FAQs Ride Day
Frequently asked questions have been categorised into the topics located in the FAQs menu:
Event information sheets, including the Terms and Conditions, can be downloaded from the Info Sheets page.
If the answer is insufficient for your enquiry please Contact BQ.
- Event Day - Ride Guide
A must-read before event day! The Rider Information document is available from the Info Sheets page.
The Ride Guide includes all you need to know about:
- Pre-ride preparation (including Rider Kit collection times and baggage transfer)
- How to get to the start locations and maps
- Information about the day (including course cut-off times, the busway, and what's on offer at each rest stop)
- What's happening at the Finish Site and the Prize Draw
- Is it a race?
No, the event is a mass participation ride to raise funds for our charity partners and to get more people cycling. There are no prizes for getting there first and competition of any sort is actively discouraged.
- How hard is the ride? Will I make it?
Yes! We believe anyone who can maintain an average cycling speed of 17km per hour or more should be able to complete the event. 17kph is surprisingly achievable. The ride is as hard or as easy as you make it. If you are an occasional rider or a moderately fit person there is no reason why you can't complete this event. With the motivation of thousands of like-minded cyclists you'll be surprised how far you can ride. It is about riding at your own steady pace and keeping your energy up by drinking lots of water and eating regularly throughout the ride. Above all, enjoy the ride and take your time. It's not a race, and there are no prizes for getting there first.
There is a 60km ride option starting in Logan.
You may find the 99 Bikes Training Programs helpful. And, to help you feel more comfortable on the ride, take a look at Riding Position Setup on the Bicycle Queensland website (you'll also be able to find other tips on correct bike size and safe riding in groups on the BQ site).
- What time does the ride start?
The Santos GLNG Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge 100km will begin at 5:15am with progressive starts until 6:15am. Faster riders will set out first and then each speed category thereafter in descending order. It is recommended you get to the start site 30 minutes before your ride starts. The 60km ride will start at 8.00am until 8.15am.
- What is the ride etiquette?
In the interest of providing a safe and enjoyable event experience for all participants, cyclists should be mindful of ride etiquette:
- Keep to the left to allow people to pass on the right
- Do not ride more then two abreast
- Do not stop or change directions suddenly
- Do not double back on the course
- Be courteous to your fellow riders at all times
- Always follow the directions of all ride officials and emergency service personnel
- Can I stop or push my bike?
Walking or pushing your bike is permitted, however, cyclists should be aware of the cut-off times, and keep to the far left or on the footpath for safety. There will be two SAG Wagons along the course to assist riders who are unable to continue. If you require the SAG Wagon, please move to the left off the course and turn your bike upside down.
- Can I run or enter with something other than a bike?
Roller blading, skating, skipping or running are not permitted in any event.
- Can I ride with my dog?
No animals of any kind are allowed.
- When should I get to the start site?
It is recommended that you arrive at the start site at least 30 minutes before the start of your event.
Please refer to the Ride Guide on the Info Sheets page for start site locations.
- Where can I leave my belongings?
A Cloakroom will be available at both start sites for a $2 donation to our benefiting charities. Open from 4:30am at the 100km start and 7:30am at the 60km start. Reclaim your gear at the finish from 9:00am - 2:00pm. You will need your wristband (on your wrist) to reclaim your gear. Limited space available.
- How do I get to the start of the ride?
For details see the Info Sheets page for Pre-ride Transport Information and the Ride Guide.
Please be sure to check for updates prior to ride day.
Getting to the 100km Start Site
- Ride to the start (but don't wear yourself out)
- Drive and park at South Bank or get dropped off by those loved ones who really do like to get up early on Sunday morning.
Parking at South Bank
Please note parking restrictions and metered parking apply in South Brisbane (and surrounding suburbs). There are two options:
- The Convention Centre car park - open 24hrs/day
- South Bank car park (access Tribune Street only) - visit the South Bank website for details
Travelling from the Gold Coast?
Here are a couple of options:
- Select on the entry form the Bicycle Queensland chartered train from the Gold Coast to South Bank - $25. Please note the times the train will depart and arrive.
- An early start for your best friend or nicest family member!
- Come up to Brisbane by train (your bike travels for free) on Saturday afternoon/evening and stay the night. There are many accommodation options all within a gentle morning spin of the event start at South Bank. Check your bag at the Cloakroom at the Start Site and we will transport it to the finish for you.
Getting to the 60km Start Site
The 60km ride will start in Logan (Maurice Park, Eagleby) and immediately join the 100km route.
We suggest you catch the train to Beenleigh (at your own expense) or park at the railway station and ride to the start on the other side of the motorway. See www.translink.com.au to help plan your journey.
For traffic management reasons the 60km is not a mass start, just head off between the flags when you are ready between 8.00-8.15am.
If you are being dropped off, please be aware of the 100km riders travelling east along River Hills Road, turning into Temma Street.
If riding, Marshals may direct you to turn into Temma Street toward the Rest Stop but you need to continue straight for the 60km Start Site.
- How do I get back to Brisbane after the ride?
See the Info Sheets page for Post-ride Transport information.
There are three easy ways to get back to Brisbane:
- Catch our charter bus back to South Bank - $25. Buses will depart every half hour between 11.00am and 2.00pm (times subject to change). Tick the box on the Entry Form to book your spot. Your bike will travel on a truck running in tandem with your bus.
- Get family or friends to pick you up (consider giving a few mates a lift home too).
- Catch the train from Helensvale Station. A shuttle bus (leaving every half hour from 11.15am) will get you and your bike from the finish at Southport to Helensvale station - $10. Or, you can ride the 11km to the station.
If you have pre-booked a seat on the bus, please visit the Transport Tent at the Finish Site to collect your ticket. Please be at the bus 30 minutes prior to departure to load your bicycle on the accompanying truck.
Last minute bus tickets are available for purchase at the Finish Site, subject to availability.
- I’d like to be a volunteer on the day. How do I do this?
Volunteers are whom keep the event in motion. If you can be a marshal, a rest-stop assistant or help at the start or finish sites please click here. We have roles from as little as four hours up to all day. There are roles to suit non-riding family or friends on their way to the finish.
- What prizes are up for grabs?
We've got some great prizes you could be in the running to win just by entering this year's Santos GLNG Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge. Please check the Competitions & Prizes page for updates.
- Do you have to be a Bicycle Queensland member to participate?
The event is open to everyone. The benefits of becoming a Bicycle Queensland member include:
- Bicycle rider's insurance
- Ride On magazine
- Ride Q newsletter
- $35 clothing voucher from SCODY
- Member pricing for our great events
- Access to the BQ Merchandise Shop
- Legal assistance for riding incidents
- Expert advice on most cycling matters
See our Membership page for more details.
