The Classic.

Bike thrills, beer spills and tall stories.

By Black Sheep Cycling

June 8^th, 2017

awesome foresomes.

Expect the unexpected. Fear the worst. Fun for everyone. Terrain to test the best. The inaugural Racing Club | Classic, hosted in Black Sheep’s home of Brisbane on May 27, had been labelled a litany of things even before the first of this 120 kilometre adventure race had been ridden. The Classic lived up to all its monikers and birthed many more by the end of a gruelling day during which teams of four riders were treated to some of the best and most challenging roads in Australia’s river city.

welcome to the woolshed.

Riders were welcomed to The Woolshed, Black Sheep’s new Brisbane home. The aroma of freshly ground coffee by King Arthur and Sundays.cc cut through the air as keen participants milled in anticipation of the first departure in the inaugural Racing Club | Classic.

With little more than a route card and hint of a direction, few riders knew what was really in store. Nerves were apparent and the rumours spread: fearful climbs, hard-to-locate laneways and winding gravel descents, there was little to confirm any of the hearsay. The only definite was that riders were about to be treated to the best of Brisbane of cycling.

With little more than a route card and hint of a direction, few riders knew what was really in store.

roads that go off.

As teams left the suburbs in their wake, the best of Black Sheep’s hometown came out to play. Bunyaville State Forest was the first unexpected challenge to face the riders. As the road turned from tarmac to gravel, it was the first indication of what lay ahead, the further riders travelled, the narrower the road became before arriving at a split in the trail, with only single track in both directions ahead.

The single track in the Forest is not something routinely tackled or even known to most road riders, but today it would form one of The Classic’s most challenging parcours. Riders would have to work together to conquer doubtful minds, confusion of direction and a creek crossing on Dam Road, which was closer to a mountain bike trail than the favoured tarmac.

tall stories.

As riders emerged from the unexpected challenges of the day friends new and old came together, developing bonds that can only be found when adversity comes knocking. For every missed turn and gravel section cursed, riders found solace in one another.

As riders returned, tired legs were forgotten, moments of despair transformed into stories of success. Tales of the road were becoming longer by every rendition and pint shared. Today friendships were born and stories created that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

"I knew there was going to be a good bit of elevation and maybe a bit of getting lost, but the feeling of overcoming each climb and finding the right path was super fulfilling." – Mairi Mackinnon, Racing Club Elite Women

Great day riding with friends, ploughing the tracks, hitting the hills and enjoying a few beers at the end. What more could you ask for?” – Adam Gill, Bike Style Tours