The Tamworth Cycle Club is gearing up for its biggest gravel cycling event yet, with the return of Goodyear GRVL this May featuring an expanded two-day format designed to challenge riders while showcasing the region’s growing gravel riding scene.
After running the event for the past three years, club member Luke O’Connor said organisers were excited to build on the success of previous editions by introducing a second day of riding in 2026.
“Last year we did just one day, so we’re trying to expand it a little bit,” he said.
GRVL Tamworth will take place across May 23 and 24, with day one based in Kootingal and day two held at Loomberah. Hosted by the Tamworth Cycle Club and proudly supported by Goodyear Autocare Tamworth, the event has steadily grown since first launching in 2023.
Unlike a traditional cycling race, riders complete the courses at their own pace within timed ride groups designed to suit different fitness and experience levels.
The opening day in Kootingal will feature both a 65-kilometre-long course and a shorter 33-kilometre option, with riders tackling predominantly gravel terrain through the district’s challenging backroads.
“Saturday is 66 kilometres,” O’Connor said.
“It does have a shorter course as well, but there’s no flat bits out there.”
“It’s pretty challenging, even though it’s not that far. You get some of these events that are 100-odd kilometres, so it’s down to 66, but still pretty tough for the average person.”
The full course includes roughly 84 per cent gravel and 16 per cent tarmac, along with more than 1100 metres of elevation.
While Saturday’s course is expected to test competitors with steep and demanding terrain, O’Connor described Sunday’s Loomberah ride as “a bit more of a steadier ride” and “a bit of a recovery ride”.
Although the Tamworth Cycle Club has traditionally focused on road racing, O’Connor said gravel riding had become an increasingly important part of the local cycling scene.
“We mainly do road races, but lately we’ve been having trouble getting road approvals, so it’s a bit easier on gravel and gravel’s a bit of an emerging scene,” he said.
The club hopes the event will continue attracting both experienced riders and newcomers interested in trying gravel cycling for the first time. Riders can choose from five paced wave groups ranging from social riders averaging 18 to 20 kilometres per hour through to elite groups travelling up to 34 kilometres per hour.
Importantly, riders do not need to hold a cycling club membership to participate.
“For this event, you don’t need a membership, which is cool,” O’Connor said.
Organisers are also encouraging younger riders to get involved, with junior categories included as part of the weekend for riders aged 14 and above.
“We do have a bit of a core group of kids, I guess, about 15 to 16,” O’Connor said.
“They’re pretty competitive.
“We’re trying to get younger kids involved in the Club as well.”
Beyond the riding itself, organisers are hoping to create a relaxed community atmosphere at the event village in Kootingal, with food vendors, coffee, music and local hospitality all part of the experience.
“We’ve got burger bowls and we’re trying to get a donut van and a coffee van on the Saturday,” O’Connor said.
“And yeah, a bit of music.”
O’Connor also thanked major sponsor Goodyear Autocare Tamworth for continuing to support the event as it grows each year.
“We really appreciate Goodyear getting behind the event again,” he said.
“The support from local businesses makes a big difference and helps us keep building the event and getting more people involved in cycling around the region.”
Riders planning to participate are encouraged to bring bikes suitable for gravel riding, with gravel, cyclocross and mountain bikes all recommended. Participants are also advised to carry spare tubes, food and supplies while out on course.
“We try and get people to bring spare tubes and that sort of thing,” O’Connor said.
The club will provide drink stations, snacks and support points along the course to help riders through the event.
Entries for day one close on May 17, with organisers encouraging riders to register online prior to the event. The first 50 entrants will also receive a free event T-shirt.
More information and registrations are available through EntryBoss.
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