Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

Event Info

Official 2024 Peaks Challenge Ride Guide

This is your comprehensive, all-in-one guide to the event weekend.

It includes info on rider registration, the start line, cut-off times, the weekend program, route support and last minute preparation tips.

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The support

You can rest assured we’ve got your back from the first pedal stroke of your training to crossing the finish line on event day. You’re not in this alone.

Team Bicycle Network

Team Bicycle Network are your wave leaders and domestiques – leading training rides before the event and setting the pace and rhythm at the big dance. Whether it’s reaching the finish line or cracking sub-10 hours, they will help you reach your goal. Meet the team.

On-route support at Peaks Challenge
Comprehensive on-road support

With more than 100km of road closures, you won’t often get to experience the Victorian High Country like this. Mobile mechanics sit in front of the first rider, behind the last and throughout the peloton. You’ve dedicated so much to be here, we won’t let a mechanical stop you.

Our motorcycle marshals track the route, are trained in first aid and will help get you back on your bike.

Rest areas

The route has eight rest areas with nutrition, hydration, medical and mechanical support. See exactly what to expect below in our FAQs.

SAG wagons

SAG (support and gear) wagons will be operating all day to support riders who are unable to continue riding. If you can’t go on, they will pick you up and take you to retired rider points for transport back to Falls Creek.

Event

FAQs

Here are the answers to your most common questions.

If your question isn’t in the list, please contact us via our website here or on 1800 639 634.

Preparing for the ride

Is there any specific equipment that I need?
Compulsory
  • Helmet
  • White front bike light
  • Red rear bike light
  • Secondary food supplies
  • 2 x drink bottles
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Spare tubes

We will check that you have these before you ride.

Recommended
  • Rain/wind jacket
  • Gloves
  • Mobile phone
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Money / credit card
  • Get bike serviced
  • Spare batteries for your bike lights
  • Arm warmers
  • Leg warmers
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Base layer of clothing
  • Fresh change of riding kit for Dinner Plain rest stop
  • Packed valet bags
  • Multi-tool or Allen keys
  • Compact crank set and cassette ratio of 11-28 teeth or more
How old do I have to be to tackle Peaks Challenge?

You must be aged 16 years or older on the day of the Event to participate.

If you’re under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must provide their consent during the online registration and the rider must be accompanied on the ride by a registered rider over 18 years old (as nominated during registration).

Riders aged 15 or under may express their interest in participating in Peaks Challenge by supplying evidence that they can comfortably complete Peaks Challenge in under 12 hours (i.e. a training ride on Strava). Bicycle Network holds complete discretion in accepting or denying these entries and reserve the right to cancel and refund these entries at any time.

Where can I stay up-to-date with the latest event news?

Be sure to follow the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek Facebook event for the latest news as it comes. We’ll also send regular updates to registered riders via email. If you have not received our event news please contact us to ensure you’ve opted in.

Do I need to have my bike checked before the ride?

Yes, in order to ensure your safety we will be performing bike checks at the Event Village at Falls Creek the day before the ride. You will not be able to collect your rider ID from registration or start your ride without having your bike checked.

What time does the road close on the morning of the ride?

If you are staying outside Falls Creek the road from Mt Beauty will close at 5:15AM the day of the ride.

View our full list of road closures and timings during the event.

Where is the finishers jersey sizing chart?

You can check your jersey size on the Mens Premium Fit or Womens Premium Fit sizing chart before selecting a jersey size during registration.

What is the valet service?

Bicycle Network operates a valet service on the event which provides you with three bags you can pack with items and access on the ride. The bags will be transported ahead of you and will be waiting for you at designated valet collection points – two points will be for bags with food and another for food and clothing. The food/clothing valet point includes a return valet service, so you can return any unwanted clothing or items to the finish site.

It’s important to plan ahead and use your valet bags wisely, keeping in mind all possible weather conditions you may face. We advise riders not to leave anything expensive or valuable in their bags, as Bicycle Network cannot take responsibility for any losses. We also ask for safety reasons that you do not place any glass in the bags.

Is there a rider briefing?

Yes, the rider briefing will be available to view at the event village from 5pm. This is a compulsory viewing and will include important information about the start procedure, route and safety messages.

Where can I park?

Car parking is managed by Falls Creek Resort Management. On arrival please follow the instructions from the team to find your park.

During the ride

What will the weather conditions likely be on the ride?

