Postponed due to the pandemic, Australia’s much-loved High Country Women’s Cycling Festival returns to Bright, Victoria, over the weekend of 16-18 October 2020. The Spring celebration of women’s cycling aims to inspire, encourage and support more women to ride, and to experience the beauty of the High Country by bike.
Festival co-organiser, Clare Holdsworth, explained that despite the organic growth in women’s cycling, in an alpine environment where road riding is more challenging, the gender imbalance is strongly evident.
“Many female riders consider hills and mountains beyond their capability. We want to share our knowledge, build confidence, push boundaries and help women discover new ride destinations with new friends,” Clare said.
“From the outset the festival’s mission has been to make cycling in the mountains more accessible, and more inclusive for all levels of cyclists. So this year we have introduced a ‘Ride to Rollasons’ as part of the Buffalo Women’s Ride (Saturday 17th October 2020), which provides a halfway option for cyclists who are new to climbing and not up to riding the full ascent and descent of Mt Buffalo. Working with our cycle safety partner RoadSafe North East, experienced ride leaders will escort the riders to a halfway turnaround point, providing tips and building confidence to ensure a safe, enjoyable and rewarding ride,” HCWCF co-organiser Michelle Armstrong explained.
Backed by Major Partner, Regional Roads Victoria, the Festival’s focus on safety is key for participants seeking a supportive cycling environment. As well as the luxury of a closed road on the climb up Mt Buffalo, reduced speed limits and traffic management protocols will be implemented on other roads. RoadSafe North East will deliver important ‘Pass Cyclists Safely’ messaging to motorists, in the lead up to the Festival.
The super fun weekend promises more than just cycling and includes a Lycra Lunch Party with ‘Fashions on the Field’; bike mechanics and riding skills clinics; Rail Trail produce rides; Yoga; Bike Fashion Pop Ups, a Celebration Dinner and more. Bookings & Enquiries: hcwcf.com.au