When Shellharbour rider Chris Girvan turns the pedals this October for the Bike for Bibles - Canberra event, he’ll be aboard the same Giant road bike he’s ridden for eight years. It’s an “NRMA bike”, as he calls it, because insurance bought it for him when his prior bike was stolen.

The frame is still stiff, the gearing still slick and, as Chris puts it, “this one will do me for a long, long time.”

Why the Canberra Challenge is different

Chris is the organiser of Bike for Bibles 2025 – Canberra Challenge (7-11 October). Instead of a point-to-point epic, this year’s ride is an out-and-back format based at Vision Church, Fyshwick, so riders can pick a shorter loop or even take a rest day without worrying about being left behind.

“We’ve got an A- and a B-team, and if you want to pull out at 80 k you can. That lets more people come,” Chris explains. The A-Team will ride about 120 km per day (about 560 km over five days). Meanwhile, the B-Team will ride from 70-100 km per day (about 400 km total).

Daily routes roll through Canberra’s northern country roads, western ranges and lakeside climbs, always returning to the same base for hot showers—and even yoga sessions—before dinner.

Come for the ride, stay for the food

If you think church-hall catering means soggy porridge, think again. Chris’s cousin William Hood runs the kitchen, laying out gourmet sandwiches, salads and “three different types of meat” at the lunch stops, plus crowd-pleasers like lasagne and soup at night.

“Some people go just because of the food. You won’t be disappointed,” Chris laughs.

Quick-fire Q & A

Do I have to ride the full 600 km?

No. Choose A- or B-team each morning, skip a day, or hop in the support van if you’ve had enough.

I’m not super-fit—can I still join?

Absolutely. The no-drop policy and daily distance options make it beginner-friendly.

What does it cost?

$350 for the full week or $70 per day, covering meals, on-road snacks, accommodation and support vehicles.

Do I have to be religious?

Riders of all beliefs (or none) are welcome. The goal is to raise literacy levels for kids in Mozambique; faith is not a prerequisite to participate.

Where does the money go?

Proceeds support a Bible-based literacy program called Mission Educate. It’s helping 650 learners across 20 community groups in Mozambique develop reading, numeracy and life skills. Mission Educate is a not-for-profit organisation, so any donations are tax-deductible.

How good is the food, really?

Expect barista-level coffee stops, gourmet sandwiches on the road and hearty dinners, enough to make non-riders jealous.

How should I train for the Bike for Bibles?

It wouldn't hurt to get a cycling coach or to join a training program. Based on a two-month timeframe for a 600-km, 5-day bike ride, a credible training plan should focus on building endurance, incorporating back-to-back long rides, and tapering effectively in the final weeks.

We looked at sources online, like Active Adventures and TrainerRoad, and created this two-month plan as an example.

Where do I learn more?

You can learn more at the Cycle Hub Bike for Bibles Canberra page and on the Bible Society website.

Ready to roll? Registrations close 30 September or when spots fill. Dust off your bike, whether it’s new or “NRMA-issue,” and join Chris for five days of rolling hills, full plates and fundraising that changes lives.