Established in 2011 to honor Amy Gillett, a former Australian cyclist who tragically lost her life in a road accident, Amy’s Gran Fondo combines challenging cycling with meaningful advocacy for road safety. The event supports the Amy Gillett Foundation’s mission of “safe cycling for all” and has historically served as a UCI Gran Fondo World Series qualifier.

What sets Amy’s Gran Fondo apart is its fully closed roads—one of the few events in Australia offering this exclusive, safe riding environment. The flagship Gran Fondo route covers 120 kilometers through some of Australia’s most spectacular terrain, featuring the demanding climb to Skenes Creek and technical descents through the Otway Ranges. Riders navigate winding roads with challenging elevation changes before returning to the coastal finish in Lorne, taking in sweeping ocean views along the iconic Great Ocean Road.

The event caters to all levels with multiple distance options: the full Gran Fondo (120km), Medio Fondo (45km), and Family Fondo (14km). For adventure seekers, Amy’s Gravel Fondo offers an off-road experience through mixed terrain and gravel sections in the Otways.

The atmosphere balances competitive spirit with community celebration. Serious cyclists chase UCI qualification times—finishing in the top 25% of their age group earns entry to the UCI Gran Fondo World Championship—while recreational riders enjoy the stunning scenery and camaraderie. The coastal setting in Lorne creates a festival-like finish, with the town’s vibrant café scene providing perfect post-ride recovery spots.

The combination of closed roads, diverse terrain from coastal flats to forest climbs, and the event’s safety advocacy mission creates a uniquely Australian gran fondo experience.