RIVER 2 REEF RIDE FESTIVAL

Location: QLD
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

The River 2 Reef Ride Festival returns as Mackay's premier cycling celebration. This action-packed weekend welcomes riders of all abilities for an unforgettable journey through Queensland's stunning coastal and hinterland landscapes. From the heart-pounding Criterium Race to the challenging 100km Gran Fondo, there's a perfect distance for everyone to "pedal with passion, ride for a reason, and make every kilometre count."

Since its establishment in 2011 by local cycling enthusiast Evan Corry, the River2Reef Ride has grown into an iconic regional event that promotes healthy active living while raising crucial funds for BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay. Every pedal stroke contributes to these worthy causes, making your participation both meaningful and memorable.

Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 6-7, 2025

Location: Mackay, Queensland, Australia

Start Times:

  • Saturday: Criterium (8:00AM), Kids Colour Ride (2:45PM)
  • Sunday: 100km (5:30AM), 60km (6:15AM), 30km (6:30AM)

Event Types: Criterium Race, Kids Colour Ride, Road Cycling (multiple distances)

Distance Options:

  • Criterium Race: 1.42km circuit (multiple laps)
  • Golding Kids Colour Ride: 1.5km-10km (age dependent)
  • Queensland Country Health Fund 30km Dash
  • City Fitness 60km Epic
  • Kaeser Compressors 100km Gran Fondo (759m elevation gain)

Criterium Race (Saturday)

Experience the adrenaline of competitive circuit racing on a fully closed 1.42km track at CQ University campus. This flat, technical course rewards strategy and sprint power, with separate categories for juniors, women, and men. With $2,400 in prize money, expect fierce competition and thrilling spectator viewing.

Kids Colour Ride (Saturday)

A family-friendly adventure around the beautiful Botanic Gardens with exciting colour hits along the way. Perfect for young riders from 3-12 years, with distances tailored to different age groups and plenty of fun for spectators too.

30km Dash (Sunday)

Ideal for beginners and social riders, this scenic route starts at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre and takes riders to Dumbleton Weir before returning via Nebia-Conningsby Road. Expect a relaxed pace with beautiful river views and excellent support.

60km Epic (Sunday)

A well-balanced intermediate challenge combining river roads, rural landscapes, and the welcoming Habana Community Centre rest stop. This route offers a perfect stepping stone between casual riding and more serious endurance events.

100km Gran Fondo (Sunday)

Mackay's ultimate cycling challenge combines technical riding, endurance, and spectacular scenery. With 759m of climbing, this route tests your limits while showcasing the region's diverse landscapes from river flats to rural highlands.

Registration Opens: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Registration Closes: Midnight, September 5, 2025 (or until sold out)

Criterium Race:

  • Total Prize Pool: $2,400
  • Categories: Juniors (U15), Women (A-D Grades), Men (A-D Grades)
  • Grading determined on race morning
  • Includes: Timing, rider guide, mechanical and medical support

Golding Kids Colour Ride:

  • Age-appropriate distances
  • Includes: FREE event T-shirt (limited sizes available)
  • Helmets essential, eye protection recommended

Road Rides (Sunday):

  • 100km Gran Fondo: minimum age 18+ years
  • 60km Epic: minimum age 15+ years
  • 30km Dash: minimum age 12+ years (12-15 must ride with an adult)
  • Includes: Timing chip, rider support, aid stations access

Bikes Permitted:

  • Road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, hybrid bikes, time-trial bikes, gravel bikes
  • ebikes (must meet Australian standards, no modifications)
  • Para cyclist modified bikes welcomed

Aid Stations:

  • Dumbleton Weir: Water, light refreshments, toilets (30km turnaround)
  • Habana Community Centre: Gatorade, water, fruit cake, light refreshments, toilets
  • Doyle's/Marian-Hampden Roads: Water, lollies (100km turnaround)

SAG wagon for riders unable to maintain minimum pace

Medical support throughout course

Mechanical support at start line and on course

Bag drop available at event hub

Event Organiser: River 2 Reef Ride Event Committee

Email: info@river2reefride.com.au

Website: river2reefride.com.au

Facebook: /river2reefride

Instagram: @river2reef_ride_festival

By Air:

  • Mackay Airport (MKY): Regular direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and major Queensland cities
  • Car hire available at terminal
  • Airport is approximately 10 minutes drive from the Botanic Gardens

By Road:

  • From Brisbane: 10 hours via Bruce Highway (970km)
  • From Townsville: 4 hours via Bruce Highway (390km)
  • From Rockhampton: 3 hours via Bruce Highway (335km)

Natural Wonders:

Food and Recovery:

Family Activities:

Weekend Planning Tip: Combine your cycling weekend with exploring the spectacular Pioneer Valley and nearby beaches for a perfect active getaway. September offers ideal riding conditions with mild temperatures and low rainfall.

Never Miss an Event

Get monthly updates on rides and races that match your goals.