Here is the second part of Brisbane-based cyclist Ayaka’s ride report on the 2025 Tour de Brisbane. Last year, Ayaka and Yoshi, her partner, challenged the 80km course; this year, they enjoyed the 50km fun ride. From a local cyclist’s perspective, Ayaka shares her experience of this large-scale Australian cycling event, which takes over public roads and bus lanes usually used for everyday transport.
Read the first part here:
Table of Contents
6 Riding Through Rain-Washed Brisbane
7 Highlights of the 50km Course
8 Atrractions of the 80km Course
9 Diverse Participants and Their Unique Ways of Enjoying the Ride
10 A Relaxed and Festive Atmosphere at the Finish
11 Participating from Japan
12 Attractions Felt Through the 2024 and 2025 Events
Queensland, known as the “Sunshine State” for its subtropical climate and high number of sunny days, can still see extended periods of rain during seasonal transitions.
Perhaps due to this, the afternoon before the event was hit by strong rain and wind.
I was worried about the weather on the day of the event, but fortunately, the rain stopped during the night, and by the time of the start, the sky had begun to clear.
However, the roads were still wet before sunrise, and right after the start, water spray from the riders ahead splashed onto our faces.
On a steep 15% downhill section, many riders even dismounted and carefully walked their bikes to avoid slipping.
Even so, as the sun rose, the roads gradually dried, reducing the risk of slipping and allowing us to fully enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride.
The beautiful weather — so perfect it felt as if it had been made just for this event — made the strong winds and rain from the day before seem like a distant memory.
For the 2025 event, we participated in the 50km fun ride.
The main difference from the 80km course is the absence of the roughly 30km round-trip section along Inner City Bypass, a major highway stretching west from central Brisbane. Aside from that, the two routes are nearly identical.
The course still offers plenty of highlights within the city, including the iconic Story Bridge, Central Business District, Riverside Drive along Brisbane River, and the highway leading toward Brisbane Airport in the northeast—allowing riders to fully enjoy the best of Brisbane.
In the 2024 event, we participated in the 80km course. As it’s designed for intermediate riders, the field was particularly strong, and looking around, nearly everyone was on a road bike.
Many participants seemed experienced with group riding, and naturally formed pelotons with others of similar pace. From start to finish, large groups could be seen throughout the course.
Although it’s a fun ride, the 80km course uniquely offers the thrill and unity of riding in a fast-paced group—an experience that truly sets it apart.
What stood out most about this year’s 50km course was the remarkably diverse range of participants — both in terms of age and types of bicycles — compared to the other categories.
Riders ranged from teenagers to seniors who appeared to be in their 70s. And while road bikes were common, it was also easy to spot participants on mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric-assisted e-bikes.
Perhaps due to the higher number of participants riding bikes other than road bikes, large pelotons like those seen in the 80km course were rare. Instead, most riders seemed to be taking it easy — chatting with friends, family members, or fellow cyclists nearby as they rode at their own relaxed pace.
Rather than focusing solely on pedaling steadily, the 50km course offered a warm, welcoming atmosphere where participants enjoyed the festive mood of the event and the rare experience of riding through fully closed-off city roads — spaces transformed just for this special occasion.
This year, the finish line was set at Victoria Bridge, connecting Brisbane CBD and South Bank Parklands, where the Cycle Expo was held.
Crossing the bridge with a refreshing feeling, we arrived at the finish area, where the grass fields stretched out. The atmosphere was filled with a relaxed, festival-like vibe. The smell of delicious food from local restaurant and café stalls wafted through the air, and people were enjoying their snacks, relaxing around the venue.
What’s wonderful about this atmosphere is that it’s not only for the riders but also for the families and friends waiting at the finish line, allowing everyone to enjoy it together.
Under the autumn sunshine of Queensland, in the grassy area along Brisbane River, both the riders and the supporters could spend time with smiles, creating an open and warm space that truly embodies the spirit of Brisbane.
Tour de Brisbane welcomes participants from overseas. Brisbane has a relatively mild climate, making it an ideal place to enjoy cycling comfortably.
Flights and Accommodation
Direct flights to Brisbane are available from Kansai and Tokyo, making it a relatively easy city to access. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to city hotels and residences with kitchens, allowing you to choose according to your budget and preferences.
Bicycle Transport
You can bring your own bike from Japan by checking with the airline and completing any necessary applications in advance. Alternatively, you can travel light by renting a bike in Brisbane.
Visa
Japanese nationals wishing to enter Australia for tourism purposes must obtain an ETAS (Electronic Travel Authority). Be sure to apply online in advance
Tour de Brisbane offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beautiful cityscape and nature of Brisbane while experiencing a unique cycling event that reflects Australia’s deep-rooted cycling culture.
Each year, the events before and after the ride are expanded, conveying the enthusiasm and intention of the City of Brisbane and Queensland to establish itself as a cycling city.
With divisions and courses tailored to various skill levels, everyone from beginners to veterans can have a memorable experience. As we look ahead to the 2026 event, why not consider participating?
Text_Ayaka
◆For the latest information and details, please check the official Tour de Brisbane website.
https://tourdebrisbane.org/
◆2024 Report
BRISBANE CYCLING FESTIVAL 2024
Local Cyclist Ayaka’s On-site Report from Brisbane
Part 1
Part 2
◆Related Pages
Official Brisbane Cycling Festival Website
https://www.brisbanecyclingfestival.com/
Profile
Ayaka (Editor/Writer)
Residing in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Captivated by cycling journeys in 2011, they have contributed travel reports from around the world to the magazine Cycle Sports. During her study abroad in Australia in 2017, she serialized “G’day, Australia! ~ Bicycle News from Brisbane” on Cycle Sports.jp. After returning to Japan, she worked as an English educational material editor and as an interpreter/MC for a bicycle NPO. She moved to Brisbane in 2022 and is currently sharing the charm of Australian cycling.
X https://twitter.com/aya_p_BNE （aya_p @aya_p_BNE）
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aya_p_14/
Blog https://gdaybabyccino-ayaka.com/
YouTube Ayaka’s Radio Show from Australia
https://www.youtube.com/@aya_p_BNE
Post Date：2025.05.09
