Clip in for a tough climb!

This Springbrook and Hinze Dam loop is a hilly ride popular with many intermediate to advanced cyclists on the Gold Coast. If a 65 km bike ride on the Gold Coast sounds like your ideal day out, then put on that lycra, clip in the cleats, gather the crew and get going.

Starting at Laver Family Park near Mudgeeraba this ride is seriously breathtaking. Think waterfalls, wildlife, & panoramas. The turnaround point in Springbook is the Fudge Shop which is a great place to stop for a coffee before heading back over Pine Creek Road and down to the gorgeous Hinze Dam and riding all the way back home.

Be warned, this is a very challenging ride and not suitable for beginners!

A Gold Coast must do!

Looking for a challenging ride that travels through rainforests, beaches and Instagram-worthy cafes? Look no further! Named after Olympic cyclist Darren Smith, this route runs along the coast between Point Danger, Coolangatta and Paradise Point. Notably, parts of the route are right on the coastline so you can pitstop at one of many glorious beaches for a bit of sun, surf and sand!

Related: Nerang National Park

Whilst challenging, the 48km Darren Smith Memorial Route is a great ride alongside a few friends. Go hard with your friends during the ride and wind-down afterwards at the beach for a picnic or delicious fish and chips.

From the City to the Beach

While there are many road riding routes to be found in Mackay, our favourite leaves the city centre and heads out to Eimeo Headland. At the halfway point of your ride you can enjoy a coffee or lunch with a million dollar view at the historic Eimeo Pacific Hotel or take your bike for a ride along the beautiful Eimeo beach before returning back the way you came.

If you want to switch things up, instead of turning onto Eimeo Road, continue along Mackay-Bucasia Road to Shoal Point. Another beautiful beach spot and only an extra 2.5km!

If you are after some loop rides around Mackay we suggest checking out this page, which has a few loops for all different fitness levels. Be sure to keep an eye out for the River 2 Reef Ride held each year in Mackay too!

Rockhampton’s favourite local ride!

This route is a popular morning training ride for Rockhampton locals – and we can see why! Around the 30 kilometre mark (depending on how far you want to ride for coffee afterwards) and with 112 metres of elevation this will get the legs warmed up.

This route loops around the township of Gracemere and comes back along the old highway and back into town. The local group – Cycle 4 life Rockhampton often park at the Fantastic Futniture Carpark and then begin there group rides from there.

If you are looking to get more out of your training rides you should check out our article on nutrition & hydration when riding here.

Explore Innisfail

If you like the sound of a rolling ride through cane fields on asphalt road, then this is your next ride. This is a great route for anyone starting off or at the beginner level – alternatively use this as your next recovery ride. This route takes you along Fitzgerald Esplanade – a beautiful area!

This route has kindly been shared with us from our friends at Innisfail BUG. They have a great web page with more recommended cycling routes here.

Including Cape Pallarenda

Explore Townsville’s inner city as you ride around Castle Hill and take in the views of the Ross River. This ride route also includes jumping onto Heatleys Parade which will take you out to Pallarenda where you can take in some beautiful sea views.

If you are looking for something extra – or you love hills, cycling up Castle Hill is a must do. Castle Hill is roughly an 8 to 12 degree average gradient climb that lasts about 15-30 minutes one way. The top of the climb is around 250m but you will be rewarded with a panoramic view. Head onto Stanley Street which turns into Castle Hill Road to begin your ascent. Toilets can be found at the top as well as drink fountains & shaded seating.

If you are looking for a group to ride with or new to the area check out Townsville Bunch Rides – Cycling in the North on Facebook to connect.

Explore the Atherton Tablelands

Enjoy riding through farmland scenery with this easy to moderate loop. The Atherton Tablelands is a beautiful area to ride with little traffic – especially in off-peak times. This loop can be alternated in a number of ways including adding another 10kms for an excellent lakeside ride from the dam wall to the end of the bitumen & back.

Click here to view a detailed route map with all ride options.