MARYS MAYHEM
Marys Mayhem delivers a weekend of "champagne gravel" across the rolling gold-country backroads of Mudgee and Rylstone. As the final stop in the Graveleur Bushranger Series, this two-day event trades heavy climbing for high-speed, flowing dirt sectors that suit everyone from competitive racers to social groups. The ride is named in honour of Mary Ann Bugg, a Worimi woman and Australia's first female bushranger, who famously operated throughout this Central North West region in the 1800s.
The weekend is built around a "ride it your way" philosophy. Saturday functions as the primary race day, featuring professional timing and results for those looking to set personal bests or contest age-group podiums. Sunday shifts the focus to a relaxed recovery atmosphere, culminating in a community beer festival in the heart of Rylstone.
Beyond the tape, Marys Mayhem is a community-driven festival supported by local Rotary and CWA branches. Riders roll back into event villages hosted at local craft breweries, where the post-ride atmosphere includes live music, fresh local food, and a celebration of the region's hospitality. Whether you are chasing the Bushranger Series belt buckle or a memorable weekend with friends, the route's relatively flat profile makes these distances more accessible than many other rugged Australian gravel events.