Each year, the Toodyay Cycling Classic challenges riders to navigate the rolling hills and winding roads of Western Australia's Avon Valley. This event, set against the backdrop of Toodyay’s distinctive landscape, offers a route that’s as demanding as it is rewarding. Covering approximately 100 kilometers, the race weaves through farmland, forested ridges, and sweeping valleys where the breeze seems to urge you on.

The terrain presents a mix of steady climbs and brisk descents, with total elevation gain around 1,200 meters, enough to push even seasoned cyclists to maintain focus and stamina. The road surface is mostly sealed but expect occasional gravel patches where vigilance is crucial. As the sun climbs, eucalypts stretch their limbs overhead, casting shifting patterns across the asphalt, while a distant river dares to draw your glance, teasing with glimpses of reflective water.

Preparation is key here. Hydration strategies must be tight — water stations are spaced but not overly frequent, so carrying additional bottles or hydration packs pays off. The mid-morning start avoids the day’s hottest hours but expect to face wind gusts that can push against your progress at unexpected moments. Sturdy, well-fitted cycling shoes and a well-maintained bike with responsive brakes are essentials for handling the varied gradients and tight corners.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Classic connects you to Toodyay’s heritage—the colonial architecture and quiet streets echoing flashes of the town’s gold rush era, all riding alongside the visceral challenge of matching pace with the elements. Whether you’re here to contest or simply to complete, the event engages you with a landscape that’s fiercely itself.

For spectators, the town offers cafes and local eateries that serve hearty fare to refuel post-ride, and ample accommodation options make it practical to stay overnight. Planning your trip around the event means preparing for a rugged journey but also enjoying moments of calm in a region that wears its outback character with quiet confidence.