When Queensland’s South Burnett rail line closed after a century of servicing communities in the region, it seemed the beginning of the end. But ABC Back Roads presenter Lisa Millar (who grew up in the area) discovers new life and prosperity is coming down the same corridor in the form of cyclists, tourists and runners.

The Rail Trail is bringing thousands of people to the region, as well as uniting the locals in the towns along the trail – running, walking, cycling and even riding horses along the trail. Last year 32,000 people passed one of the Rail Trail measuring points at Kingaroy!

Watch the ABC Back Roads ‘South Burnett Rail Trail’ episode >>>

(Note: You will need to login to the ABC to watch – alternatively, you can stream it on your TV.)

A cyclist from New South Wales is on the last stretch to completing a full lap riding around Australia. Lachlan Morton made his final stop in Sydney on Friday and is now on track to set a new world record, when he reaches the finish line in his hometown of Port Macquarie today.

The Big Bike Film Night will be presented at the Gala Cinema Warrawong on Tuesday 13th August, with a collection of the world’s best cycling short movies.  

The 2024 collection is geared to inspire, with a breathtaking range of short cycling films that celebrate the fun, adventure, and inspiration that cycling enables – showcasing 2.5 hours of bike films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want. 

Check out the trailer….

Thanks to prize sponsors, presenting partner Ng? Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, you could win an epic cycling holiday in New Zealand for two, with Cycle Journeys, on the scenically stunning Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride when you buy a ticket to attend a screening of The Big Bike Film Night Australia. T’s and C’s apply.

Learn more and purchase tickets >>>

Feeling a bit weary after today’s ride? As you recline on the recovery lounge, spare a thought for Aussie Allan Jefferson, who is currently riding in the Race Across America (RAAM).

Regarded as the world’s toughest bike race, the 2024 edition of the RAAM started on June 11. Spanning 12 states and covering over 5000km, 2022 RAAM winner Allan Jefferson of Townsville in North Queensland is now over half way in this gruelling event.

Aiming to beat his race-winning time of 10 days and 15 minutes, Jefferson, is pedaling around 500 km per day, averaging 20 hours a day in the saddle. (That’s not much sleeping, eating or resting time!)

He will climb 55,000 metres over the 10 day journey!

• Read the background story at Bicycle Australia >>>
• Find out more about the race at www.teamjefferson.com.au >>>
• The official Race Across America website is www.raamrace.org >>>
• Tracking is available via www.raamrace.org/live-tracking >>>

Looking for a cycling weekend away – while sampling local food and wine?

Check out this event at Mendooran, north-east of Dubbo, on the weekend of 4th and 5th May.

The weekend seeks to introduce keen cyclists to the food and cycling opportunities of Mendooran, and be a fundraiser for the Central West Cycle Trail (CWCT).

There will be a number of organised rides, mostly on gravel roads, from 6km to 70km – something for everyone!

The key get-together event after your day of cycling (or just enjoying the town, bees, distillery, architecture, riverfront etc) is the Tastes of Mendooran, starting at 5pm on Saturday 4 May at the Showground – three courses for $30!

Importantly the weekend is planned so that it caters for the cyclist and non-cyclist.

• More details at the Food Cycle Weekend website  >>>
• Check out the Food Cycle Weekend program (pdf) >>>