Ballidu might only have a population of 58 people, but the tiny Wheatbelt town has got used to hosting big events and is all set to welcome 100s of gravel riders and their friends and family for the fourth edition of Bike it to Ballidu Gravel.
Last year close to 600 riders took part and this year is tracking to go even bigger as local riders are joined by gravel grinders and finders from Perth and beyond over 12km, 44km, 82km and 150km fondos and races.
2026 brings extra intrigue with Ballidu Gravel falling just two weeks before WA hosts the Gravel World Championships, and thus attracting local, interstate and international interest from riders keen for a final 150km gravel race hit-out before the big day in Nannup.
“There’s a climb in the middle that hurts anyone that goes up there.”
Ricky Andrews, winner of the Wongan Thrills 150km ride at Ballidu Gravel the past three years, will be returning for a fourth crown – and to prepare for his own crack at the Gravel Worlds.
“Obviously it’s not as hilly as Nannup but there is still about 1400m of elevation and it’s always a tough day – 150 hard kilometres,” Andrews told us. “There’s a climb in the middle that hurts anyone that goes up there. [Mount O’Brien, 9%].”
“You never know what can happen on gravel but I’m there to win. I’m training pretty hard. It’s full prep for the Worlds warm-up for me, 100%. I’m also dialling my set up and nutrition in Ballidu and I’ll have the exact same set-up at the Worlds.”
The Guava Bikes team rider added: “I love Ballidu, it’s one of my favourite events. There’s a horrible hard climb, some single track, some sandy bits, graded gravel… It has a bit of everything.”
“It’s the biggest day of the year in the Shire.”
Out in the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu that lies 2.5 hours drive NE of Perth, Mal Sutherland, the Ballidu Progress Group’s Bike it to Ballidu Gravel coordinator said the locals were readying for another massive gravel gathering.
“Everyone here in the Shire is excited about this year with the Worlds and everything that is happening in gravel,” Sutherland said. “It’s huge for the area and everyone comes down and rides the fondos, gets into the fancy dress spirit, or just watches it all unfold with a beer on the lawn in the Event Village. It’s the biggest day of the year in the Shire.”
Sutherland, a local farmer, noted direct economic benefits with Bike it to Ballidu Gravel earnings being funnelled back into the community with significant upgrades to the Ballidu Recreation Ground’s shower/toilet block that will enhance the experience of the Ballidu Gravel hordes that camp there.
“a stunning array of colour…”
New Shire president and Boekeman Machinery director, Stuart Boekeman, highlighted how the reigning ‘Shire Event of the Year’ was a perfect catalyst to bring people into the area.
“Maybe some people don’t realise just how spectacular it is around here at this time of year with all the canola blooming and 1400 species of plants, including 24 species that are unique to the Shire,” he said. “It’s really very beautiful, a stunning array of colour in areas like Reynoldson Reserve.”
Recent good rains have only boosted the bloom and Boekeman encouraged people to make a weekend of it to take in the wildflowers, walking trails, museums, stargazing, and exotic fauna.
“Some riders are racing hard and that’s great but about half of the field are there for the ride rather than the race and it’s just so beautiful to be out there on your bike in this scenery. Then for those that do stay the astrotourism is renowned here because of the dark skies and birdwatchers can see the eagles nesting at Mount Matilda.”
While Ballidu Gravel event routes can only be accessed on event day as they pass through private land only made available for the event by generous farmers, the Shire has more than 800km of gravel roads, and has published a few local loops that can be accessed all year round.
Ride on for mental and physical health…
Himself a rider, the Boekeman Machinery director (and event sponsor) has participated in Bike it to Ballidu for more than 20 years before it made the switch to gravel in 2023, and will be out there this year with others from his firm.
“Boekemans always supports community events and right from the outset we’ve supported Bike it to Ballidu. It’s important for our business model that we support the community that supports us. It’s such a good event for mental and physical health, getting out and clearing the mind. I’m signed for the 44km and looking forward to the ride!”
The 60-year-old highlighted the commitment of fellow Boekeman employee Matt Reid who last year finished the ride on ragged rims after a tyre blow-out.
“Matt’s gonna carry a spare tube this year,” Boekeman quipped.
He added: “The Shire and community is so positive about this event – they love the event, it’s a very important date on our calendar and everyone is looking forward to it. We invite everyone to come along and get away from the rat race and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the country provides.”
Boekeman Machinery | Case IH takes place on Sunday 27 September in Ballidu.
Find out more here.
The WA Government through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport is a major supporter of Boekeman Machinery | Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel in Western Australia. Sport and recreation creates vibrant, inclusive and connected WA communities.
