Sydney's spring and summer calendar is stacked with big, organised rides worth building your training around — whether that means a relaxed 10km with the kids or a genuinely tough 155km slog down the coast. Here's what's left on the 2026 calendar, in date order, with what each one actually asks of you.
Spring Cycle — Sunday 11 October 2026
The most accessible of the three. Riders choose either a 10km or 50km course through Sydney, with the signature drawcard being a car-free ride across the Sydney Harbour Bridge — something you can't normally do on a bike without a fair bit of route planning. Proceeds support Lifeline. This is the one to bring a less experienced rider or family member to.
MS Sydney to the Gong Ride — Sunday 1 November 2026
One of Australia's most iconic charity rides, marking its 45th anniversary in 2026. Choose between an 80km course starting at Tempe Recreation Reserve or a 53km course from Preston Park in Engadine — both run through the Royal National Park, past the ocean views at Stanwell Tops, and across the Sea Cliff Bridge before finishing in Wollongong. Around 7,000 riders typically take part, so expect a genuinely festival-like atmosphere at the finish line event village.
Bondi2Berry — Saturday 14 November 2026
The serious one. A 155km road ride starting at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, heading through the Royal National Park to Wollongong and Kiama before finishing in Berry on the NSW South Coast, with around 1,700m of elevation gain along the way. Road bikes only — no TT or mountain bikes — and riders are grouped and ride together for the full distance with support vehicles and mechanics on course. It requires a minimum fundraising commitment (historically around $550) since it directly funds dementia research, and you'll need an AusCycling membership or day licence to take part.
If you're chasing something similar closer to home first, our Bowral Classic guide covers another serious NSW gran fondo on the calendar.
Looking Further Ahead
If you miss this year's Bobbin Head Cycle Classic — Sydney's popular North Shore charity ride through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park — the next edition is already locked in for Sunday 4 April 2027. Worth calendaring now if 2026's edition passed you by.
Getting Ready: What Actually Matters
Spring Cycle needs almost no preparation beyond turning up. The Gong Ride and Bondi2Berry are a different story — both are genuine endurance efforts, and the gear you bring matters more than most riders expect on a ride longer than about 50km.
- A saddle bag with a spare tube and multi-tool — pit stops on Bondi2Berry are generous, but a mechanical between them isn't.
- A bike computer for pacing — 80km and 155km courses punish riders who go out too hard in the first 20. Our GPS bike computer comparison covers two solid options.
- Padded gloves — grip fatigue over 100km+ is a real problem, not a minor annoyance.
- A proper jersey with rear pockets — for nutrition, your phone, and anything you peel off once the Illawarra sun comes up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Spring Cycle 2026?
Sunday 11 October 2026 — 10km or 50km courses, including a car-free ride across the Harbour Bridge.
When is the MS Gong Ride 2026?
Sunday 1 November 2026, the 45th edition — 80km from Tempe or 53km from Engadine, both finishing in Wollongong.
When is Bondi2Berry 2026?
Saturday 14 November 2026 — a 155km road ride from North Bondi to Berry via the Royal National Park and Kiama.
Do I need to fundraise to take part?
Spring Cycle and the Gong Ride are entry-fee events where fundraising is encouraged. Bondi2Berry requires a minimum fundraising commitment, historically around $550.
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