About the ride
All the facts and figures you need to know
About the ride
Welcome to the Sydney to Surfers Robbo’s Ride – an exciting and rewarding week long cycling tour dedicated to raising funds for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets. The ride is coordinated and fully supported by the Rotary Club of Engadine.
The ride departs from Sydney on Saturday 29 April 2023 and concludes at Sea World in Surfers Paradise on Friday 5 May 2023 after travelling through some of Australia’s most scenic countryside. Day 3 will be a rest day with riders and their gear transferred from Bulahdelah to North Haven by bus.
With all meals provided and a choice of included camping or book-your-own motel accommodation, you’ll enjoy a fantastic week of cycle touring with a great mixture of fun and challenging riding and many of your best cycling buddies! You’ll cycle through Sydney’s Central Coast, the beautiful Lake Macquarie and Hunter region, the scenic mid-north coast, the magnificent Coffs Coast and hinterland, the Northern Rivers region and finally cruise along the beaches of the Tweed and Gold Coasts.
The ride travels on open public roads including local regional and town roads, freeway riding and some country roads. Rotary works closely with the NSW Police Force to ensure that the ride is conducted in the safest way possible. Each ride ‘pack’ is accompanied by a dedicated support vehicle.
And now, read on for all the details you need to know about the 2023 Sydney to Surfers Robbo’s Ride.
When you’re ready, just hit the ‘Register’ button at the bottom of this page to lock in your spot on Australia’s premier long distance charity cycling tour!
The cost of entry for the 2023 ride is $2,250 per person.
The ride entry fee can be reduced by $1,000 (to $1,250) if you take the opportunity to raise at least $3,000 in donations to support the work of Father Chris Riley’s Youth of the Streets. For a fully supported 7-day cycle tour, that’s a bargain!
The full details are as follows:
- Riders are required to pay $500 deposit on registration.
- The balance of the ride fee ($1,750) is due on 1 April 2023. The balance payable is reduced by $1,000 for those participants who have raised at least $3,000 in donations by 31 March 2023. Note: you must raise a minimum of $3,000 in donations (not including the $500 deposit) to qualify for the reduced ride fee.
- The deposit payable on registration (less $100 administration fee) is refundable if a rider withdraws prior to 1 March 2023.
- Withdrawals received after the 1 March 2023 are not eligible for a refund.
- Riders must be registered by 1 March 2023 to receive the free ride jersey.
The entry fee will cover:
- Free 2023 Ride Jersey
- Tent sites for those camping (riders camping must bring their own camping gear)
- 4 meals per day i.e. breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner (Breakfast not included Day 1)
- Daily luggage transfers and free shuttle service to and from the evening meal.
- A dedicated support vehicle for every Pack
- Overnight accommodation (on a shared basis with another rider) at Sea World Resort, on Day 7
- Great camaraderie and encouragement along the way.
The Sydney to Surfers ‘Robbo’s Ride’ is a fundraising event and all riders are encouraged to participate in fundraising. Fundraising is not compulsory – riders can elect to pay the full ride entry (to be announced) – but why not contribute to a great cause and save yourself some money into the bargain?
Details of the fundraising arrangements and eligibility for a discounted ride entry fee are being reviewed. Details will be published here as soon as possible.
All Riders who register before 1 March will receive – free – the 2023 ride jersey. The official team Ride Jersey will be distributed to riders at the start of the ride and must be worn on the final day 7 ride into Surfers Paradise.
Ordering your kit
When registering for the Ride, you will be asked to choose the size for your jersey. There will be provision made for this on the online Ride Registration Form.
Please note – the jerseys are manufactured overseas and therefore the sizing is ‘snug’. The tables below set out the standard sizing and the minimum recommended size to order.
Men’s ride jersey
Riders who generally wear a small/ medium fitting will find that upsizing by 1 size for their jersey will be sufficient. Riders who generally wear a size large or bigger jersey will find that they will need to upsize by 2 sizes for a comfortable fit.
