Last update: 20/10/2023, 10:15pm
Everything you need to know for your Effervelo Champagne Gravel Quest!
Starting at Cotter Reserve just 30 minutes outside of Canberra we take you on low-traffic gravel roads. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, and uncover hidden gems along the way. Get ready for awe-inspiring views and unforgettable moments.
Printed Booklet provided at Rego on-site with Finisher Gift, Food & Drink Vouchers.
Virtual Briefing
Full Briefing
We can’t wait to see you smashing it! Remember, your photos are included in your entry. Be sure to download them after the race and share your stories using:
#ROCKYTRAILGRAVEL
Online registration still available – spread the word!
IMPORTANT
Attention: Extremely limited phone reception
Event centre and most of the course has extremely limited phone reception. Our crew is communicating via radios and we have an emergency communications plan in place. Course sector managers, marshals and crew are here to support you on your ride.
At Rocky Trail, the safety and well-being of our participants are of paramount importance. As the Effervelo Quest takes place in the magnificent Brindabella Ranges, we want to ensure that all riders are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Ride within your ability. Make good decisions about your ability at the marshal- and checkpoints. Don’t be afraid to change your mind as you ride to change to the shorter distance. There are marshal points on course (see Google Map) and our crew is here to support with that decision.
Any rider arriving at the Food Station for the first time after 11:00am will be directed to complete the SHORT loop. From 12:00pm all riders arriving at the Water Station will be directed to do the MIDDLE loop.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Event Hub & Parking at:
Cotter Reserve, Old Cotter Carpark – click for Directions [GPS -35.324698814904565, 148.9402428039968]
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
12:00pm-3:00 pm – Rider Meet-Up and Early Registration at Bent Spokes Brew Pub in Braddon, Canberra – CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS
SUNDAY
7:00am – Registration Open and Coffee available
8:00am – Start Champagne Epic ~100km
8.30am – Start Fizzy Adventure ~60-65km
9:00am – Start Bubbly Challenge ~45-50km
11:00am-3:00pm – Effervelo Lunch is served. Buffet opens for returning riders at event centre.
4:00pm – Last riders expected back at event centre.
5:00pm – Event Closes
Bring the family – the Event Hub is located in such a beautiful spot, right next to the river! There is a big playground for the kids, BBQ stations, big grass area to run around, kick a ball, nice pathways and walkways (great for little bikes too!). We’ll have music and an MC and look forward to a sunny afternoon with our very first Effervelo Gravel riders!
Recommendation: We put together estimated ride times and arrival times back a the event hub based on 28km/h and 12.5km/h average speeds. Find them in the Rider Booklet. – Great to give family and friends a heads up about when to expect you back at the Event Hub and join you there.
COURSE MAPS
Detailed GPX files can be downloaded here. – Course-marking on key intersections – you must have a navigation device that displays the GPX file of your chosen Effervelo Quest.
Careful, we are riding gravel roads that are open to public traffic, watch out for any cars!
This event offers 3 distance options; the route starts at Cotter Reserve and takes you into the Brindabella Ranges. All 3 loops start with a big climb to fire up the legs right away. All three distance options are basically figure eights. The crossing point of that figure eight is at checkpoint 1 for all three distances.
Be aware that all three loops return via a River Crossing (see map): expect ankle to knee-high water level. Riders are advised to walk.
MAP LEGEND:
- FOOD STATION: Check-point with snacks, energy drink, water
- WATER STATION: Check-point with energy drink, water
- HYGIENE STATION: All riders MUST brush shoes and tyres, then pass across the disinfectant scrub to proceed past this point!
- RIVER CROSSING: Beware, crossing, expect ankle to knee-high water level.
THE BUBBLY CHALLENGE (SHORT): See map and elevation profile on Trailforks.
THE FIZZY ADVENTURE (MIDDLE): See map and elevation profile on Trailforks.
THE CHAMPAGNE EPIC (LONG): See map and elevation profile on Trailforks.
EVENT FORMAT
This is an untimed ride.
- choose from three distance challenges
- ride is supported by the Rocky Trail crew incl. first aid and multiple feed zones
- participants are required to ride with a GPS navigation device (Detailed GPX files can be downloaded here)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
This event is catered, the entry includes:
- Your entry includes transponder bib, product samples from Fisiocrem and Premax, event photos, feed zone nutrition supplies as well as event hub finisher meal & drink
- Random prizes including Ulac prizes and Tufo Tyres.
- Food Station with water, electrolyte hydration and high-quality sports nutrition to keep you fuelled, plus energy snacks and fresh fruit
- Water Station with water, electrolyte hydration and emergency energy snacks
- the event hub will provide recovery nutrition after the ride – a delicious finisher menu awaits with a great selection of grab-and-go and warm meals.
- Finisher Medal
- Finisher Gift – Bent Spoke stubby holder or Effervelo bubby glass (claim with voucher)
- Finisher Meal (claim with voucher)
- Finisher Drink – Bent Spoke beer or drink (claim with voucher)
EVENT FACILITIES & SERVICES
- Event centre: Cotter Reserve (click for directions)
- Coffee & Food open to the public: Roundabout Bagels will treat us with their delicious bagels, coffee & drinks. The softest bagels with the most scrumptious fillings you’ll ever taste! Perfect option for early breakfast before ride start.CLICK HERE FOR THEIR MENU!
- Tech Support: Fizo Cycling in the morning, please bring your own supplies and be self-sufficient out on track.
- Toilets: On-site and near main car park at Cotter Reserve
- Water: Please bring your own supplies to start the ride and we’ll have our Food and Water Stations stocked too.
