Fools Gold 420 – VIC

Event Info:

Fools Gold is a new 420km bikepacking event that traverses Victoria’s North-western Goldfields region. Departing 8am on Saturday 22^nd April 2023 the route will run in a clockwise loop from Maryborough to Avoca, St Arnaud, Inglewood, Dunolly and back to Maryborough to finish. It is 90% unpaved with a mix of 4wd track, double-track, single-track and some faster smoother gravel roads between state parks and forests. The event can be completed on a gravel or mountain bike but we recommend a minimum of 40mm wide tyres.

With plenty of camping locations and accommodation in towns along the way this ride is designed to be both challenging and inclusive. Event organisers would love to see a diverse crowd including members of LGBTIQ communities participating. The event is not a race; however, riders are welcome to ride how they feel, aiming for breakneck times, a 3–4-day challenge or a more leisurely tour. This is a self-supported event and riders will need to carry all their own supplies and equipment on their bikes. All riders will need navigation equipment and we highly recommend online trackers such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach are used. Entries will be open in late February and a final GPX file of the route will be supplied to all entrants 4-weeks before the start of the ride.

This event takes place on the lands of the Djadjawarung, Djabwurung, Jardwadjali and Baraba Baraba people whose land we acknowledge and respect. There has been no treaty with the first nations of these lands, and we pay our respects to the elder’s past, present and emerging and recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded.

Event Registration:

Here’s the link for event registration: Fools Gold Registration

FAQ’s:

Is this event free?

There is no registration fee for the event, however there will be a small fee if riders wish to register a tracker with map progress.

How many riders can enter?

Riders for the inaugural 2023 event will be capped at 60 which includes designated spots for females, Trans and LGBTIQ+ entrants.

What if I cannot start on the 22^nd of April?

The event will officially depart from the carpark at Bristol Hill Pioneer Memorial Tower at 8am Saturday 22^nd April 2023 for all registered riders for the 2023 event. If anyone is unable to make the official departure, but still wish to ride the route that is fine – the route and GPX files will also be made publicly available online for others after the event.

What if I have an emergency and require assistance?

Fools Gold organisers do not have the resources to provide aid or assistance, so riders will need to rely on their own support network and ride to their own abilities. This is also why we highly recommend using a tracker, which can help provide peace of mind to loved ones and be used to contact emergency services with a current location in the event of needing assistance. The route is close to many major roads and passes through several towns however phone reception can be patchy in some locations. 

What fitness level do I need to complete Fools Gold 420?

As is the case for all bikepacking events, riders should be aware of their own fitness levels and plan their ride accordingly. It is recommended riders have an idea of how long they expect the ride to take them but allow for longer in the event things don’t go as planned. We advise you complete training with supplies on your bike and have the adequate bike handling and maintenance skills and equipment to complete a self-supported 420km ride. 

Go to event website

Organised by: Fools Gold