From the 12 until 20 March, Brisbane residents can partake in
Brisbane Bike Week. For nine days, the city will host bike friendly programs, workshops and events. The festival is an initiative of
Bicycle Queensland, a non-profit organisation that promotes cycling in Queensland.
Bike Week celebrates cycling as both a form of transportation and as a recreational pursuit. Many of the
events on the calendar are provided free of charge. There will be twenty five events altogether. To ensure participation, register for your events on the website.
Novice riders or those who are interested in taking up the hobby should take advantage of the information seminars and introductory rides. There will be seminars on bike maintenance, easy rides and an Introduction to Road Racing talk on 19 March. All of these events are free.
For the advanced riders, there's a selection of bike riding challenges to enter. The BDO Brisbane Mt Coot-tha Challenge is an uphill timed race up Mt Coot-tha, the Great Brisbane Bike Ride is an inner city ride with 45 kilometre or 30 kilometre options and in Taste of the Tunnel, riders can bike through the Clem Jones Tunnel.
And dedicated riders can celebrate their hobby – and perhaps meet a special someone who shares it – with a list of biking themed recreational activities. Show off your cycling knowledge at Bicycle Trivia Night at the
Villager Hotel (
185 George Street, Brisbane), watch extreme cyclists bike across American in a free screening of
Bicycle Dreams or try your luck with fellow single cyclists at 10 Speed Dating.
Jure Robic, the 2007 winner of the endurance event chronicled in 'Bicycle Dreams'
Leisure rides will take place throughout the celebration in locations over Brisbane. Riders must be over the age of sixteen.
Other highlights include:
16 March is Ride to Work or School Day. Inner city workers can enjoy a free breakfast, including yoghurt, juice and coffee, at
King George Square.
The Post-Ride Festival, which takes place after the Great Brisbane Bike Ride and concludes the entire festival.
