The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge in November has some of the most beautiful routes you can ride in Victoria. It offers coastal roads hugging wild ocean views, rolling green hills, and quiet country backroads.

Organiser Gavin Slavin is a former track racer and 30-time Ironman who at 58 still loves his cycling.

But there can also be tragedies.

In the year 2000, Gavin and friends were waiting for their mate Bernard to join them and do a 6-hour ride in the hills. But Bernard never showed. They later found out he had been killed on the side of the road by a courier car. The driver had been behind the wheel for 16 hours, had the sun in his eyes, and never saw the cyclist.

“He left behind a beautiful wife and 6 kids,” says Gavin. “So when a friend asked me in 2010 if I wanted to organise a new ride, I knew right away that road safety and education for younger drivers would be the mission.”

Gavin connected with RYDA from Queensland, the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness programme. “They agreed to come down to Victoria if we raised money for them through our ride. Today, they are fully integrated into the state, with hundreds of driver's education programs going on.”

Gorgeous gravel and road routes

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge offers four ride choices around South Gippsland, catering to riders of all ages and abilities. Challenge yourself on the road with hills, the coast, or both over 40km, 53km, 85km, 121km, or try the 100km gravel ride and get off the beaten track.

Gavin calls it a tough event for somebody who wants to challenge themselves. The hardest parts of the route are the Mount Misery climb and Anderson's Inlet Road. The latter catches you by surprise with a steep, fast downhill that the road warriors love. Mount Misery is a 3km ascent with an average gradient of 6.5% and an elevation gain of 197 meters.

The event’s most beautiful segment is riding up the gorge and finishing along the coast road.

The record holder on the 120km road ride in the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is Greg Stewart, an ex Ironman now in his 60s. “I think it was around about two hours and 35 minutes, and it’s hilly,” says Gavin.

Gravel riders, pay attention. The gravel route has a bit of everything. First, you ride out toward and up the back of Mount Misery.

“I think it hits about a 20% grade,” says Gavin. “It’s an awesome ride.”

Then, you come back down Mount Misery and hit the rail trail. You keep going all the way through to the coast and onto sandy track around the desalination plant trails.

The heroes behind the scenes

Gavin isn’t alone in organising the Bass Coast Challenge. In fact, as he tells it, Katie Hodge now does most of the organisational work. They are both supported by a huge number of enthusiastic volunteers.

“She has it all scheduled and has fine-tuned everything,” he says. “I’m the founder, but she controls it.” The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge also brings in a professional team from Event Opps to handle the permits, paperwork, and on-the-day setup and clean up.

“This event can’t happen without many good people and support from the community, and RYDA is the key. It’s about safety and the RIDA programme.”

As for Gavin himself, when he rides, it’s on the new bike he bought for himself last year.

"I went and had a look and realised I needed to get rid of some,” he said, so he sold 6 bikes to make room for the new purchase and now has 4 left. He is down to a road bike, a tri bike, and two mountain bikes. That's not including the electric bike that he rides on the beach.

“And I still have my original road bike,” says Gavin, “a 1985 Malvern Star Triathlete. I still use it on a casual day or when we have an easy ride.”

Find out more about the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge and be sure to sign up soon. While the event is not until November, participant numbers are capped at 1,000. You don't want to miss this one.

Quick-fire Q&A

Here are some common questions and answers about the Best Coast Cycle Challenge. Please suggest any other questions and answers that might be useful.

Where is the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge held?

The start and finish line for all courses is Inverloch, Victoria, Australia. Inverloch is a coastal township located about 2hrs south east of Melbourne.

When is the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge held?

Bass Coast Challenge is held in November. Check website homepage for most current date.

What distances are offered?

A range of rider abilities is catered for with 121km, 85km, 53km and 40km road rides offered. Plus a gravel ride (combination gravel/bitumen).

How much are the entry fees?

See the event page on this website for latest fees and details of what’s included.

Can I change ride distances once registered?

There will be no changes to ride distances unless approved by Bass Coast Cycle Challenge. You must apply 3 days before the event to change the ride distance.

Can I enter on the day?

Yes, although we recommend entries be completed online before the event. If the field limit of 1000 has not been reached by the Friday before event day, last-minute entries will be accepted at check-in/registration on Friday and Saturday morning.

Can I get food there?

Some local cafes will be open if you require breakfast and be sure to bring plenty of extra carbs for your ride, like bananas, muesli bars etc.

Where can I store my bike when I'm not riding?

There will be a bike storage area, but be sure to bring your own lock because it's up to you to ensure its safety.