The weather in the Victorian High Country is unpredictable and can change very quickly throughout the day. Be prepared for varying weather conditions throughout the day.

What happens in the event of extreme weather?

Being an outdoor event, Peaks Challenge Falls Creek can be subject to unpredictable climate and weather conditions.

Bicycle Network works closely with relevant authorities to develop contingency plans in the event of extreme weather conditions and reserves the right to change or cancel the event in such circumstances. Riders must be prepared for all weather conditions and ride accordingly.

Is there a starting procedure?

Yes. The start is controlled and staggered based on your expected finish time.  Your time does not start until you cross the first timing mat (located on the intersection of Bogong High Plains Road and Slalom Street).

8-hour riders will start first, followed by 9/10-hour riders, followed by 11-hour riders, and finally 12/13-hour riders.

All riders will start in with fellow riders in their allocated expected finish time.

This is to ensure a safe and fair start for all.

The start/finish gantry is at Slalom Plaza in the Falls Creek Event Village. Appropriate signage will be installed by Saturday afternoon so riders know where they should enter the start chute on Sunday morning.

Please arrive at the start line on Sunday morning no later than 6:30am for a 6:45am start.

Are there any cut-off times that I need to stick to?

Yes, cut-off times are measured from when the Lanterne Rouge (last rider) crosses the start line, ensuring they are still able to complete the event in 13 hours.

Each rest stop also has a time that you need to reach it by. These cut-off times are used to assess if you will finish the ride within 13 hours. If you arrive at a rest stop after the cut-off time you will be asked kindly to retire.

View sector cut-off times.

Please note, your individual ride time (elapsed time) begins when you cross the start line and you need to finish the ride within 13 hours to receive a finisher’s jersey.

Will there be a clothing drop zone?

Yes, there will be a clothing drop donation zone at Mt Beauty. We suggest rugging up in a warm jacket for the initial Falls Creek descent. Be sure to pull over to the side of the road safely, before discarding your warm jacket.

Please note, discarded clothing will then be donated to local op shops, so make sure you are happy to depart with your extra clothing and that it is of an acceptable quality for someone else to buy from an op shop.

How do I stay on track to achieve my desired finish time?

If you are looking to finish the ride within a desired time but you are unsure if you are tracking at the right pace you can refer to these handy top tube stickers with guided leave times that our wave leaders will be following. You will receive your sticker at the bike check on the Saturday of the event.

What's provided at each rest stop?

Our comprehensive route support is there for you from start to finish. All rest stops will have water, first aid, mechanical support, nutrition (inc. GF and vegetarian offerings), and toilets available. Below is what to expect at each stop on course (this may change slightly and will be updated again closer to ride day).

Tawonga Gap
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars and Gels
  • Bike Mechanic
Harrietville (Food Valet)
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars and Gels
  • Banana Bread
  • Bike Mechanic
Chain Bay 3 – Black Hole (Buckland Gate)
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars and Gels
  • Bike Mechanic
Hotham Heights*
  • Toilets
  • Water

*Hotham Heights will be an unattended Rest Area, with water and toilet facilities available at the Day Shelter. 

Dinner Plain (Lunch)
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Lunch (wrap with a biscuit and banana)
    • Standard
      Wheaten Wrap with Poached Chicken, spinach, burghul salad with roasted capsicum, cucumber and fetta and a sundried tomato aioli.
    • Standard GF
      GF Wrap with Poached Chicken, spinach, quinoa salad with roasted capsicum, cucumber and fetta and a sundried tomato aioli.
    • Vegetarian
      Wheaten Wrap with, Spinach, Pumpkin and burghul salad with chickpeas, roasted capsicum and cucumber and a sundried tomato aioli.
    • Vegetarian GF
      GF Wrap with, Spinach, Pumpkin and quinoa salad with chickpeas, roasted capsicum and cucumber and a sundried tomato aioli.
    • Vegan
      Wheaten Wrap with, Spinach, Pumpkin and burghul salad with chickpeas, roasted capsicum and cucumber and a Moroccan spiced hummus.
    • Vegan GF
      GF Wrap with, Spinach, Pumpkin and quinoa salad with chickpeas, roasted capsicum and cucumber and a Moroccan spiced hummus.
Omeo
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars and Gels
  • Chocolate Brownie (V,GF), Fruit and Lollies
  • Bike Mechanic
Anglers Rest (Food Valet)
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars
Trapyard Gap
  • Toilets
  • First Aid
  • Water
  • Winners Bars
  • Coca-Cola
  • Bananas
  • Salty snack
  • Bike Mechanic 
Will there be bins along the route?

