Cycling enthusiasts can join Australia’s toughest cycling challenge, Fitz’s Challenge, on Sunday, 30 October. The 255 km course, organised by Pedal Power ACT, has been a spring tradition for three decades.
“The Fitz’s Challenge is a personal challenge event – not a race,” explains Pedal Power ACT CEO, Ian Ross.
Fitz’s Challenge has seven courses, from a 50km Tidbinbilla Challenge (880 metres of climbing) to the epic 255 km Fitz’s Extreme (5,000 metres of climbing).
“With seven rides of varying distances, there’s something to test every rider, from the eager novice to the seasoned climber,” Mr Ross said.
“While all seven rides are known for their tough hills, only the longer distances ask riders to tackle the legendary Fitz’s Hill, the epic climb after which the event is named.”
Jacob Mulholland will ride the 255 km course. He has participated in the Fitz’s Challenge for several years, and says the event is the highlight of his cycling year.
“I’ve ridden other hill events before, but there’s nothing like Fitz’s,” he said.
“The course itself is the challenge – it’s anything but flat. Other events have hills, but they have flat sections in between. With Fitz’s, it’s hill after hill. The challenge runs the whole way.”
Catherine Ayres, a mother of two young children, will take part in the challenge for the first time.
“I have always wanted to ride the Fitz’s, but it was never the right time for me. I am looking forward to participating this year.”
Pedal Power ACT encourages e-bike riders to join the challenge this year.
E-bike rider Karen Proctor will ride for the first time.
“When I heard there would be people on e-bikes this year, I was thrilled,” she says. “I have always wanted to attend, but my fitness level wasn’t quite up to scratch. Now I can finally have a go, with the confidence of a little boost to help me along.”
Pedal Power ACT has advocated for all people who ride bikes in the ACT for more than 40 years, and it is committed to encouraging more Canberrans to cycle. It represents around 6,000 members.
The Fitz’s Challenge is run in partnership with official media partner The Canberra Times, and supporting partners Capital Chemist, Canberra Physio Clinic, Capital Brewing, Premax Performance Skincare, and Ziggy’s Fresh.
Registration and further information, visit: https://www.pedalpower.org.au/fitzs/.
