Almost 250 cyclists will arrive in the Eurobodalla for next weekend's inaugural goodnessgravel cycling event taking place in Mogo.
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Competitors choose between a long - 135 kilometres - or a short - 75 kilometres - course, winding along existing gravel, dirt and Forestry backroads from Mogo north to Nelligen.
goodnessgravel business manager Laurie Newman said Mogo was chosen because it was so devastated by the fires.
"People need to understand Mogo is still a destination," Mr Newman said. "This puts Mogo more on the map."
Competitors can take a break at the half-way Nelligen rest break, where local musicians will be playing and foodcarts available.
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It is third time lucky for the event organisers. goodnessgravel was first planned for May 2021. That event was postponed after torrential rain left more than one metre of water covering sections of the race route.
The new date in July 2021 was also cancelled when COVID restrictions prevented people leaving their LGA.
"Third time is a charm," Mr Newman said. "The forecast for next weekend looks good."
The event is a fantastic advertisement for cycling in the Eurobodalla, according to Mr Newman.
He hopes the event inspires people to keep riding the Eurobodalla's gravel trails, and to see cycling as an alternative weekend away activity.
"There are 300 kilometres of beautifully maintained gravel roads in the Eurobodalla. People don't know that," he said.
"You cycle around a corner and there are rivers or beautiful bridges. It is perfect.
"People are looking for something different to do.
"Gravel is the fastest growing sector in the bike industry."
While Mr Newman said everyone should try gravel cycling, the extreme distances of the goodnessgravel event mean it is not to be taken lightly.
"We encourage competitors to train and to average at least 18 kilometres per hour," Mr Newman said.
Residents are invited to attend the Nelligen pitstop or Mogo Sports Oval to be involved in the festivities of the event and to see the racers.
goodnessgravel have helped Eurobodalla Shire Council map out eight gravel cycling routes throughout the Eurobodalla. See the routes here.
goodnessgravel is on May 7 from 7:30 am beginning and ending at Mogo Sports Oval.