Ride in the Noosa Strade Bianche
Cycle through some of Australia’s most scenic roads when you ride in the Noosa Strade Bianche. An annual cycling event for steel framed pre ’86 retro bicycles, the Noosa Strade Bianche is the social event of the season for ‘retro’ bike lovers and a fun weekend for all.
In the spirit of the original L’Eroica in Tuscany, this bike ride emulates many of the elements of the Italian course with a uniquely Australian twist.
If you have a steel framed bicycle and would like to ride some of Australia’s most picturesque and challenging roads, then sign up for this fun event.
The Humble Beginnings of the Noosa Strade Bianche
As with the L’Eroica in Italy, Noosa Strade Bianche is strictly for steel framed cycles with downtube shifters or bar-end shifters. There is no restriction on age of the frame set.
The Noosa Strade Bianche is ‘the’ premier vintage cycling event in Australia.
The inaugural ‘Noosa L’Eroica’ took place in 2011, however after a cease & desist from L’Eroica in Italy, a name change ensured and the”Noosa Strade Bianche” was born!
The ride winds through the scenic Sunshine Coast hinterland with a number of steep climbs and challenging descents. Dusty white unsealed roads make life interesting along the way.
Check out the official Noosa Strade Bianche website for more information.
The Noosa Strate Bianche
As with the original L’Eroica, there are steep climbs and challenging descents with many sectors of ‘strade bianche’ (white or unsealed gravel roads).
It’s often the one time these retro enthusiasts get together each year.
Cyclists come from across Australia and New Zealand to ride in the Noosa Strade Bianche. Many are accompanied by their families and choose to stay longer in this popular holiday spot.
Refreshment choices
The Noosa Strade Bianche passes through picturesque towns such as Cooroy, Cooran, Kin Kin and Pomona. There are opportunities for coffee stops, Devonshire teas or counter lunches as well as water, bananas and other refreshments.
Bike Fitness
All fondos require a good level of bike fitness. Although the rides are semi supported, you must carry your own spare parts, tubes etc.
The Noosa Strade Bianche Event
The weekend starts with a social ‘get together’ pre-registration on Friday night. Friendships are renewed with riders who, like us travel from interstate, New Zealand and other countries especially for this event.
Hosted by the Noosa Marina, the start and finish line offer the perfect location for the Show and Shine which follows.
Nuovo Piccolo Fondo – 48 km
Saturday morning commences with the Nuovo Piccolo Fondo. A short ride of 48 kilometres starting at ‘unreasonable o’clock‘ to kick-start the cycling weekend!
The Nuovo Piccolo Fondo is the shortest ride of the day, sharing the same route as the Gran Fondo to Cooroy. Designed for the beginner, this ride is perfect for those who want to experience the Strade Bianche.
This ride takes in approximately 300 metres of steep vertical climbs, gravel roads, and descents to test your skills. Participants ride in a single ‘peloton’ and regroup after climbs.
Coffee and refreshments are available for purchase at the top of Tank Hill.
Show & Shine and Swap-Meet
It is rumoured that much ‘wheeling and dealing’ takes place!
The ‘Show & Shine’ takes place on the Noosa Marina deck where steel bike enthusiasts show their beautifully restored (or part thereof) classic bikes.
A dedicated swap-meet runs for those who wish to part with some of their collection. It is an event with serious ‘bike envy’ for grown men and women.
Riders Dinner
Join the riders for a 3 course dinner at Pier 11 Restaurant & Bar to celebrate the completion of Saturday’s events at the Noosa Marina. Reservations are a ‘must’ as seating is limited.
Media Fondo – 82 km
Sunday morning starts early with riders heading off on the Media Fondo at the same time as the longer Gran Fondo.
The Media Fondo is a shorter route of 82 kilometres over typical strade bianche including steep inclines and challenging descents.
Both rides travel through picturesque country roads with stunning views across the Noosa hinterland. Designated checkpoints offer refreshments along the way.
Gran Fondo – 144 km
The premiere Noosa Strade Bianche Gran Fondo, features a 144 kilometre loop riding through the scenic Noosa hinterland. The course extends further north and takes in the picturesque towns of Cooran, Traveston, Kin Kin & Pomona.
The Gran Fondo includes several additional sectors of strade bianche such as white or gravel roads. Climbs such as Shadbolt Road are punishing but are followed by the exhilarating descents down the ‘Gap’ and ‘Gentle Annie’ Roads.
Several refreshment stops will provide water, bananas and other free delicacies and other refueling stops on the northern loop.
Plan to spend August in Noosa
Noosa is well-known for it’s great weather and there are plenty of things to see and do on the Sunshine Coast. Expect sunshine and balmy warm weather!
What to see and do in Noosa
While Noosa is recognised as one of Australia’s most popular holiday hotspots, there are plenty of things to see and do nearby. Watch this space as we continue to add to our posts.
Where to Stay in Noosa
Noosa offers a number of options for everyone who visits this popular holiday hotspot.
From luxury holiday houses to family-friendly apartments and country retreats, Noosa has something to suit every budget. Check out accommodation in Noosaville or Noosa.
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Our Noosa Pilgrimage
For us, the Noosa Strade Bianche has become an annual ritual. In August each year we travel from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Noosa, in Queensland to participate in this event.
Usually we have at least one bike box as additional checked luggage on our flight to Brisbane. We know we’ll be checking in ‘over-weight’ on the way home!
Many of the guys and girls who ride have similar collections. I did hear a rumour that a few of these fanatics have in excess of 100 retro road bikes in their collections! I should be grateful with only 19 in Trev’s collection, right?
[…] year, we travel to Noosa to attend the Strade Bianche complete with a bike bag. It’s a fun weekend where other enthusiasts like Trevor, polish up […]
[…] loves to ride in the Noosa Strade Bianche each year and for him it’s always a time to catch up with cycling mates and participate in […]