A group of endurance cyclists will gather in Fernvale, Queensland, on Saturday, 24 January 2026, for a long-distance riding challenge through the local countryside. The event, known as Ral’s Rocky Gully Rampage, is organised by Audax Queensland and will take participants on a journey through the scenic and challenging roads of the Somerset Region. This local event coincides with the Australia Day long weekend, a traditional peak period for the Audax community.
The ride is set to start at 6:30 am AEST from the Fernvale Futures Complex, which serves as the central hub for visiting riders. Cyclists will navigate a course that includes Rocky Gully Road in Coominya, a route known for its rolling hills and portions that include both sealed and unsealed surfaces. Unlike a typical race, this event is a non‑competitive endurance brevet where the main goal is for riders to finish within a specific time limit rather than to beat other participants.
The ride is associated with local organiser Raoul “Ral” Dover, a veteran Audax rider with a long history in the Audax Australia community; Dover has previously been recognised for extensive sanctioned riding. The event emphasises self‑reliance and navigation: participants are expected to be self‑sufficient, carrying their own mechanical tools, food, and water while following cue sheets or GPS files. This style of riding encourages personal achievement and camaraderie and follows a tradition of long‑distance cycling in Australia dating back to the 1970s.
Fernvale is a popular hub for these types of events because it offers easy access to the hills of the Somerset and Lockyer Valleys and sits near the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Residents should note the roads used by the ride are not closed for the event and will remain open to all traffic. Because the ride starts early in the morning, riders are required to have front and rear lights and commonly wear high‑visibility or reflective clothing to ensure they are easily seen by other road users.
Drivers in the area should expect to see solo cyclists or small groups of two or three riders spread out over many kilometres between Fernvale and Coominya. All participants are required to obey standard Queensland road rules and share the road safely with motorists at all times. The event may also bring additional visitors to local businesses as riders finish their journey back in town later in the afternoon.
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