It's that time of year again. Time to plan something big for the next 12 months!

Your calendar has boxes for all 365 days in 2026, and you need to fill them up. Why not a cycling adventure?

To help you get started with your planning, here are the biggest, best, and most underrated mass-participation cycling events you can do in Australia or New Zealand.

The Biggest: The Great Victorian Bike Ride

The first Great Victorian Bike Ride took place in 1984, in honour of Victoria’s 150th anniversary, Since then, more than 200,000 riders have taken part.

In 2026, you won't have the familiar nine-day format. Instead, the event has been pared down to five days. The missing four days have fallen victim to increasing costs and limited financial support.

But the new structure might be even better. It features two-night stays at each campsite but still has all the hallmarks that have made the Great Vic legendary, including vibrant camp life, entertainment, and extraordinary camaraderie.

Having a loop ride that ends back where it started every other day means you can choose your challenge or take a rest day. And not having to pack up every morning means you will have more time to make the most of the community and enjoy yourself.

Read more about this event and find out how to sign up at the CycleHub page dedicated to The Great Victorian Bike Ride.

The Best: Amy’s Gran Fondo

This 122km ride takes place on Australia’s most spectacular roads, and the entire route is closed to traffic.

Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo keeps alive the memory of Amy Gillett, an elite cyclist who died while training in Germany with the Australian team. The money raised goes to Amy’s Foundation, which works to make riding safer.

There's a 122km age group race, a recreational Gran Fondo of the same length, and a “medio” fondo of 45km.

If you do the full distance, you'll be climbing two large peaks and a total of 1,869 meters of elevation.

The words “gran fondo” mean “great endurance”, and that’s exactly what riders will need to power through this event.

It’s well worth it, undoubtedly the most spectacularly beautiful ride in Australia, and probably the safest, too.

Find out more about Amy’s Gran Fondo and sign up.

The Most Underrated: MACA Cancer 200

The MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for the Perkins is probably the most underrated big cycling event in Australia. That's partly because it takes place in Perth, which is at least 5 hours by plane from 80% of the Australian population.

It's worth the trip, however. The year 2026 will mark the 15th year for this event, and some think it's not only one of Australia's biggest charity cycling events but absolutely the friendliest.

It's a two-day journey. On day one, you cycle 100km south to Mandurah using an inland route. Then, on day two, you'll set off back to Perth along the beautiful coastline.

There's plenty of support for riders with pit stops every 20 km. And if you want to make the most of the experience, the organisers provide every individual with a tent to camp overnight in Mandura. There are also hot showers, toilets, amazing catering, and drinks at the "HANDLEBAR”.

Don't worry, you won't have to carry your gear with you. They organise transport for all your personal belongings. And for non-campers, it's easy to book a hotel room or Airbnb nearby.

The money raised by the MACA Cancer 200 ride goes to WA's Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to help fund its battle against cancer.

Sign up today because the organisers have placed a cap on the number of participants.

Learn more about the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for the Perkins and sign up.

Which Will You Choose?

So there you have it. Australia's biggest cycling event, it's best, and it's most underrated. Choose at least one and make 2026 your best cycling year ever.

And if you don't agree with our picks, email us at inbox@cyclehub.com.au and tell us what you think Australia's most outstanding rides are.