There are gravel events — and then there’s Wagga Gears & Beers. Thirteen years strong and somehow still leveling up, this is the ride that captures everything we love about cycling down under: the grit, the mateship, the scenery, and, of course, the post-ride pint.
Thirteen Years and Still Shifting Smooth
Organised to perfection - and supported by hoards of local including lovely volunteers in by the Wagga Rotary Club, the 2025 edition hit all the right notes — tighter logistics, smoother rollouts, and a vibe that could only come from a town that genuinely loves its bikes. Throw in local gems like Mechanicco Café, a few world-class wine bars, and blue-sky weather that would make the Bureau of Meteorology blush — and you’ve got yourself a weekend worth travelling for.
Course Tweaks and the Great Tyre Debate
This year’s course flipped the script with a slightly reversed route and a few cunning adjustments. From rollout in the premier race, the Dirty 130, the front group formed early, and smaller bunches strung out behind, punching into a light cross-headwind that slowly wore down the legs.
The big question of the day? Tyre choice.
Do you go plush and playful with 650B x 47mm, soaking up the bumps but dragging a little on the flats? Or keep it classic with 700 x 35mm, holding speed but getting rattled like a loose bottle cage?
I rolled the 650Bs — blissful over the rough, not quite as snappy as I’d like, but worth it for 130 km of grin-inducing grip.
Scenes, Skies, and Kangaroos
Under pure-blue skies, the green fields rolled out forever. Flocks of kangaroos bounded across the road like something from a tourism ad, and every beer stop was a tiny brewery oasis. This year, the route even carved straight through an honest-to-god cattle station — complete with gates, dust, and the smell of pure adventure.
And then came Coolamon.
As we turned, the cross-head gave way to a full tailwind. The scene exploded into cinematic perfection — canola and crop fields glowing gold, horizon to horizon. One farmer even graded a fresh road straight through his crop just so we could pass. Unreal. Kevin Costner would’ve cried into his ball cap.
The Final Push and the Sweet Reward
The last climb through the Charles Sturt University campus was where the suffering turned personal. Every pedal stroke whispered, “beer’s near,” and the descent into town was pure joy. The Gears & Beers Festival was waiting — cold taps, regional craft breweries, and the kind of camaraderie that only gravel riders understand.
Our Verdict
Once again, Wagga Gears & Beers delivered. Perfectly organised, properly Aussie, and packed with character. Whether you’re chasing watts or chasing good times, this one deserves a bright, bold star on your race calendar.
We’ll be back next year — tyres, dust, and all. 🍻