Gravelling with Graveleurs

Sunshine. Forests. Winding roads and plenty of the good stuff. Gravel riders know how to have a good time—and Graveleur knows how to put on a good event.

It’s no surprise Mike Israel and the Graveleur crew have built such a passionate following. Their events are created with gravel riders firmly in mind.

Clarke’s Gambit was the latest offering, held on the NSW South Coast and doubling as the 2026 NSW Gravel Championships. Around 300 riders descended on the little town of Nelligen, just a short drive from Batemans Bay.

Saturday saw the big guns chase titles in their categories. Sunday was a welcome cruise—a chance to flush the legs and enjoy more social time behind the bars with friends.

Gravel riding has been gaining momentum in Australia for several years.

“It’s the love child of a Tour de France cyclist and Crocodile Dundee—fast, adventurous and suspiciously comfortable a long way from the bitumen.”

Driving dusty roads to chase riders and capture how their day unfolded was a challenge—but only if you wanted to stay at the pointy end. Further back, there was plenty happening: laughs, great views and tasty snacks at the feed stations.

That’s gravel riding—and there’s something in it for everyone.