FAQs Ride Day
Frequently asked questions have been categorised into the topics located in the FAQs menu:
Event information sheets, including the Conditions of Entry, can be downloaded from the Info Sheets page.
If the answer is insufficient for your enquiry please Contact BQ.
- Event Day – Rider Information
A must-read before the big day! The Rider Information document is now up on the Info Sheets page.
The Rider Information document 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, about 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.
Remember there is a 60km ride option starting in Logan City at Maurice Park (River Hills Road, Eagleby).
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 do the rides start on Sunday 9 October 2011?
The Wilson HTM 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 45min 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 2 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/ 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 when doing this.
- Can I run, or enter with something other then 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 45minutes before the start of your event to familiarise yourself with start and finish areas, location of toilets, cloakroom and other important sites.
Please refer to the Rider Information document on the Info Sheets page for start site locations.
- Where do I leave my bags/clothing etc?
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 the Pre-ride Transport Info Sheet and the Rider Information document (for both 60km & 100km start locations).
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, which is open 24 hours a day, and the South Bank car park (access Tribune Street only), which opens at 4am. The South Bank website has all the details.
But I'm from the Gold Coast, what's the best strategy for getting to the Start at South Bank?
Here are a couple of options:
- Book the Bicycle Queensland chartered early morning train from the Gold Coast to South Bank - $25. Please note the times the train will depart and arrive. Tick the box on the Entry Form to book your spot.
- An early start for your best friend / nicest family member! The ride will start from 5.15 am, and we recommend being there with 15 minutes to spare for the pre-ride briefing. It's only an hour by motor vehicle from most places on the Coast to the centre of Brisbane, so hit the road at 4.30am and you'll be there bright and early.
- 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 Cloak Room at the Start Line and we will transport it to the finish for you.
Getting to the 60km Start Site
The 60km ride will sart in Logan City from Maurice Park (River Hills Road, 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 8-8.20am.
If you are being dropped of at Maurice Park 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 but you need to continue straight for the 60km Start Site.
- How do I get to Brisbane at the end of the event ?
See the Info Sheets page for the Post-ride Transport Info Sheet.
There are three easy ways to get back to Brisbane:
- Catch our charter bus back to South Bank - $25. They will leave every half an hour between 11.30am and 3.00pm. 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.
Our transport management post event has seen some improvements. If you've booked a bus then when you arrive at Southport simply visit the transport tent to claim your seat at the time of your choice, no more waiting to see if you fit on a particular bus.
What accommodation is available near the start site?
For accommodation options check out Wotif.com for deals up to four months in advance or google "Backpackers Brisbane City" and you'll find a number of options in the Brisbane CBD.
- I’d like to be a volunteer on the day. How do I do this?
This event can’t happen without volunteer support. If you can be a marshal, a rest-stop assistant or help with at the start or finish sites please click here. We have roles from as little as four hours up to all day. Roles can suit non-riding family/friends on their way to the finish or the person who just wants to help out.
- What can I win just by entering?
We've got some super prizes you could be in the running to win just by entering this year's Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge. Please check the Competitions & Prizes page for updates.
Also up for grabs is a $3000 Golden Ticket to spend at a local bike shop of your choice thanks to Bicycling Australia and Toyota simply by entering the Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge or Cycle Queensland or both! Click here to find out more.
- What else is available on the day?
Sporting Images will have their finger on the trigger snapping pics along the route and at the finish site so you can purchase an action shot of yourself. There will also be a cloak room service at both event Start Sites - At the Cultural Forecourt in Southbank for the 100km, and and near the start line in Logan for the 60km.
- Do you have to be a Bicycle Queensland member to participate?
No you do not. But if you would like to become a member of Bicycle Queensland and join over 10,000 other people who receive great benefits, which include personal accident and third party insurance, discounted entry fees, 12 months subscription to Australian Cyclist and regular updates on cycling developments - click here.