- MEDICAL: On site in the event centre and stationed at key checkpoints out on track.
The right bike?
The perfect bike for Efferverlo? The two main factors will be tyre width and gear ratio. For tyres, we’d suggest 32mm at least, with the perfect around 40/42mm. MTB tyres will be wider, but will be fine. For gear ratio, we’d suggest at least 1:1, for most gravel bikes this means having the front chain ring the size of your largest rear cog. Most modern MTB’s will be fine for climbing gears. We’d suggest running at least two water bottles or a water bladder.
Safety
You must have a navigation device that displays the GPX file of your chosen Effervelo Quest.
ESTIMATED RIDE TIMES:
- Any rider arriving at the FOOD STATION for the first time
- After 11:00am will be directed to complete the Challenge (SHORT) loop.
- From 12:00pm all riders arriving at the WATER STATION will be directed to do the Adventure (MIDDLE) loop.
Attention:
- Effervelo Gravel Participants are responsible for themselves throughout the duration of the event. This includes:
- Navigation of the course. While we will mark significant turns on the course, you should not rely on course markings.
- Interaction with local vehicle traffic. Roads are open to the public and participants are expected to follow ACT road and bicycle laws (copy available, click here).
- The primary route must be followed at all times. No alternate routes are permitted. You can decide to do a shorter distance and the turn-off point to the middle distance and there is a second official short-cut on the long loop past the Water Station, which will be clearly marked. More info in the Video Rider Briefing.
- Drafting on another event participant is allowed, drafting behind vehicles is not.
What you are responsible for:
- Bring your own snacks and hydration to sustain you in between Food/Water Stations, you may refuel your supplies at the Food/Water STations, which you will pass multiple times (see track guide)
- We recommend you carry a minimum of 750ml of water/hydration, which you may refill in the event centre and at the feedzones
- Carry basic bike repair tools, and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
- You must download the GPX file of your chosen Effervelo Quest and be able to navigate your way along the course.
Course Communication and Navigation:
a. Limited Phone Reception: Please be aware that the majority of the course WILL NOT have phone reception. We strongly advise riders to not solely rely on mobile devices for communication during the event.
b. GPX File Download (Detailed GPX files can be downloaded here): It is mandatory for all participants to download the GPX file of their chosen course before the event. This will enable riders to navigate independently, even in areas with limited or no course markings or if course markings have been compromised (ie, by weather, wild life etc.).
On-Course Safety Measures:
a. Course Markings: Effervelo Quest will provide course markings and signage to guide riders along the routes. These markings will be clearly visible and strategically placed at key points throughout the course. Please remember that it is mandatory for all participants to download the GPX file of their chosen course before the event. This will enable riders to navigate independently, even in areas with limited or no course markings or if course markings have been compromised (ie, by weather, wild life etc.).
b. Support Crew: Our dedicated support crew will be stationed at the marked feedzones and at various locations along the course to offer assistance and support if needed. They will be equipped with emergency supplies and will be able to communicate with the event organisers if necessary.
Emergency Procedures:
a. Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, prioritise your safety and the safety of others. If you witness an accident or injury, stay with the rider and then immediately alert the nearest rider or support crew member for assistance.
b. Self-Sufficiency: As a big proportion of the course will be remote and in wilderness areas, riders should carry essential items for self-sufficiency, such as extra water, food, basic bike repair tools, and appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions.
Remember, the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of effervescence are at the heart of the Effervelo Quest. By being prepared, vigilant, and responsible, we can ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for all riders.
EASTON OFFER
Code via Event Registration and in Print Rider Booklet on-site.
World Bicycle Relief
Raise funds at the Effervelo for the World Bicycle Relief
Rocky Trail Entertainment is proud to partner with World Bicycle Relief for their inaugural Effervelo Gravel Ride. Experience the excitement and buzz of gravel riding while also helping people pedal out of poverty and into a brighter future. Find out more…
WEATHER INFORMATION
A chilly start ahead of a warm and dry day is forecast. Come and experience Canberra at its finest!
DESTINATION INFO: Plan your trip!
Check out our Destination Guide! Click here.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
Course Director – Bob Morris 0458 299 558
Event Manager – Jo Parker 0424 955 332
Event Director – Martin Wisata 0403 090 952
Media, PR & Comms – Juliane Wisata 0416 737 972
INSURANCE
You don’t need to be a member of any cycling association to race with Rocky Trail. Some offer great insurance packages which are worthwhile checking out and you are in charge of your own health insurance when racing with us. Flip Insurance is a new Event Partner for Fox Superflow® and Rocky Trail cross-country events; you will find some more information here: Flip Insurance CLICK HERE
You don’t need to be a member of any cycling association to race with Rocky Trail. Some offer great insurance packages which are worthwhile checking out and you are in charge of your own health insurance when racing with us.
ROCKY TRAIL MERCHANDISE:
- Rocky Trail Jerseys designed by Dharco ($75-$85)
- New in: Rocky Trail X Sendy Hoodies $65 and T-shirts $35
- Socks $15
- Mudguards $20
- Rocky Trail hats made from recycled materials “eco-choice” – $30
- Available from the Rocky Trail rego desk all weekend!
EVENT PHOTOS:
We will have photographers and automated photo points set up – download links will be sent after the event and all images are included in your entry.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME
Rocky Trail is always looking for crew to support the riders. If you can lend a hand, complete our online form https://rockytrailentertainment.com/home/volunteering/ or contact Jo at jo@rockytrailentertainment.com to be part of the team. Riders luv seeing supporters at our events.
EVENT UPDATES DURING THE RACE / WEEKEND:
