Sign up for Australia’s toughest hill climb cycling challenge

25 Oct 22 | By pp-admin | Fitzs, Media release

MEDIA RELEASE

18 October 2022

Calling all cycling enthusiasts to join Australia’s toughest cycling challenge on 30 October 2022.

“The Fitz’s Challenge is a personal challenge event – not a race,” explains Pedal Power ACT CEO Ian Ross. “With seven rides of varying distances, there’s something to test every rider, from the eager novice to the seasoned climber. 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 be riding the 255 km course. He has been participating 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 says. “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”. 

Mum of two young children, Catherine Ayres will be taking part in the challenge for the first time this year “I have always wanted to ride the Fitz’s” she says “but it was never the right time for me. I am looking forward to participating this year”.

Organiser Pedal Power ACT is actively encouraging e-bike riders to also join the challenge this year, providing more riders with the opportunity to be part of a Spring tradition that spans over three decades.

E-bike rider Karen Proctor is taking the challenge 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 been advocating for all people who ride bikes in the ACT for over 40 years and it is committed to encouraging more Canberrans to cycle. It currently 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.