The Dirty Docker Festival
HardA weekend-long gravel festival in the Macedon Ranges featuring the 'Cobawsome' gravel races (15km, 65km, 110km and 140km) plus cyclocross, trail running and a central camping village. Set between Mt Macedon and the Cobaw Forest, about an hour from Melbourne. Held 10-11 October 2026.
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
SHARE THIS RACE
>> COMMUNITY
▌ A weekend-long gravel festival in the Macedon Ranges featuring the 'Cobawsome' gravel races (15km, 65km, 110km and 140km) plus cyclocross, trail running and a central camping village
Oceania gravel event organized by Life in the Peloton
12 SCORING DIMENSIONS
EFFORT MATRIX
EXPERIENCE MATRIX
GREEN FLAGS
- [+]140 km of hard gravel through Lancefield, Victoria
- [+]Organized by Life in the Peloton
- [+]Varied terrain: Gravel, Forest
RED FLAGS
- [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site
- [!]Elevation profile not confirmed — assume the worst
RIDER FIT
Built for hours in the saddle — your distance
Limited use for pure climbers
Single-day event with strong sense of place
Wrong format for bikepacking specifics
Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk
Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here
TIRE INTEL
Variable wet conditions — favour grip.
WEATHER PLAYBOOK
Lancefield, Victoria in spring (October): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.
PACING PLAYBOOK
Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.
Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.
Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.
WHAT TO FEAR
- [!01]Pacing mistakes — most issues here are self-inflicted
INSIDER INTEL
“Forest gravel rewards bike-handling. The roots and shadows at The Dirty Docker Festival are where the field shatters.”
“Australian gravel has a wild edge to it — fewer rules, less infrastructure, more genuine adventure. The Dirty Docker Festival has it.”
RACE LOGISTICS
Standard aid stations every 30-50 km with food, water, and basic mechanical help.
- +Timing chip + bib
- +Course markings + GPX
- +Aid station nutrition + water
- -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
- -Lodging
- -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.
Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.
Many gravel events offer on-site camping for a small fee. Check race FAQ.
- ▸Carry at least one tube + plug kit even with tubeless. Mechanical bad luck is the #1 DNF cause.
TRAVEL OPS
The Dirty Docker Festival is a quality oceania event — great if you're nearby or want to explore the region.