RideBeyondFive 2023

6:00AM - 3:00PM Thursday 26th October 2023

Royal National Park

Registrations for this event are now closed.

RIDE BEYOND FIVE
THURSDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2023

Want to ride for free? Raise $1500 and we'll refund your $500 registration fee! Support a Rider

Join special guest rider, Olympian cyclist Annette Edmondson for this year's 104.8km loop ride from Audley through the beautiful Sydney Royal National Park and back along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge while helping to raise funds and awareness for people living with Head and Neck Cancer.

RideBeyondFive is an endurance charity event for avid cyclists - including e-bike riders! - ready for a challenge while experiencing the beauty of our natural landscapes south of Sydney.

An event not to be missed you'll be supported by Pro-Continental riders and qualified bike mechanics from Two Wheels Tours and enjoy a sit down long lunch at the Audley Dance Hall.

About the Ride

RideBeyondFive was the brainchild of amateur cyclists Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA) Director and co-founder, A/Professor Bruce Ashford and HANCA supporter, Dr Trevor Gardner OAM back in 2019 and since then two rides have raised over $40,000 to support Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

Following another successful ride in 2022, Bruce and Trevor are back for the challenge again in 2023 and would love you to to come along for the ride!

Guest Rider: Annette Edmondson

Click to listen to Annette talk about the ride!

Annette Edmondson is a former triple World Champion, Olympic medallist and Commonwealth Champion track and road cyclist from Adelaide, South Australia.

Annette's ten-year track career saw her become a 3x World Champion, World Record Holder, Olympic medallist and dual Commonwealth Champion. Her road career saw her to a number of (WT equivalent) victories in Belgium, China and Australia whilst racing for professional teams, Orica-AIS and Wiggle-High5 from 2013-2018.

Through her ten years of experience in the world of elite track and road cycling, Annette understands the demands of professional sport and particularly, the challenges faced by females.

Annette has learnt many valuable lessons along the way, both bike-related and life-related, and after completing a mentoring course with the Australian Institute of Sport in November 2021, it’s time to give back. Thanks for joining us Annette!!

We're also excited to have professional road racing cyclists Josie Talbot, currently riding for Cofidis Women Team,. and Lillee Pollock, Team BridgeLane UCI Continental Team, joining us!

From left: Josie Talbot, Annette Edmondson, Lillee Pollock

The Route

On this 105 km loop ride with (1,800m climb), you'll be split into two groups with a pro-peloton rider front and rear of each group.

You'll start your ride at 6:30am from Audley in the Royal National Park. Climbing from the Hacking River you will cycle along the sandstone plateau, descend into sub tropical forest and finally a pleasant climb to leave the Royal at Otford. Our first stop is Bald Hill. Famous for Hang Gliding and steeped in aviation history, Bald Hill provides expansive views of the Illawarra Escarpment.

Descending into the village of Otford we tackle the infamous ‘Wall’. The brave can strike out for the KOM. Our route follows the Old Princess Highway past Darkes Forrest and the trip highpoint of 400m. This section might suit a social peloton push. Our second stop is the Gelato Emporium at Bulli Tops. This half way point offers further extraordinary escarpment and ocean views to the north and south.

After descending Bulli Pass to sea level, you'll be taking some quiet roads above the coastal villages of Thirroul, Austinmer and Coledale. The sub tropical forests at the foot of the escarpment are the road less travelled. Cycling along the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge, you'll soon arrive at the beachside Stanwell Park kiosk for our third and final stop.

Now the final push up to Bald Hill, then descending back into the Royal National Park and the last leg returning to Audley. There will be a very optional 10km gravel section along Lady Carrington Drive for those wanting to ‘ cut the corner’. The highly regarded Audley Dance Hall is where you will relax with a drink and sit down for lunch and we'll also have the pleasure of listening to Annette share details from her impressive cycling career.

Check out the cycle route.

On all of the major climbs of the day, riders are ‘free’ to go up at their own pace. There are SIX designated re-group points along the route and you'll have THREE opportunities to access your musette (riders bag) supplied by Two Wheel Tours Riders. You can use the musette for putting clothing or nutrition foods you no longer want during the ride.

SHORTER ROUTE OPTION and E-BIKES
There is the option to skip the National Park section of the ride, and join for the Bald Hill loop for a total ride of 43.7km with a 825m climb. E-bikes are also very welcome!

How fit?

You need to be a regular cyclist.
E-bike riders are welcome!
You don’t need to be a competitive cyclist.
You want to be challenged. 104.8km and 1747m of climb.*
SHORTER ROUTE OPTION: There is the option to skip the National Park section of the ride, and join for the Bald Hill loop for a total ride of 43.7km with a 825m climb.

This is NOT a race. We aim for a pace that allows for conversation and banter.

You should be regularly riding at least twice a fortnight to twice a week. 30-60km at a time with some climb. If you are at the minimum then ramping up before RideBeyondFive will ensure that you enjoy the challenge. If required there will be A and B pelotons.

The event average speed on-bike is 24 km/h which is easily achievable for a generally fit regular amateur cyclist. Other than on hills, you can sit-on in the peloton and let the muscle riders do the work.

* There is the option to skip the National Park section of the ride, and join for the Bald Hill loop for a total ride of 43.7km with a 825m climb.

If you have any questions about the ride please don’t hesitate to contact Trevor:

Mobile: 0409 883114

Email Trevor.

What's included?

REGISTRATION FEE: $500

Want to ride for free? Raise $1500 and we'll refund your $500 registration fee! Support a Rider

Thursday, 26 October 2023

Start: 6:00am. Finish: 3.30pm

Your registration fee includes:

Ride 104.8km loop ride from Audley to Audley *
Guest Rider: Olympian Cyclist, Annette Edmondson
Pro-Continental Ride Leaders - Josie Talbot and Lillee Poock
Pro-level support from twowheeltours for all riders across the entire day including two vehicles on course
Head and Neck Cancer Australia Branded Cycling Jersey and cap valued at $100
Rider musette (bag) consisting of 1 gel and 1 nutrition bar with on course hydration powder plus bananas and water
Welcome coffee and cake
Half-way coffee and cake at The Emporium, Thirroul
Finish the day with a delicious three course Long Lunch In The Park at Audley Dance Hall served with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Access to Professional photos from the ride

FUNDRAISING

Want to ride for free? Raise $1500 and we'll refund your $500 registration fee! Support a Rider

Head and Neck Cancer Australia is the only national charity in Australia providing information and support to people living with Head and Neck Cancer. All funds raised from RideBeyondFive will go directly towards providing free information and support to newly diagnosed patients and raising awareness in the general public. Head and Neck Cancer Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and all donations of $2 and above are tax deductible.

Long Lunch

Do you have a family member or friend who is not riding and would like to join us for a three course long lunch after the ride? Tickets are $90 per person. Book a seat as part of the registration process or follow this link.