Join one of the most scenic rides in the world this weekend
Cyclists from around the country will take to Great Barrier Reef Drive this weekend for the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival. So what’s in store?
Cairns
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Thousands of riders will take on Great Barrier Reef Drive for the second time at the Gran Fondo Festival in Port Douglas this weekend.
Over the weekend, cyclists from around the country will ride side-by-side along one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.
Festival director Bade Stapleton said the event was bigger than ever with just under 1000 people already registered for Sunday’s Gran Fondo rides.
“Locals really embrace it, we live on this spectacular piece of road but you wouldn’t usually risk riding it with all the trucks and traffic,” Mr Stapleton said.
“It’s not a race, people don’t feel pressured, you’re just actually enjoying it.”
He added the festival would cater for cyclists of all kinds, even riders on e-bikes and those who would rather cheer from the trackside bar.
“We wanted to create a festival that wasn’t just about cycling but people could come down and just enjoy it.”
Competitive cyclists will have the chance to prove themselves on Saturday at the Hemingway’s Brewery sprint, Lexus of Cairns Criterium, Hartley’s (Crocodile Adventures) to Port Mountain Bike race and the Four Mile Beach Mountain Bike sprint which will be the world’s first mountain bike sprint on sand.
Families can also register for the Choo Choos Free Family Ride on Saturday at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina where all kids will receive a free ice cream after completing as many laps as possible in one hour.
The main events will run on Sunday where, in addition to the 100km, 136km Gran Fondo and 48km Medio Fondo rides, there will be a 60km Semi Fondo which will extend to the popular Rex Lookout without the extra 40km slog.
Mr Stapleton said the festival aimed to support the local tourism industry, adding interstate riders from last year’s event spent an average of 7.7 nights in the region.
“We’re wanting to look after local community, bringing the money in here,” he said.
“Other rides (in Australia) you’re just riding around the bay, there’s nothing else to do while your at the destination.”
“This is a true destination event,”
“The ride is just an excuse to come.”
The festival will open with an expo at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina on Friday at 4pm where attendees can make purchases from a range of big brands and will finish in spectacular fashion at the after-party at Hemingway’s in Cairns City on Sunday night.
Entries for the Hartley’s to Port, sprint races, Choo Choos family ride and all four Fondo events are still open. Visit portdouglasgranfondo.com.au
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