Former pro cyclist Amy Charity has helped create three of the most enjoyable gravel events in the world, including one that takes place every January right here in Australia.

Amy launched her first race, SBT GRVL®, in her hometown of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. For her second event, she teamed up with business partner Valtteri Bottas, a Formula 1 driver with 10 wins and nearly 70 podiums. The two inaugurated FNLD GRVL in 2023, about 100 kilometres north of Helsinki in Bottas’ hometown of Lahti.

Adelaide’s RADL GRVL is what Aussies might like to think of as the crown jewel of Amy’s three events, next running on 23 January 2026. It’s a race, but it’s also open to anyone who wants to enjoy riding the gravel of Adelaide Hills.

The cycling magazines call RADL GRVL “the biggest and best gravel race in Australia.” It benefits from taking place alongside the Santos Tour Down Under, which is the opening race of both the men’s and women's UCI World Tours, which bring more than 750,000 spectators to Adelaide.

In addition to F1 driver Bottas, Amy’s partner on her Adelaide event is local native Tiffany Cromwell, a member of the Canyon–SRAM professional cycling team and an Olympic athlete with two decades of racing experience. Tiffany grew up riding her road bike on the gravel trails around Stirling, SA.

“Tiffany opened our eyes to the incredible gravel riding around Adelaide,” Amy told CycleHub.

“I have ridden all over the world and used to think the ‘champagne’ gravel we have in Steamboat was the absolute best, but in the Adelaide Hills you have white decomposed granite. It’s very smooth, very fast and, if that’s possible, even better than in Steamboat.”

The Course

RADL GRVL p/b Quad Lock in McLaren Vale, just outside of the city of Adelaide, will have new routes in 2026. Even so, there is one thing you can be sure of: the two courses will accommodate both experienced riders and relative beginners.

The Blue Course is about 115 kilometres, around 80% of which is gravel, and involves roughly 1,500 metres of climbing.

The Green Course is around 35 kilometres, about 50% of which is gravel, and contains 320 metres of climbing. Part of the Green route runs along the McLaren Vale wine region’s Shiraz Trail.

“The rolling terrain and climbs split the field early and get people who want to go fast out in front,” said Amy. “And there are vineyards everywhere.”

Since RADL GRVL is set in the wine town of McLaren Vale, CycleHub asked Amy about her favourite wine. “Oliver’s Taranga is one of my favourites for sure,” she said. “We are partners with them, and we start and finish the ride at their sister facility Oliver and Press.

”And what does one of America’s best cyclists think about Adelaide?=

“I’ve been to many places during bike events, but Adelaide is one of the few that feels very much like a cycling hub. You walk into the airport there and see posters for cycling. Then you get into the streets and see cycling on the billboards and on all the buses, and you see groups of cyclists all over the city.

“I’ve never seen that anywhere else in the world,” Amy said. “It’s this incredible progressive town with great restaurants and coffee shops that is very cycling-friendly.”

Amy’s so fond of Adelaide that she’ll be visiting in October to help scout out the routes for the 2026 event. If you’re a local, watch out for her and shout her a coffee or a glass of wine.

Four Days of Gravel in Adelaide

If you’re looking for an excuse to travel, Amy said a small number of dedicated riders (just two last year) ride in all three of her GRVL® events every year.

“If you do all three events, our team will work with you so you can dictate what your custom number plate is. They get a lot of attention from us because we want them to have a good time.”

Even if you stick to Adelaide, RADL GRVL is more than just a ride. It’s four days of events, all centred around their exclusive precinct of the Santos Tour Down Under Village.

On the first day, Wednesday, 21 January, it all kicks off with the RADL GRVL EXPO with booths and activities.

On Thursday at 9:30 AM riders can join the Quad Lock Budgy Beach Ride out to The Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg. This is a fun ride with a custom Budgy Smuggler design every year. Last year, it was mermaid scales. You’ll have to show up in 2026 to find out what this year’s design is.

There’s a legendary afternoon Pro Panel later on Thursday. If you’re into pro cycling, this is special. The biggest names in the sport get on stage and host a Q&A session and compete on wacky feats of strength and their knowledge of trivia.

