Bicycle Queensland announces the return of its city to coast cycling event, the Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge 2021. Celebrating its sixteenth year, the iconic gathering returns on Sunday October 17, inviting Australians of all ages to join in one of the country’s most revered mass participation rides. This year, attendees can sign-up for one of three distances — the classic 100-km Brisbane to Gold Coast, 40-km from Brisbane to Logan, or 60-km from Logan to the Gold Coast. 

Riders choosing the 100-km challenge will commence at the starting line on the Eleanor Schonell Bridge (Green  Bridge) in Brisbane’s Dutton Park. Moving through 15 km of uninterrupted, traffic-free Busway, participants will  then follow a combination of service and suburban roads all the way out to Southport Broadwater Parklands. 

Riders taking part in the 40-km challenge will start alongside the 100-km distance participants and move  through the Busway before finishing up at the first rest stop located in Logan. 

Riders participating in the 60-km challenge will begin their ride at the Logan rest stop, joining the 100-km group  and travelling all together down to the Gold Coast finish line.  

Dotted along the route will be a myriad of rest stops offering food and drink, as well around-the-clock medical  and mechanical support stations for all riders.  

The Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge is one of Australia’s biggest charity cycling events, with over 91,000 participants to date. The popularity of the ride has grown year on year since its inception in 2005 and with last year’s event being cancelled due to COVID, Bicycle Queensland officials anticipate 2021 to be the biggest ride yet.