Peaks Challenge Falls Creek
Formulated by HPTEK
Training Programs
Our tailored 16-week training programs are created by Dr. Stephen Lane from HPTek and kick-off in mid November each year. Mark the date in your calendar and start getting some climbs in the legs!
Stephen is an 8 hour wave leader for Team Bicycle Network and is dedicated to helping you reach your goals – whether that’s completing your first Peaks Challenge or going faster than before.
tRAINING PROGRAMSInfo Night
Our Peaks Challenge information session is the perfect watch for both first-timers and past riders looking to go one better than before!
Check-out the recording of the session for an insight into what to expect at the event, an intro to our training program, a Q&A with Peaks Challenge coach, Dr. Stephen Lane and more.
Key topics
- 16-week training plan overview (05:20)
- Pacing and projected finish times (16:20)
- Packing essentials (24:00)
- Event tips and tricks (31:40)
Training rides
Team Bicycle Network are not just your domestiques on event day. They put in time and effort during their training to help you keep your preparation on track.
Regular training rides will be scheduled from November – March.
Don’t forget to join the Bicycle Network strava club so you’re the first to hear when new training ride dates are released.
GO TO STRAVAUpcoming rides
Sun 11 Feb | Dandenongs Crucifix | 71km (VIC)
Start time
6:30am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Geoff White & Justin Benson
Meet up spot
Upper Ferntree Gully train station car park (Railway Avenue end, away from the markets)
Route
71km / 2,033m elevation – View route
Pace
- 11 hour (approx. 25 km/h)
Notes
Team Bicycle Network ride leaders will aim to keep everyone together and regroup at the top of key climbs or other key points, such as rest stops, however, if anyone is struggling to stick to the advertised pace, ride leaders may recommend a shorter route to avoid major delays.
If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you, Rider Rescue subscription or bring your myki card) for getting home.
Please note, this is a free training ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 11 Feb | Bumble Hill | 122km (NSW)
Start time
7:30am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leaders
Ben Gove
Meet up spot
North side of Hawksbury River on Old Pacific Highway
Route
122km / 1,868m elevation – View route
Pace
- 12 hour (approx. 22 km/h)
Notes
Team Bicycle Network ride leaders will aim to keep everyone together and regroup at the top of key climbs or other key points, such as rest stops, however, if anyone is struggling to stick to the advertised pace, ride leaders may recommend a shorter route to avoid major delays.
If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you or a Rider Rescue subscription) for getting home.
Please note, this is a free training ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 18 Feb | Otways Gravel | 96km (VIC)
Start time
7:00am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leader
Kate Kellett and Daniela Mollica
Meet up spot
Aireys Pub car park, 45 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet
Route
96km / 2,000m elevation – View route
Pace
- 10 hour (approx. 22–23 km/h) – Kate Kellet
- 11 hour pace – Daniela Mollica
Notes
This ride is suitable for gravel bikes only. There will be an opportunity to get food and drinks at The Store Deans Marsh, 60km into the ride.
Team Bicycle Network ride leaders will aim to keep everyone together and regroup at the top of key climbs or other key points, such as rest stops, however, if anyone is struggling to stick to the advertised pace, ride leaders may recommend a shorter route to avoid major delays.
If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you or a Rider Rescue subscription) for getting home.
Please note, this is a free training ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
Register nowSun 25 Feb | Kinglake three ways - Sub 9 | 102km (VIC)
Start time
7:15am rollout (please arrive 15 minutes early for briefing)
Ride leader
James Garriock and Will Gielewski
Meet up spot
Caledonia Rd car park, St Andrews – Outside St Andrews Primary School
Route
102km / 1,717m elevation – View route
Pace
- Sub 9 hour (approx. 28 – 30 km/h)
Notes
This ride is tailored for riders who are aiming to achieve a sub 9 hour time at Peaks Challenge 2024.
Team Bicycle Network ride leaders will aim to keep everyone together and regroup at the top of key climbs or other key points, such as rest stops, however, if anyone is struggling to stick to the advertised pace, ride leaders may recommend a shorter route to avoid major delays.
If you are unable to complete the training ride please have a Plan B (friend or family member to come and collect you, Rider Rescue subscription or bring your myki card) for getting home.
Please note, this is a free training ride but registration is essential to ensure ride leaders are aware of expected numbers.
REGISTER NOW*Before registering for a training ride, please ensure you read and adhere to our training ride terms and conditions
Are you covered when you ride?
Our training rides are open to anyone in the bike riding community. We encourage any new riders to join as a Bicycle Network member to ensure they are covered with bike riding insurance while also helping us improve bike riding conditions for everyone.
Viking Cycling Club – Canberra
Join Melany and the Canberra Peaks Challenge crew on these training rides. These rides are run with Viking Cycling Club however all are welcome and you do not need to be a VCC member. You don’t need to register for these rides but if you have any questions or would like to keep up to date with future rides and on-the-day weather updates, please join the Canberra Peaks WhatsApp Chat
Feb TBC | Jindabyne Training Camp (NSW)
We are headed to Jindabyne for a weekend of riding!
