Thunderbolts Adventure 2023

The 2023 edition of the Thunderbolts Adventure will be run on 6-7 May 2023. It will be an overnight gravel adventure in the Barrington Tops in New South Wales designed for competent cyclists who are experienced in long distance riding.

You don’t have be be a super fit racing machine to enter this event, but you do need to:

Understand how to fuel your body for an extended ride covering over 100 km a day on remote gravel roads. Be experienced at navigating and following a GPX route and understand how to stay safe and communicate without mobile phone reception. Have a reasonable level of mechanical know how in case you need to perform running repairs on your bicycle eg, punctures, ripped tyres, broken chains, non-functioning gears.

Is it a race?

No. But kind of. A few will aim for line honours and Strava bragging rights, but most will just enjoy the ride at a sustainable pace and look to team up with a small bunch of riders of similar ability. This is a very social cycling event and you can be sure you’ll go home with some new riding buddies.

Whether you are racing yourself or others there is a chance you could be riding by yourself at times, so it is most important that you come fully prepared and self-sufficient. Better still bring your mates who you normally ride with and you are sure to have a great ride in spectacular country with friends.

Is there support?

Plan to be self-sufficient. You need to navigate your way along the course as there will be no event markings. You will need to carry your own nutrition and hydration. We would recommend carrying a minimum of 3 litres of water. You need to carry sensible protective clothing. Plan for all four seasons in one day You need to carry any spares that you feel you might conceivably need on the day.