Two hours south of Sydney, where the Clyde River meets the edge of the Eurobodalla hinterland, you will find some of the best gravel riding in Australia. Clarkes Gambit gives you a weekend of trails in this corner of the NSW South Coast. You’ll wonder why you don't do it more often.

The event is named for the Clarke gang. Brothers Thomas and John Clarke were two of colonial Australia's most feared outlaws and bushrangers. They ambushed gold shipments and rustled livestock across this exact stretch of southern NSW in the 1860s.

There are two days of riding. Saturday is race day, with professional timing and results for those who want to contest placings or chase a personal best. Sunday shifts to a more relaxed pace, with recovery rides at party pace. Three course distances (35km, 55km, and 100km) mean the event suits everyone from junior riders and social groups through to competitive gravel athletes.

The Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is your base. Once you finish your ride, head there for a cold drink or sneak 10 minutes back down the road to Batemans Bay for a quick surf.

Clarkes Gambit is one of three tough gravel rides organised by Graveluer that are all named for famous bushrangers. Do them all and you’ll win both bragging rights and an exclusive commemorative belt buckle.