If you are preparing for the 3 Peaks Challenge in March 2024 or even if you are simply looking for some longer rides as part of your own training, come along. This is our final chance to get a few targeted rides in, so don’t miss out.
Dates
16-18 or 23-25 Feb TBC
Ride leader
Melany Toombs
Where
Rides
Day 1: The infamous Rom Gorggin Climb
116km / 2983m elevation – View route
Other rides TBC
Notes
Riders should book their own accommodation for the weekend, but please feel free to join the Peaks WhatsApp chat for more information on some options that other riders will be booking, future rides and on-the-day weather updates. Join the Canberra Peaks WhatsApp Chat.
Total Rush – Women’s rides
We’re stoked to have our friend’s at Total Rush leading some women’s only rides in the lead up to Peaks Challenge 2024.
They’ll be hosting some local rides around Melbourne for women who are thinking of having a crack at this year’s event, plus the team is riding in March. It’s the perfect chance to find some riding buddies for event day!
Save the date(s) for upcoming rides on 24 Feb.
Getting more women riding
Women's Community
There is a serious gender imbalance in bike riding in Australia, where only one in three riders are women. When it comes to Peaks Challenge, this drops to one in ten.
Bicycle Network’s Women’s Community program is committed to making bike riding an inclusive activity for all. With the launch of Peaks Challenge 2024 we’ve set the goal of doubling the female participation rate to 20% by Peaks 2025.
The first step towards this happens now.
Over 90% of tickets are sold for Peaks 2024 and nearly 10% of these belong to women.
We will also run Women’s Community training sessions and social nights to connect and empower female and gender diverse riders to be confident in making the commitment to take on Peaks 2024.
Bicycle Network is a not-for-profit organisation. Becoming a Member and entering Peaks Challenge supports our advocacy campaigns and behaviour change programs, including our Women’s Community.
Women’s Community Info Session
Thinking of taking on Peaks Challenge Falls Creek?
Our Women’s Community Peaks Challenge information session is the perfect watch for both first-timers and past riders looking to take on the challenge. Check-out the recording of the session for an insight into what to expect at the event from 3 times Peaks Challenge finisher Anna Locarnini.
Women’s Community rider stories
A collection of inspiring rider stories
Meg masters the mountains
While Meg was in Bright with her partner and his mates, there wasn’t an expectation that Meg was taking part on the big day... this...
Ela digs deep to conquer Peaks
When COVID reared its ugly head in 2020 and forced us all to rethink our routine; for Ela, this meant riding. So she committed to...
Anna’s three Peaks experiences
Anna’s Peaks Challenge Falls Creek experiences have varied from a year of firsts, a year of improvement and a year of challenges, but she pedals...
Candice’s can do attitude
Peaks 2020 was Candice's first cycling event, ever. Having only been riding a couple of months and with the memories of her partner's torturous experience...
Consistency wins the day for Kathy
Kathy describes her bike riding as consistently slow. But her mental game is consistently strong, and she got the job done... twice!...
Michelle’s Peaks Challenge experience
For Michelle, the feeling of finishing Peaks Challenge for the first time in 2021 is a tough one to describe.
Blog
There is no disputing that Peaks Challenge is a big day out on the bike. Here's a guide to help you conquer Peaks Challenge, regardless of your level of riding.
A group of riders from our Women's Community recently caught up for a good old fashion descending skills session. Check out the key takeaways for going downhill at Peaks.
Our 16-week training plans kick off in November, but there’s plenty you can do from early spring to start building a solid base fitness on the bike.
Special thanks to Winners
Event nutrition
Peaks Challenge nutrition pack – Save 42%
The Peaks Challenge nutrition pack contains a mix of products to help ensure you have the nutrition you need to train for the event and perform at your best. Winners Energy Bars are a great source of low GI carbohydrates, whilst the gels and chews give you the quick energy boost to maximise performance throughout every session.
Winners 10% discount offer
Winners are offering a 10% discount from winnersbars.com for all riders participating in Peaks Challenge 2024.
Use coupon code: Peaks24
Special thanks to Prepd
Event hydration
Special PREPD offer for Peaks Challenge
PREPD is a revolutionary sports hydration booster scientifically and clinically proven to enhance athletic performance and aid fast recovery. PREPD will help you train and compete at Peaks Challenge at your best with both pre and post ride hydration to aid your training and recovery.
Get unparalleled hydration with 20% off
Boost your cycling performance and recovery with PREPD! Use code PEAKS20 at www.prepdhydration.com.au for an exclusive 20% off your first purchase.
Join the club
Bicycle Network’s Strava club is full of like-minded bike riders of all abilities, from the Peaks Challenge regulars to those entering their first 50km United Energy Around the Bay ride. Join the club and stay tuned for local training rides in the lead up to events near you.
Go to stravaYour domestiques
Team Bicycle Network
At Peaks Challenge we don’t just provide you with food and water. We have a full team dedicated to setting the pace, rhythm and the attitude that’s required for a good day in the saddle.
You can expect lots of encouragement, support and help with pace setting from Team Bicycle Network both during regular training rides and on event day.
Select your target finish time from 8 hour – 12 hour and get to know the team below.
TEAM PROFILESLast chance to ride the legend. Your time is now!
Commit Now