AUS size → Recommended size to order
- Small → Medium
- Medium → Large
- Large → XLarge or XXLarge
- XLarge → XXLarge or XXXLarge
- XXLarge → XXXLarge or XXXXLarge
- XXXLarge → XXXXLarge or XXXXXLarge
- XXXXLarge → XXXXXLarge
Ladies’ ride jersey
Ladies Jerseys are a tailored fit. We recommend that you order at least 1 size up – unless you are a petite frame i.e. Size 6-8.
Ladies are able to order a men’s fitting in the jerseys if they prefer. If you would prefer a men’s fitting you should note this on the Ride Entry Form or it will be assumed that you want a ladies fitting.
AUS size → Recommended size to order
- Small 6-8 → Small
- Small 8-10 → Medium
- Medium 10-12 → Large
- Large 12 → XLarge
- XLarge 12-14 → XXLarge
- XXLarge 14-16 → XXXLarge
- XXXLarge 16-18 → XXXXLarge
Feel free to contact us if you have any queries prior to ordering your kit.
The organisation of riders into groups or ‘packs’ is critical to the success and safety of the ride and the enjoyment of all participants.
Depending on final numbers, there will be up to 10 packs comprising 15-20 riders. The aim is to group riders of similar ability together to ensure that each group can stay together and maintain a generally consistent pace throughout each day. The packs are ranked from Pack 1 comprising the strongest and fastest riders.
Pack captains
Each Pack will have an assigned Pack Captain and Vice-Captain (Sweep) to lead, manage and coordinate the Pack for the duration of the ride. Pack Captains are in charge of the Pack and their primary responsibility is the safety of all riders. The Sweep will ride at the back of the pack to ensure the safety of tail-end riders.
Naturally, riders are expected to follow the directions of their Pack Captain and Sweep at all times – this is not negotiable!
Pack support vehicle
Each Pack has a dedicated support vehicle which will follow behind the last rider for that pack. The support vehicles are easily identified by their signage and flashing lights which are used for maximum visibility on the road. They are the ‘buffer’ between the riders and approaching cars/trucks. Support vehicle drivers are also in radio contact with the Pack Captain and the Sweep during the ride.
Each support vehicle carries a bike rack suitable for carrying road bikes (including carbon fibre bikes), a first aid kit, additional drinking water and will carry each rider’s day pack. Riders should bring their own spare tubes, tyre and wet weather gear in their day pack so that they are easily accessible if needed.
Pack identification
Packs will be identified by a coloured ribbon which must be attached to your seat post or saddle bag and be clearly visible to the support vehicle driver.
Assigning packs
The Ride Co-ordinator is responsible for assigning individual participants to the various packs. The allocation of riders to packs will consider:
- have you participated in the Sydney to Surfers Ride previously?
- what level pack you have previously ridden in?
- would you prefer to ride at that level again?
- are you participating in the ride with friends and do you wish to ride together?
- what is your riding experience and average speed over extended rides?
- do you have experience in pack riding?
We will contact riders a few weeks prior to the ride to gather this information to help with pack allocations by the Ride Co-ordinator.
The level of pack you are initially assigned to can be varied during the ride. If you find that the pace is too fast or too slow, feel free to ask about changing to a different pack. Changing packs needs to be done in consultation and with the agreement of both your existing and new Pack Captains. If you wish to spend a day or half day riding with the Youth Off The Streets Pack you will need to consult with your Pack Captain and the Youth Off The Streets Team Pack Captain and do so with their agreement.
If you ride with a different pack at any time, you must change your identification ribbon to you new pack’s colour. Pack Captains will have a supply of extra ribbons.
Your ride entry fee covers all meals during the 7 day event. Meals are organised for riders from the first Morning Tea stop on Day 1 to the final Celebration Dinner on Day 7. Riders who have special dietary needs (eg gluten free, vegetarian etc) are asked to provide that information during the online registration.
Breakfast – is provided at the nominated club each morning and breakfast starting times will be advised at dinner the previous evening. Breakfast includes a range of cereals, toast and a selection of hot food; juice, water and tea/ coffee are provided at breakfast. Riders are to cycle from their accomodation to breakfast each morning. Starting times may vary (depending on the day’s ride and expected conditions) and will be advised at the previous night’s dinner.
