DAY 1

Bus - Canberra to Adaminaby

Ride - Adaminaby to Khancoban

Tuesday 25 March 2025

123 kms | Climbing 2518 metres
Descending 3213 metres

• Breakfast at Rydges: from 5:00 am
• Bus transfer to ride start: 6:00 am
• Ride commences - Adaminaby: 8:30 am

To kick off Challenge Snowies, we begin early to reach our starting point. Today's 123 km route presents a formidable challenge, starting with rolling open roads for the initial 40 kms. We then head towards Cabramurra, NSW's highest town, where we'll break for lunch.

After lunch, a challenging climb awaits, taking us to the day's peak elevation. The final leg of today’s journey treats us to a thrilling descent from 1650 metres down to 200 metres over the last 40 kms into Khancoban.

Night 1 Accommodation & Dinner: Tonight, we'll unwind at the freshly renovated Khancoban Inn, offering stunning views of Lake Khancoban and nestled at the base of Kosciuszko National Park.

DAY 2

Into the Mountains

Wednesday 26 March 2025

77 km | Climbing 2797 metre

Descending 1747 metres

• Breakfast: from 6:00 am
• Ride Start: 7:00 am
• Estimated Finish: 12:40 pm

Overview: Day 2 plunges us into the heart of the mountains, promising a true test of endurance. Covering 77 kms, today features two Hors Catégorie (HC) climbs, making it a challenging day for all riders.

Route Highlights:

• Early Climbs: The day starts with immediate climbing towards Murray Power Station No 1, followed by a ascent to Scammels Lookout, reaching over 1000 metres.
• Descent and Challenges: After descending much of our earlier gains, we face the demanding ascent up 'Geehi,' leading to our next stop at Tom Groggin, historically linked to the 'Man from Snowy River.'
• Legendary Climb: The final ascent to Dead Horse Gap spans 18 kms, rising to 1594 metres above sea level, with an average grade of 5.9%. The rewarding view at the summit precedes a thrilling 8 km descent into Thredbo.

Night 2 Accommodation & Dinner: Tonight, we’ll unwind and celebrate at Rydges Thredbo, where we have a two-night stay planned. Relax, recharge, and savour the achievements of Day 2 amidst the picturesque surroundings.

DAY 3

Kosciuszko Summit and Rest Day 

Thursday 27 March 2025

47km | climbing 1634 metres

Descending 1631 metres

• Breakfast: from 6:00 am
• Ride Start: 7:00 am
• Estimated Finish: 10:10 am
• Kosciuszko Summit Walk: 12:30 pm

Overview: Day 3 offers a 'rest' day following two challenging days of cycling. Today, we'll enjoy a variety of activities, starting with an exhilarating 18 km descent back to Tom Groggin, followed by a chance to conquer Dead Horse Gap for bragging rights.

Activities:

• Morning Ride: Descend 18 km to Tom Groggin without pedalling, relishing the downhill momentum.
• Challenge Climb: Return to Dead Horse Gap to set your personal best on this renowned climb, whether for a Queen of the Mountain (QOM) or King of the Mountain (KOM) achievement.
• Afternoon Exploration: After returning to Rydges Thredbo and sharing stories, explore the surroundings and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
• Kosciuszko Summit: After lunch, take a chairlift to the Kosciuszko walking trailhead for a 6 km hike to the summit, totalling 12 km round trip.

Night 3 Accommodation & Dinner: Enjoy another evening of comfort and hospitality at Rydges Thredbo, reflecting on the day's achievements and looking forward to the journey ahead.

DAY 4

Thredbo to Jindabyne via Mt Kosciuszko and Charlottes Pass 

Friday 28 March 2024

111 km |  Climbing 2102 metres
Descending 2554 metres

Proposed schedule

• Breakfast: from 6:00 am
• Ride start: 7:00 am
• Estimated finish: 12:00 pm 

Overview: Day 4 begins with a picturesque descent from Thredbo to the charming village of Jindabyne, nestled on the shores of Lake Jindabyne amidst stunning mountain scenery.

Route Highlights:

• Scenic Detour: Before reaching Jindabyne, we detour towards Mt Kosciuszko to ascend Mt Perisher and Charlottes Pass. This 32 km climb ascends 1197 metres, offering a more gradual ascent compared to previous days, with an average gradient of 2.9% and a maximum of 10.5%. Enjoy the panoramic countryside views as you ascend to the highest sealed road in NSW at 1842 metres.
• Rewarding Descent: After soaking in the views and capturing photos, enjoy a thrilling 32 km descent back to Jindabyne, relishing the wide open valley roads perfect for exhilarating descents.

Day 4 & 5 Accommodation & Dinner: Enjoy a two-night stay at Rydges Jindabyne overlooking Lake Jindabyne. Tonight, indulge in a special dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, celebrating the day’s accomplishments amidst the scenic beauty of the Snowy Mountains.

DAY 5

Jindabyne Finish Line

Saturday 29 March 2025

117km | Climbing 1682 metres
Descending 1682 metres

Proposed schedule

• Breakfast: from 6:00 am
• Ride start: 7:00 am
• Estimated finish: 12:50 pm

Overview: On our final day of Challenge Snowies, we transition from the mountains to the rolling plains, tracing much of the scenic Snowy Classic course through quiet roads and picturesque farmlands.

Route Highlights:

• Final Challenge: Before reaching the shores of Lake Jindabyne, we tackle the infamous Baloka climb—a 5.5 km ascent with an average grade of 7.4%. This final challenge tests our resolve before the triumphant finish.
• Celebration at the Finish: After conquering Baloka, enjoy a gentle roll back to Jindabyne where friends and family await. Gather for our final Smiddy huddle on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, celebrating our journey and fundraising success together.

Day 5 Accommodation & Dinner: Celebrate our achievements and enjoy our final night at Rydges Jindabyne, reflecting on five incredible days on the road.

Family Arriving: We warmly welcome your family and friends to join us for the finish line celebrations at Lake Jindabyne. Please inform us if you have family joining via the Flight Details Form to assist with our planning for the closing festivities.

Return transfer to Canberra

Sunday 30 March 2025

Proposed Schedule:

• Breakfast: from 7:00 am
• Bus Transfer 1: 9:00 am
• Bus Transfer 2: 11:00 am

Transfer Details: On Sunday following the ride, we will arrange return bus transfers to Canberra Airport for participants who require transportation. We plan to operate two buses depending on demand, departing at 9:00 am and 11:00 am respectively. The journey to Canberra Airport takes just over 2 hours.

Flight Details and Transfer Request: Please provide your flight details and indicate if you require an airport transfer by completing the Flight Details Form. This information will help us organize the transfers efficiently.