By Emma Rhymer
Driving home from the inaugural Tenterfield Gravel n Granite, I couldn’t get the movie quote “if you build it, they will come,” out of my head. Capitalising on the growing popularity of gravel events, The Saddlers Mountain Bike Club of Tenterfield have created an event second to none in Auscycling’s first gravel race – and riders came in their hundreds to test themselves on the challenging course. Shayle Graham, a key organiser from Saddlers Mountain Bike Club admits she is thrilled with the “outstanding success” of the event and that she has been overwhelmed at the number of people thanking her directly and on social media.
The Gravel n Granite was originally proposed to promote Tenterfield and its local area after the devastating 2019 bushfires. Accessing funding from an economic recovery grant, it was originally scheduled for August 2021 but postponed due to ongoing Covid lockdowns and the QLD border closure. With the support of local community groups and a town that went out of its way to welcome riders, these original goals were exceeded with Tenterfield now recognised as a premier gravel riding destination.
The race itself began early on Saturday morning, with the 102km riders setting off just after sunrise, followed by the 65km and 28km waves. Conditions were close to perfect, with a crisp overcast morning followed by a warm, dry day. Much to the organisers’ relief, the only sign of the recent wet weather was one significant river crossing that only grew deeper and wider with each retelling by riders afterwards!
The routes themselves were all demanding but rewarding, winding through granite-strewn hillsides, green paddocks and flowing causeways. There was no shortage of climbing, with each route beginning with a 10km bitumen hill out of town before crossing the first cattle grid and hitting gravel. The climbing didn’t stop there, however, with plenty of pinches and a long climb towards the finish. On the 102km course this consisted of almost 20km of constant climbing followed by a final 10km descent back into town: on already-tired legs the relief of a long downhill was very real!
Many of the top riders used this race as a testing ground before the Auscycling Gravel National Championships in July, and it was a fitting testing ground indeed. Sharon Heap commented on how happy she was with the course and described the route as brilliant but brutal. Hank Duchateau agreed, stating that the climbs required careful pacing while the sweeping downhill corners required concentration. As a rider who enjoys challenging himself, he found the course “fantastic.” Other riders, such as Tristan Glover, Cal Mackerras, Matthew Bourke and Kal Playford (who travelled from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane respectively) saw it as the ideal opportunity to ride in a beautiful location, catch up with mates and then enjoy a post-race beer – or two – together.
As for me, this was my first gravel race and an ideal opportunity to test my fitness. I loved the course, had my spirits constantly buoyed by locals cheering along the route, found the climbs tough and loved descending on gravel roads afterwards. At least I know I wasn’t alone in hurting on the hills, with Michelle Newstead and Tony Asmus describing the hills as gruelling, stupidly steep and borderline alpine. Mind you, they both also described the course as sensational, spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable in the very next breath! That’s type 2 fun in a nutshell, right?
Another joy of type 2 fun is sitting around afterwards and reliving the event with friends. The race village was perfect for this with contented racers relaxing under giant marquees, enjoying refreshments from a variety of food trucks, local wineries and boutique breweries. One of these breweries was “Two Mates Brewery” from Lismore, who travelled to the event only 9 days after extensive damage to their brewhouse in 14m floods. Listening to co-owner Grant Smith talk about his experiences was heartbreaking, and it was great to see strong support of their stand throughout the afternoon. With live music throughout the afternoon and fire pits set up ready for the crisp autumn evening, those who chose to stay an extra night knew they’d made a good decision.
The Saddlers Mountain Bike Club have created an outstanding event in the Tenterfield Gravel n Granite. Max Hobson from The Bike Pack Shop in Brisbane raved about the route, describing it as “the most scenic gravel event going around.” The race itself was professionally organised, with a well-marked course, friendly marshals and plenty of support vehicles. Add in a local community that couldn’t do enough support the riders and the Tenterfield Gravel n Granite looks to be an event that will only grow in popularity. Each of the riders I spoke to plans to return next year, echoing Hank Duchateau’s words that he “can’t wait to do it again.” Asked if there was anything he thought could be improved upon, Hank quickly replied “I wouldn’t get them to change a damn thing!” I couldn’t agree more.
My advice is to get your entry in early for 2023!
Photos: RCpix.com.au | leading image by Charlie Hodgson