Friday, 23 January, is ride day. Get up early for the 6:15 AM shuttle from Adelaide out to Oliver & Press Winemakers. The riders start at 7:45 in five separate waves. Then, from 11 AM, you can enjoy the finishers party, along with a post-race meal, finishers’ party, Santos Tour Down Under viewing party, and some fun outdoor activities. It will be a day to remember.

There’s still more on Saturday, with a social ride up Willunga Hill, one of South Australia's most famous cycling climbs that often features in the Santos Tour Down Under. This 77 kilometre jaunt involves 1,460 metres of elevation, but ends with a special treat: a watch party at the finish line of the men's Santos Tour Down Under, with beer and non-alcoholic beverages and an F1 Valtteri Bottas Sausage Sizzle. This one's limited to just 150 riders and their guests, so sign up early.

Advice for Beginners

RADL GRVL is just as welcoming to WorldTour racers as it is to first-timers. It can be serious, and it can be fun. Amy’s advice for newcomers is to make a weekend of it and bring family and friends.

“We have more non-contenders than we do racers,” she says. “The group ride to Moseley Beach is a flat ride on a bike path and very accessible to any new cyclists.

“If you’re just getting your feet wet in gravel cycling, on Friday maybe do the shorter Green Course. You’ll still get to enjoy what gravel cycling is all about and also enjoy the festivities afterwards.”

Above all, said Amy, don't miss that last day of Willunga Hill. You make it there, you have a great meal and a change of clothes, and then you hang out and you can get a shuttle ride back to your hotel in Adelaide.

“Don’t just show up, ride, and go home. Enjoy the whole event. Last year we had a huge Zipp and Slide water slide for kids and adults,” she said.

As for lodging, RADL GRVL has their HQ at the Pullman Hotel, which will be the most fun place to stay.

Registration for RADL GRVL is open now, and prices go up 31 December, so it’s best not to wait.

“We are capping at 800 riders, and we are already tracking to hit that 800 number,” Amy warned.

Quick-Fire Q&A

What is RADL GRVL and when is it?

RADL GRVL is a four-day gravel festival that culminates in a race/ride on Friday, 23 January 2026, during the Santos Tour Down Under week in South Australia. The event hub lives in the City of Adelaide Tour Village; race day starts/finishes at Oliver & Press Winemakers in McLaren Vale.

What’s the week-long schedule?

• Wednesday 21 Jan – Expo (City of Adelaide Tour Village). 11:00–17:00 Expo, sponsor activations, packet pickup.
• Thursday 22 Jan – Beach shakeout + Pro Panel (Village). 08:45–09:20 check-in at GRVL Corner; 09:30–11:00 Quad Lock Budgy Beach Ride to The Moseley Beach Club; 11:00–17:00 Expo/packet pickup; 16:00–16:40 Pro Panel; 16:40–17:00 media Q&A; 17:00–17:45 mandatory rider meeting.
• Friday 23 Jan – Ride day (Oliver & Press, McLaren Vale). 06:15 ticketed shuttles depart Adelaide; starts: 07:45 Elite Open/Men Blue; 07:50 Elite Women Blue; 07:52 Junior Blue; 08:05 Amateur Blue; 08:45 Green Vineyard Tour; 11:00 first finishers; 13:00 podiums; 11:00–16:00 meal/finishers party/TDU viewing; 15:45 shuttles back to Adelaide; 18:00–23:30 after party downtown.
• Saturday 25 Jan – Willunga Hill social ride + watch party. Meet 07:30 (Village), roll 08:00; 77 km / 1,460 m; noon–15:30 watch party at Willunga Hill with Valtteri Bottas Sausage Sizzle (limited to 150 riders/guests). Strava route linked from schedule.

See the full schedule and download STRAVA routes from the RADL GRVL event website.

What courses are offered in 2026?

Two courses with new routes that will be released closer to the event:

• Blue Course: ~115 km, ~1,500 m climbing, ~80% gravel (Adelaide Hills + vineyards).
• Green Course: ~35 km, ~320 m climbing, ~50% gravel (Shiraz Trail & private vineyard sectors; beginner-friendly).

