggest barriers preventing more people riding to major events. Around 20 riders took advantage of the free Bike Park during the soft launch, providing an encouraging start to the trial.

“Griffith University research found only three privately-owned bikes parked round the Gabba at a sold-out AFL game in 2024, despite there being over 30,000 fans in attendance. Yet many of Brisbane’s best bikeways flow nearby. People don’t ride because there is nowhere safe to park and they are afraid their bike will get nicked. Our partnership with Microbility fixes that. It’s exactly the kind of practical initiative that will get more people onto bikes and reduce the State Government’s costs in providing special event buses.”

“With only limited promotion ahead of our first Bike Park, seeing around 20 riders use the free service during the soft launch is a really encouraging result. It shows there are people who want to ride to major events when they know their bike will be safe.”

The trial is also an opportunity to demonstrate how active transport can play a greater role in moving people to and from major venues ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bike valet parking is already common at major sporting events across Europe and North America, with similar services operating successfully during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The demand has always been there – riders just haven’t had a reason to trust that their bike would be safe at a big game or event,” said Microbility Director Derek Mollison. “Bike Park gives them that convenience and trust. The Gabba is the right venue to start, and in partnering with BQ we have the credibility and the community reach to make this work. 2032 is a key vision, but the habits we build now are the legacy.”

Bicycle Queensland hopes the successful first trial is the start of a broader conversation about making secure bike parking a standard feature at major venues across Queensland.

The free BQ Bike Park will return for the remaining Brisbane Lions home games at the Gabba this season:

• Sunday 26 July – Brisbane Lions vs Port Adelaide
• Friday 7 August – Brisbane Lions vs Hawthorn
• Saturday 15 August – Brisbane Lions vs Gold Coast Suns (subject to AFL confirmation)

Located beside the Woolloongabba Substation at 45 Logan Road, the Bike Park opens one hour before matches start and remains staffed until one hour after the match.

Bicycle Queensland encourages anyone attending the remaining games to give riding a go and experience just how easy travelling to the Gabba by bike can be.

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BQ’s Party in Pomona

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.

BQ Event Calendar
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Events

BQ Bike Park: Ride to the Gabba 

Bicycle Queensland have partnered with Microbility to deliver a new free, secure bike parking service at three remaining Brisbane Lions home games this home-and-away season. This is the first time valet-style bike parking will be offered to Lions fans. The trial service will showcase how free bike and scooter parking can work at Queensland stadiums in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The professionally-managed, fully-supervised Bike Park service is free to use. It will give AFL fans a safe and convenient place close to the stadium to leave their bike or scooter, and know it will be there when they return. Fans can use a simple booking and check-in process, drop their bike with staff, and have it returned after the game. 

The Bike Park model is used around the world. At the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bike valet services operated across 75 locations in 17 cities, guarding more than 90,000 bikes and scooters and recording zero theft or damage incidents. The current World Cup has similar services running in Canadian and US cities, including a large facility in Seattle.  

Where is it? 

The Bike Park team will be set up next to the Woolloongabba Substation, 45 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, only one hundred metres from the stadium itself. That’s the corner of Jurgen St and Logan Road. Please follow the signs and walk your bike up the ramp on the Logan Road side of the facility.

The Bike Park opens one-hour before the game starts and will be available for the following AFL games:

  • Round 18, Lions vs. Essendon, Sunday 12th July 2026, open from 3.30pm
  • Round 20, Lions vs. Port Adelaide, Sunday 26th July 2026, open from midday
  • Round 22, Lions vs. Hawthorn, Friday 7th August 2026, open from 6.40pm   
  • Round 23, Lions vs. The Suns, (date to be finalised) Saturday 15th August 2026, open from midday

Check out the specifics on the BQ Event Calendar.

“Griffith University research found only three privately-owned bikes parked round the Gabba at a sold-out AFL game in 2024, despite there being over 30,000 fans in attendance,” Bicycle Queensland CEO Matt Burke said. “Yet many of Brisbane’s best bikeways flow nearby. People don’t ride because there is nowhere safe to park and they are afraid their bike will get nicked. Our partnership with Microbility fixes that. It’s exactly the kind of practical initiative that will get more people onto bikes and reduce the State Government’s costs in providing special event buses.” 

Building Toward Brisbane 2032 

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have set ambitious targets for sustainable travel – with active and public transport expected to carry the majority of spectator journeys. Early transport modelling suggested the Brisbane Games will only work if lots more people walk and cycle to the key venues. The Bike Park trial is all about changing the culture in how people get to a game, in advance of 2032. If it proves popular, the case will be made for commercial operators to continue to provide such services in future, including well beyond the Olympics. 

Bicycle Queensland is looking to expand to other Queensland stadiums next year, including for NRL fans and at major concerts. The long-term goal is that similar bike parking services are embedded as a standard requirement of major event traffic management plans in Queensland, just like they are in much of Asia, Europe and North America.  

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Everything you need to know for BQ’s Weekend at Pomona

BQ’s Weekend at Pomona is closing in fast, with our latest ride event taking place from May 16-17 – although we will be on-site at Pomona Showgrounds from the afternoon of May 15.

We have a complete rider sheet with timings, essential phone numbers and a suggested pack list prepared.

read the rider sheet


All the main rides have been outlined in a Ride with GPS event. Riders need to download the routes to their phones or GPS devices for safe route navigation on the rides. You will need to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account to download the routes.

head to ride with gps


There is a ride briefing online now, for details on the event and how it will run. BQ will have short rider briefings on the morning of each ride, as listed in the event sheet.

We also have a range of advice around what bike you should bring to BQ’s Weekend at Pomona, to make sure you enjoy the weekend away:

If you have more questions, don’t forget to reach out to the BQ team: info@BQ.org.au.

Camping at Pomona Showgrounds

If you want to camp, ensure you contact the showgrounds to book your tent or caravan space. We’ve had the below maps provided for an idea on the layout.

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