North East Victoria’s growing popularity as a cycling adventure destination has received another boost with the new event 5Zero, to be held on Saturday 8th September 2018.
5Zero is a fresh social ride challenge, centred around conquering the 50-kilometre gravel trails course from Bright to the epic Clear Spot lookout, with the event organisers aiming for zero environmental impact.
The event will also raise funds for Alpine Community Planation (ACP), the community-led not-for-profit body that allows recreational activities to take place within the HVP pine plantations of the Alpine Shire, where 5Zero will be run.
Event organiser, Marthijs Heuperman from Bright Brewery, says the new event was born from a desire to support the community with a fun adventure activity driven by sustainable practices.
”5Zero is about bringing together a great charitable cause with the amazing views and experience provided by riding the trails around Bright,” said Mr Heuperman.
“We all ride for different reasons. The fantastic gravel and mountain bike trails in this beautiful location makes for an awesome experience, which we want more people to enjoy.”
“Alpine Community Plantation do a lot to make this possible for the many locals and visitors to Bright, but they can always do with more assistance, so that’s how riding 5Zero can help.”
“ACP needs regular funding for trail and road maintenance, signage, repairs, new infrastructure, administering events, communications between user groups and HVP, and for the regulatory compliance needs of maintaining a not-for-profit.”
Mr Heuperman explained that the zero footprint goal of running the event is aligned to Bright Brewery’s core values and ensures the protection of the alpine trails and environment for future generations to enjoy.
“Along with support from the QANTAS Future Planet scheme, we will be able to use carbon offsets from their scheme to assist in reducing the carbon/material waste footprint that often comes with running an event like this,” said Mr Heuperman.
“For example, we won’t be using any printed maps or course signage, relying only on digital maps from GPS apps like STRAVA. There will be no use of zip ties on course or single use rider IDs. Course marshals will be on E-bikes and the food provided will be package free, freshly made by Bright Brewery’s kitchen. Also, every rider will receive a Keep Cup for coffee and beer, instead of using single-use cups.”
The event provides three course options to cater for riders of all abilities. The main route will include 1300 metres of climbing over 53 kilometres. There are also 13 kilometre and 38 kilometre course options available.
Bright Brewery operations manager, Rupert Shaw, hopes that 5Zero will draw new visitors to the region so that they can experience Bright’s cycling offerings.
“The event will combine many of the elements that make for a great experience when visiting Bright – epic cycling, craft beer, gourmet local food, live music and family fun,” said Mr Shaw.
“Whether you have a mountain bike, CX bike or recreational bike, we want you to gather your friends and family and head to Bright this September for a new adventure on two wheels with zero environmental impact.”
The inaugural 5Zero event will be held on Saturday 8th September and discounted early bird tickets are available until August 14th from the 5Zero website:
5Zero Essential Details
- Event: 5Zero – a social gravel ride challenge
- What: social cycling challenge with zero environmental impact to raise funds of Alpine Community Planation and assist with creating more recreational space in HVP plantations.
- Date & Time: Saturday 8th September 2018, from 9am
- Location: Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Road, Bright VIC
- Entry: 13km, 38km, 53km course options and family tickets available from: 5zero.com.au/enter.html
WHAT DO YOU GET WITH YOUR ENTRY?
Early Bird gets you 25% off – closes Aug 14th
- Carbon offset to cover your travel, stay and organisation of the event through the QANTAS Future Planet Scheme.
- A KeepCup for you to help consume coffee and refreshing beverages before, during and after the ride.
- Super yummy package-free food made by the clever chefs and staff from the Bright Brewery kitchen. Available pre-ride, during the ride at feed-stations on the 38km and 53km courses, and post-ride when you get back to the start/finish.
- Music on course at the feed-stations to help distract you from the leg hurt!
- Rider support from our two wonderful local bike shops – All Terrain Cycles and Cyclepath.
- The satisfaction of knowing that 100% of event profits will go to ACP to help them cover trail building, maintenance and operational costs.