Morning tea is provided ‘on the road’ at a designated spot and is coordinated by Rotary members and volunteers. Morning Tea includes a range of fruit, cakes, and bread and sandwich fillings on a self-serve basis. Water, tea and coffee are also available at all morning tea stops.
Lunch is also provided ‘on the road’ at a designated spot, again coordinated by Rotary members and volunteers. Lunch includes a range of bread rolls/wraps and sandwich fillings, salads and cold meats on a self-serve basis. Water and soft drink are provided at lunch.
Dinner is provided at a local RSL or sporting club each night. Unless otherwise advised, dinner usually commences at 6.30pm and riders generally sit with their Ride Pack for dinner. Dinner is usually a self-serve buffet with a variety of hot foods and salads and desserts. Tea and coffee are available. Alcoholic beverages are not supplied by Rotary but may be purchased from the club.
Family, friends and networks are welcome to join riders at any of the dinners. If you wish to invite guests, please advise Rotary organisers in advance so that arrangements may be made with the club to accomodate extra numbers. The cost of dinner for additional guest may be paid on the night.
Mini buses driven by Rotary volunteers will transport riders to and from dinner each night. Generally commencing around 5.00-5.30pm, the mini buses travel in a circuit collecting riders from the various hotel/motel or campsite locations. Following dinner the buses undertake a number of circuits for riders returning to their accommodation.
Important announcements are made during each night’s dinner, including breakfast timing and conditions or known hazards for the next day’s ride. Please give organisers your full attention during these announcements.
Dinners generally conclude around 9.00-9.30pm.
The final Celebration Dinner will be held at a Gold Coast hotel on day 7. Riders are encouraged to invite family, friends and their sponsors to this event. Guests for the final dinner must be booked and paid for (cost to be advised) with payment of your final ride fee.
Your ride fee covers some accommodation options and a full luggage service for the duration of the event.
You can camp …
Camp sites in a local caravan park are included in your ride entry fee. Riders need to provide their own tents and camping equipment.
Camping equipment is dropped off and picked up from the designated camping ground each day at a nominated spot. Riders are responsible for ensuring that their camping equipment is left at the truck/ nominated pick up spot by the specified time each morning.
As there are no suitable camping sites at Grafton, campers will be accommodated at the Crown Hotel on a shared room basis which is included in the Ride Entry price.
Riders who are not otherwise camping must arrange their own accommodation at Grafton (and other stops).
… or opt for a little more comfort
Riders who do not wish to camp may elect to arrange their own hotel/ motel accommodation (including Grafton) at their own cost.
A list of accommodation close to the dinner/breakfast venue in each stop is provided below. These locations will be serviced by the luggage drop off/pick up collection and dinner mini bus service. Please do not book any other accommodation without first consulting ride organisers: Contact us.
… and on Day 7
Your ride fee includes accommodation at Sea World Resort on day 7 for all participants on a twin share basis. You may choose to share a room at Sea World Resort with a non-rider but you will need to book your own room at your own cost. We hope to be able to offer discounted prices at Sea World Resort hotel for those who wish to stay for up to 3 days prior to and 3 days after the Celebration Dinner – details will be advised in due course.
The Rotary volunteer team will transport riders’ luggage to and from their accommodation every day.
Prior to the commencement of the ride, all riders will be required to provide details of their accommodation for each day of the ride. Luggage Tags will be prepared by the Rotary organisers and given to riders at the start on Day 1 to tag your bag. With the Luggage Tags in place, riders will have their luggage dropped off at their nominated accommodation each afternoon and collected again the following morning for transport to the next location.
Riders must ensure that their luggage is placed at the collection point at the campground or at each accommodation venue prior to going to breakfast.
For those who plan to stay in Hornsby the night before the ride, we suggest Ascot Motel Inn or Blue Gum Hotel – our volunteers will collect luggage only from these locations on the morning of the ride so that you can ride your bike to the start point unencumbered.
Riders are responsible for getting their bike to Hornsby for the start of the ride. During the week, bikes may be stored overnight in the luggage trucks at the campsite or you may take your bike to your accommodation if you are not camping.