There will be bins at all rest stops along the route. However, as a Peaks Challenge rider, you are responsible for disposing of your rubbish appropriately while out on the road.

Whether training or on event, please be thoughtful. Tuck your rubbish in your jersey pocket or under your knicks and dispose of it when you come to a bin. We need your help to make sure that we look after this spectacular part of the world and the future of the event relies on your cooperation.

Do I get the jersey if I don’t finish the ride?

The finisher’s jersey significance is something only a fellow Peaks Challenge rider can understand. It tells the world that you went to the depths of suffering, and came out triumphant.

If you are unable to complete the ride within the 13 hour time limit you will not receive the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek finisher’s jersey.

Who's taking home the chocolates?

2024 prize money

KOM and QOM prize money
SRAM logo
King and Queen of Peaks Challenge – $3000 prize pool

Who will be the fastest up the climbs?

We’re putting up $500 cash per climb for the KOM and QOM challenge. The fastest individual climb time (female and male) up Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek will be crowned the King and Queen of the respective peaks.

That’s a total of $1,500 each up for grabs!

Fastest climbers – $1800 prize pool

We also have a separate cash prize pool on offer for all riders.

You can see how your climb times stack up against other riders in your age bracket and the top individual climb times up Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek in each age bracket (both male and female) will take home $50 cash!

That’s an extra $1,800 up for grabs on top of the existing KoP and QoP prize pool!

Peaks Challenge fastest finishers prize pool
What are the age brackets?
Categories
  • 18-30 year age bracket
  • 31-40 year age bracket
  • 41-50 year age bracket
  • 51-59 year age bracket
  • 60-69 year age bracket
  • 70+ year age bracket

Please note, your timing for the fastest climbers segment will be started when you pass the start of each climbing sector and end when you cross the finish of each climbing sector (as determined by the events official timing). Your age bracket will be determined based of your age at the time of the event.

*Refer to event terms and conditions for full details

Tourist information

A weekend away

Victoria’s alpine region is one of the most spectacular in the world. Make a weekend of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek – taste your way around the villages and receive warm welcomes from the families who run the gourmet restaurants, boutique wineries and lodgings. To see what’s on over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend, see the Visit Victoria website.

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek

Accommodation – Falls Creek

Staying in the Falls Creek Village is the best way to be among all the action. Avoid the early morning rush to the start line, enjoy a relaxing celebratory beverage after the ride and treat those tired aching muscles to a spa or massage. Accommodation packages are available for singles, couples and groups.

Contact Falls Creek Central Reservations

Phone: 1800 033 079 
Email: info@fallscreekreservations.com.au 

FIND ACCOMMODATION
Still available*  – On mountain

*Availability as of 6 December

Accommodation Type

Silverski

manager@silverskifallscreek.com.au 

8 person apartments

Konayuki

sam@permits.com.au

6 bed apartment
10-15 bed dorm

Astra Falls Creek

ski@astrafallscreek.com.au

2 bedroom apartment (2 – 5 ppl)

Studio Rooms (2 – 5 ppl)

Interconnecting Room (2 – 5 ppl)  

Deluxe Rooms (1 – 2 ppl)

Alpine Apartments

Online booking

2 bedroom apartment (6 ppl)

2 x 1 bedroom apartment (2 – 4ppl)

Feathertop Lodge

stay@feathertoplodge.com.au

Family room (3 adults)

Karelia Alpine Lodge

Online booking

Hotel rooms

Private accommodation

milchcafebar@gmail.com

Bunk room (4ppl)

Bunk room (2ppl)

Double bed (2ppl) 

2 bedroom flat (6ppl)

Howmans Gap Alpine
Discovery Camp

howmansgap@ymca.org.au

15 x 5 bed rooms

Mt Beauty Shuttle Service

Have you booked accommodation off-mountain? This year we will be running shuttle buses on Saturday and Sunday to get you to Falls Creek stress-free before the road closes at 5:30am on Sunday 10 March.

Saturday 9 March

Mt Beauty to Falls Creek

Pick up point: Mobil Last Stop Servo, Mt Beauty

Depart Mt Beauty: 2pm  

Arrive Falls Creek: 2:45pm. 

Bike transport is included on the Saturday service up to Falls Creek only. Bike secure storage at Falls Creek on Saturday night is included. 

