We’ve just finished a wonderful 9 nights and 8 days cycling in the beautiful northern NSW and SE QLD hinterland, from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay and return. While this was our second GC-BB tour, the itinerary took a slightly different form due to a few road closures following the recent rain and flooding in the region - which gave repeat riders (Frank, Paul and Russel!) an opportunity to explore new roads.

Tour stats: Distance: 539km, Altitude Gain 8645m, Flat Tyres: 7, Broken Spokes: 5, Crashes: 1 (all ok just a bit of skin off Rob’s elbow), Beers consumed: 547, Photos Taken: 1128,

A group of 20 of us rolled out of Coolangatta, farewelling the coast and views of Surfers, with a different route to tackle the lesser known locals climb to Carool and meandering Hogan’s road through beautiful rainforest towards Tumbulgum - a few took on the extra challenge of the steep climb to Natural Arch and the Border Gate (well done Sally, Mal, Jo and Mick!) before relaxing with WOR famous afternoon tea (and a well stocked eski!) at the end of the day. A big Day 1 of close to 100km and 1700m ascent for some.

We continued with our inland riding, rolling along quiet country roads with plenty of steep pinches through Uki, with the essential morning coffee stop at Bastion Lane “Roast Office”! A gentle climb to Nimbin, a hippie haven full of colour and character. Our accommodation that night certainly had character - as we bunked in at the local pub, enjoying a few games of pool, pub grub and met a few overly friendly locals…!

We meandered through the rolling hills with lunch at the Eltham Hotel to Byron Bay. Perhaps some of the best oysters ever for our first official Group Meal at The Balcony - an incredible multi-course meal in a gorgeous setting overlooking the streets of Byron.

The weather was unseasonably wet and grey - not the bright sunny skies we had hoped for - but it made for atmospheric cycling and the group came together to support each other. Surprisingly very little ‘sag wagon’ time - the warm weather meant we weren’t too cold and Mick on hand with fresh white towels at lunch stops was just the kind of crew love we all needed!

Two nights in Byron Bay was fantastic - a chance for people to relax a little and enjoy the iconic beachside town. Surfing, oyster eating, shopping, beach walks, swims and a great loop ride to Watego’s Bay, the Lighthouse and up to Bangalow (frock anyone?) and Newrybar for our special group lunch at Harvest cafe - a foodie highlight of the Tour and of the region.

From Byron the foodie focus continued, with brunch at the iconic 3 Blue Ducks restaurant at The Farm, a working farm with a focus on sourcing local seasonal produce. We tackled “Possum Shoot Road” climb with misty views back to the ocean. The rolling riding continued through Federal for ice creams and Japanese. We descended steeply to Repentance Creek - flooding over the road meant the group certainly had time to repent as they climbed back up!

Brunswick Heads for 2 nights and a welcome rest day. A group of 8 headed off for a bonus meal at one of the best regional restaurants in Australia - Pipit. Otherwise it was golf, farmers markets, short rides, bike cleaning, beers at the iconic Brunswick Hotel and a fun Mexican group meal at La Casita (mezcal!!!) recharged us for our final 2 days through Cabarita Beach and returning to the Gold Coast.

While the weather didn’t improve for our stay at Cabarita Beach (named Australia’s best beach in 2020) and I don’t think anyone went swimming - we luckily had a fabulous accommodation with a hot tub and then glammed-up to head out for a 5-star dining experience at Paper Daisy at the revamped Hamptons style Halcyon House.

Our last climb - Tomewin (one of the Peaks Challenge climbs) certainly split the bunch - with steep pinches around 15% and sustained climbing at 8-9% for a few kms. I’m not sure who got the KOM/QOM title this time, but no one seemed to care when we arrived at Currumbin beach for bubbles, beers and SUNSHINE!!!

And the sun finally came out as we returned to the Gold Coast!

Thanks to those who joined us - an incredibly fun, resilient group. Thanks to our Crew - Mick, Rob and Roofi and also Pepe for looking after Max and Leo while Mum went on tour! See you next time for Gold Coast Byron Bay in 2023… and surely it’ll be all blue skies!

Remember, what happens on Tour stays on Tour… but here’s a few fun photos…