The Bike it to Ballidu Gravel festival is back in Ballidu this Saturday (21 September) as around 480 gravel riding enthusiasts from around the State plus their entourages turn the tiny Wheatbelt township on its head – but in a good way!

Boekeman Machinery | Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel was spawned last year from the locally beloved ride that converted to gravel after a quarter of a century on asphalt.

“Originally created as a fund raiser for Ballidu Primary School, Bike it to Ballidu Gravel has gone from strength to strength gaining popularity not just amongst locals but people from all over the State,” said Danelle Hasson from the Ballidu Progress Group and Bike it to Ballidu Gravel Committee.

Last year 330 festive to fervent riders of all ages and abilities created a buzzing interaction between locals and out-of-towners on the 12km, 30km, 86km and 155km rides – and at the after-party in the Ballidu event village.

Its success was acknowledged at this year’s SportWest WA Sport Awards where Bike it to Ballidu Gravel was one of three ‘Community Sporting Event of the Year’ finalists.

It’s quickly – and literally – become the biggest event in the town just 2.5 hours drive NE of Perth. About 480 riders are set to line up this year.

WA to host Gravel World Championships in 2026

Bike it to Ballidu Gravel is tapping into a bulging gravel scene in WA that includes the likes of Seven in Nannup/Margaret River, Backroads Gravel in Geraldton/Chapman Valley and Wild Gravel in the Stirling Ranges in the Great Southern.

The Gravel World Championships will be hosted by Seven in the South West in 2026.

“The Gravel Worlds coming here is just brilliant for the State – it really validates the quality of our gravel and our status as an event destination,” said WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw.

“More broadly, the gravel boom shows the appetite that exists for people to ride different kinds of bikes in different kinds of ways – and there aren’t many better spots in the State for gravel riding than the Shire of Wongan Hills-Ballidu,” Bradshaw added.

“WestCycle, along with our partners in the Shire and State Government, couldn’t be happier with its evolution.”
“I can’t wait to take it on again…”

Perth-based gravel specialist Cassia Boglio, who rides for Liv Cycling Australia, has just returned from riding some of the world’s biggest gravel events in the US.

The 23-year-old semi-pro will return this year after being the first woman back into Ballidu on the 155km Wongan Thrills loop last year.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Ballidu this year and all the great gravel roads in the Wongan Hills area,” Boglio said. “It was a tough ride last year and I can’t wait to take it on again, riding with people I know on a quality gravel course.”

Her male counterpart from last year, Ricky Andrews, plus a solid contingent of some of WA’s best gravel riders will also be on the line this weekend.

“The variety of gravel out there is pretty unique from the pea pebble to the clay tracks the farmer paths,” said 31-year-old Andrews. “I had the family there last year and had a blast!”

Chris Tallentire MP: A gravel riding showcase with broad benefits

WA State Parliament member for Thornlie and keen gravel cyclist, Chris Tallentire, celebrated the event’s offering – and proximity to the capital.

“It’s fantastic that this event continues to showcase gravel riding opportunities in the regions and brings so many benefits to the community in and around the town of Ballidu,” Tallentire said. “It’s a fabulous opportunity for metro-based people to go well beyond the scarp, into the wheatbelt.”

Hasson brought perspective to just how important such events are to regions and towns that have struggled in recent years to maintain their populations as the rural landscape has shifted.

“As a small town that no longer has an operational school – the heart of all small country towns – Bike it to Ballidu Gravel has been integral in maintaining a sense of purpose, unity and belonging for our community. Long may it continue!”

Hasson added: “Put on your lycra or get in to the spirit and drag out your best fancy dress, head out to the country, soak up the views, get some fresh air and support a tiny community with a big heart.”

Find out more about Bike it to Ballidu Gravel here: www.ballidugravel.com.au

Boekeman Machinery | Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel is supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture, Lotterywest and the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Sport and recreation creates vibrant, inclusive and connected WA communities.

For interviews or further Bike it to Ballidu Gravel info please contact:
Shane Starling
Communications manager
Phone: 0492 897 199
Email: [email protected]