How do I register?

Register on RADL GRVL’s website.

How much does it cost?

As listed on the official page, the pricing depends on your category and route. The 35 kilometre Green Vineyard Course for amateur risers is just $59.83 until prices rise in December.

Amateurs can register for the 115 kilometre Blue Adelaide Hills Course for $239.75.

Those prices include entry to all four days of events and rides, including the post-race meal, coffee, treats, and sponsor goodies. The limited-access Valtteri Bottas Sausage Sizzle costs extra.

Where is the start/finish and how far is it from Adelaide?

The rides start and finish at Oliver & Press Winemakers in the McLaren Vale wine region. It’s roughly 40 km and 45 min from the City of Adelaide Tour Village. Other events are located or start from RADL GRVL’s precinct at the Tour Down Under.

Are there shuttles from Adelaide on race day?

Yes. Ticketed shuttles are listed in the schedule: 06:15 outbound; 15:45 return after the party.

Where should I stay?

RADL’s official partner hotels (exclusive rates, bike-friendly features) are with Accor Pullman Adelaide, Mantra Hindmarsh Square, and ibis Adelaide. Get more information from the Accor website.

What tyres/bikes work best for Adelaide Hills “white” gravel?

The event describes fast, packed gravel with some double-track. For most riders, the tyres they have will work fine. If you’re upgrading, a 40–45 mm tubeless tyre with a file-to-semi-slick center and light side knobs is an excellent all-round choice; racers comfortable on hardpack sometimes go even slicker.

As for pressure, experts suggest you start somewhere in the low-30s PSI for a 700×40–42 mm tubeless setup. That’s if you’re about 70–75 kg. Adjust from there for your weight and preferences.

What on-course support and nutrition will I find?

Fully stocked aid stations with Maurten products/snacks; neutral/mechanical support; medical support; and course marshals.

Is there prize money or elite racing?

Yes. The race offers a $7,000 prize purse to Elite Open Men & Women. Elite riders also have dedicated wave start times on Friday.

Is there a charity component?

Yes. RADL GRVL’s official charity partner is World Bicycle Relief. At the event, The World Bicycle Relief Buffalo Award will be presented to a gravel cyclist who, over the previous 12 months, has demonstrated exceptional levels of community spirit and inclusion.

Where do I pick up my packet and where’s the Expo?

Packet pickup and the RADL GRVL Expo run out of the City of Adelaide Tour Village during the week.

Can beginners/families do this?

Absolutely. At about 35 kilometres of forgiving terrain, the Green Course is designed for newer riders, and Thursday’s Budgy Beach Ride is flat, short, and social. Saturday’s Willunga Hill outing is a more challenging social ride, but with bus return available.

What’s the climate like in late January?

You know Adelaide. In mid-summer expect warm-to-hot, dry, and sunny days. Temperatures will be in the mid- to high-20s °C unless we’re experience a heat spike. At this time of year, be sure to pre-hydrate, carry liquids, and use electrolyte fuel at aid stations.

And don’t forget the sunscreen.

How do I get there?

On race day, ticketed shuttles run from the Adelaide CBD to McLaren Vale and back. If you are driving, plan for about a 45-minute drive.

Is there a cap on rider numbers?

Yes, this ride caps at 800 in 2026, and the organisers are already on track to hit that number, so register now.

Any local shop partners for last-minute spares or service?

Yes. Bicycle Express is listed as a RADL Bike Shop Partner. It has locations in Adelaide CBD, Norwood, and Mitcham. Contact them at enquiries@bicycleexpress.com.au and 08 8232 7277. Find their Adelaide store at 124 Halifax Street, Adelaide, SA 5000.

What happens on Saturday at Willunga Hill?

A social gravel ride from the Village to Willunga Hill, then a ticketed watch party at a prime on-course location for the men’s TDU stage, with beverages and the Valtteri Bottas Sausage Sizzle (limited to 150). A return shuttle is available. The Sizzle is capped at 150 people and requires separate registration, so wait too long and miss it.