For Sydney-based riders, Rotary hope to offer a service to transport participants’ bikes back to Sydney. Tickets for this service must be purchased prior to the ride – more details will be advised closer to the ride and payment will be collected with the final ride fee payment due around 1 April.
Please note, bikes are packed together with as much care as possible however, riders may prefer to pack their bike in a cardboard bike box which can often be sourced from local bike shops prior to the ride. Riders should ensure that their bike box (flat packed) is labeled with their name and contact details. Flat packed bike boxes will be loaded on one of the support trucks at the start on Day 1.
As there is limited space available in the trucks hard bike cases are not permitted.
The trucks transporting the bikes will return to Sydney on Saturday following the ride and bikes can be collected either at Hornsby or Engadine. The truck will make one stop only in Hornsby on Saturday afternoon. You or your representative must be there to collect the bike at the nominated time. After that, the only pick up point will be Engadine. One or two days will be designated for Engadine pickups and riders will be advised during the ride of the dates and times.
Note: only the locations identified below will be serviced by the luggage drop off/pick up collection and dinner mini bus service.
Day | Club | Camping | Approved hotels/ motels |
---|---|---|---|
The Day before Hornsby Fri | Ascot Motel Inn (02) 9487 3355; Blue Gum Hotel(02) 9489 3220 | ||
Day 1 Swansea Sat | Belmont Golf Club (801A Pacific Highway Marks Point) | Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park | Black Swan Waterfront Motel (02) 4971 1392; Lakeview Motor Inn (02) 4945 2847; Aquarius Motel (02) 4945 9899; Gunyah Hotel (02) 4945 4603; Swansea Hotel(02) 4971 1227; Belmont Palms Motel (02) 4041 2164; Squid’s Ink Belmont (02) 4947 7223 |
Day 2 Buladelah Sun | Bulahdelah Bowling Club (Jackson Street Bulahdelah) | Bulahdelah Bowling Club | Bulahdelah Cabin & Van Park (Cabins available) (02)4887 4565; |
Day 3 North Haven Mon | North Haven Bowling Club (1 Woodford Rd North Haven) | Brigadoon Holiday Park | Brigadoon Holiday Park (Cabins available) (02) 6559 9172; Jacaranda Caravan Park (02) 6559 9470; Haven Waters Motel (02) 6559 9303; Woongarra Motel (02) 6559 9088; North Haven Motel (02) 6559 9604; Pelican h2o Apartments (02) 6559 9580; |
Day 4 Nambucca Heads Tue | Nambucca RSL (3 Nelson St Nambucca Heads) | White Albatross Holiday Resort | White Albatross Holiday Resort (Cabins available) (02) 6568 6468; Mirimar Motel (02) 6568 7899; Riverview Boutique Motel (02) 6568 6386; Marcel Towers (02) 6568 7041; |
Day 5 Grafton Wed | Grafton District Services Club (105-107 Mary St Grafton) | Campers accommodated at Crown Hotel | Crown Hotel (02) 6642 4000; Quality Inn (02) 6640 9100; Fitzroy Motor Inn (02) 6642 4477; Econo Lodge (02) 6642 1944; Abbey Motel (02) 6642 6122; Roches Hotel (02) 6642 2866; |
Day 6 Ballina Thurs | Ballina RSL Club (River Street, Ballina) | Ballina Central Holiday Park | Ballina Central Holiday Park (Cabins available) (02) 6686 2220; Ballina Heritage Inn (02) 6686 0505; Comfort Inn All Seasons (02) 6686 2922; Coast Inn Motel (02)6686 3300; Ballina Centrepoint Motel (02) 6686 6877; Ballina Hi-Craft Motel (02) 6686 8868; |
Day 7 Surfers Paradise Fri | Sea World Resort (Sea World Drive, Main Beach) | All participants and volunteers will be accommodated at Sea World Resort and a shared room basis with another rider/ volunteer |
For those who plan to stay in Hornsby the night before the ride, we suggest Ascot Motor Inn or Blue Gum Hotel – our volunteers will collect luggage from these locations (only) on the morning of the ride so that you can ride your bike to the start point unencumbered