Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a challenging ride through some outstanding country

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a scenic 1 day ride with rides to challenge riders of all ability, with fantastic views of the Bass Coast hills.

This ride starts at Inverloch, which is the real hidden gem to the east of Melbourne. Most people will turn off the road towards Wonthaggi and head over to Phillip Island. This is a great place to visit, especially to break up the return trip with a recovery ride of the island between cafes. But that’s another story!

Inverloch is near the start of the Strzelecki Ranges, to the east, on the southern coast at the start of the Anderson’s Inlet.

Bass Coast Cycle Challenge has a range of different rides to suit all ages and rider abilities. You can challenge yourself with hills, the coast or both. You’ll find the:

• 40km ride that is great for recreational riders.
• 53km ride that is great for intermediate riders with a 130m climb.
• 85km ride with 8 climbs, starting with the largest of the lot, the 250m high Mt Misery climb.
• 121km ride which is the showpiece ride with 14 climbs, includes 250m high Mt Misery climb.
• 100km Gravel ride with 60km on the trail and 40km on the tar road (added in 2023).

Mt Misery is part of the route for the 121km and 85km rides, and to spice things up a bit,  on the ‘Mt Misery challenge’ riders can time themselves on this section of the course. What a great name for a hill! The route does allow for a 20+km flat section through the farmlands, which makes for a warm-up before taking on Mt Misery near Outtrim.

After Mt Misery, the major climb is done, with further testing of undulations around back roads that detour the course. Finally, you’ll be rewarded with a meander downhill into Wonthaggi and the coastal road on the return from Cape Paterson.

After the ride, you can hang around for the local festival and other sporting events.

Funds raised from the ride entry and family festival goes to supporting local charities.

You’ll find other great cycling events, like Bass Coast Cycle Challenge, in our online Cycling Event Calendar.

Enjoy!