Falls Creek to Mt Beauty

Depart Falls Creek: 6:30pm after the rider briefing is completed.

Arrive Mt Beauty: 7:15pm 

No bike transport is included on Saturday evening back to Mt Beauty. 

Price: $80 return

To book a spot on the bus log into your registration via Register Now and select this add on for Saturday.

BOOK NOW

Sunday 10 March

Mt Beauty to Falls Creek

Pick up point: Mobil Last Stop Servo, Mt Beauty

Depart Mt Beauty: 5:15am (please arrive 15 mins before departure)

Arrive Falls Creek: 6:00am

No bike transport included on Sunday morning. All riders must attend Falls Creek with their bikes on Saturday for bike check, registration and the rider briefing. Bicycle Network will secure bikes overnight for collection on Sunday morning pre-ride. 

Falls Creek to Mt Beauty

Depart Falls Creek: 8:45pm

Arrive Mt Beauty: 9.30pm

Bike transport is included on the Falls Creek to Mt Beauty return shuttle. Bikes will be available for collection between 9:30pm and 9:45pm at Mt Beauty (Mobil Last Stop Servo).  

Price: $80 return  

To book a spot on the bus log into your registration via Register Now and select this add on for Sunday.

BOOK NOW
Accommodation*  – Mount Beauty

*Availability as of 6 December

Accommodation Type

Kiewa Country Cottages

1 or 2 bed cottages

The Park, Mount Beauty

Cabins

Tawonga Tourist Park

Cabins

Dreamers

3 bedroom house

Spa chalets

Lothlorien

1 bed luxury cabin

Eco Villa

2 bedroom villa

We've got your back

Membership

As a Bicycle Network member, you're fully supported every time you ride with our comprehensive riding insurance and Riders’ Rights (legal support). Plus, you'll score 10% off your event entry and a whole lot of other great benefits!

With individual memberships from $11.99/month, join almost 50,000 riders around Australia who ride with complete confidence, knowing we've got your back!

LEARN MORE
We've got your back

13 hours to prove yourself

Cut-off times

It’s not just the climbs and kilometres themselves that make Peaks Challenge Falls Creek so tough, it’s also the 13-hour time limit.

To keep on track and stay under this limit you will need to reach the following checkpoints by the set cut-off times. If you arrive at one of these points after the cut-off time you will be asked to retire gracefully.

The cut-off points and times are measured from when the Lanterne Rouge (last rider) crosses the start line, and ensure they are still able to complete the event in 13 hours. We recommend setting your cycling computer to display elapsed time for an accurate measure of how you’re tracking.

Sector cut-off times
  • Harrietville rest area: 10:30am
  • Dinner Plain lunch stop: 1:30pm
  • Omeo rest area: 3:15pm
  • Back of Falls Creek turnoff: 5:30pm
  • Trapyard Gap rest area: 7:00pm
  • Ride finishes: 8:15pm

Download the official wave pacing top tube stickers so you know where you need to be on the course to finish with your desired wave group.

Bicycle Network Women’s Community – Ride, Connect, Empower

Bicycle Network’s Women’s Community is here to provide tailored support to women of all ages and abilities who are contemplating or have committed to taking on their next challenge.

LEARN MORE

Volunteer

Get involved

Are you bringing friends or family along to the event?

We’re on the look out for volunteers to help us at the start line, finish line and rest areas on route.

As part of our event team, all volunteers receive a Bicycle Network shirt and hat while also getting a front row seat to the action! Sound like a good time?

Learn more

Rest Stop volunteer at Peaks Challenge

Stay up to date

Timing and results

2022 event timing was brought to you by our friends at My Race Result. Check out riders' climb times and overall finishing times below.

View results

Road closures

Peaks Challenge will be travelling through North East Victoria on Sunday 10 March 2024, and as a result there will be changed traffic conditions in place including full road closures. The treatments, which take into consideration the safety of all road users, have been implemented following extensive consultation with the Council, VicRoads and Victoria Police.

Key times
  • Front of Falls Closure: 5:30am – 9am
  • Tawonga Gap Closure: 6:30am – 10:00am
  • Mt Hotham Closure: 8:00am – 1pm
  • Back of Falls Closure: 12:00pm – 8:30pm

Please note: Riders staying off-mountain must be past Mount Beauty on the way to Falls Creek by 5:15am on event day before a road closure is put in place.