July 6, 2026
Did you notice all the extra cyclists around the region at the weekend … kicking up the dust and adding dollars to the local economy?
The Gravel Cartel brought their annual “Gravel And Flannel” event to Wondai this year, with 160 riders plus their support crew members staying in the area for three days.
The Wondai Hotel 1903 was the base for their daily cycling excursions which offered opportunities to explore the back roads around Wondai, Tingoora and Memerambi; the mountain bike tracks at Gordonbrook Dam; local forestry areas as well as stretches of the South Burnett Rail Trail.
The large area at the rear of the hotel provided the perfect spot for the riders to gather for lunch or at night around fire pits to enjoy live music or a DJ spinning tracks.
Kent Beasley, from The Gravel Cartel, said the riders had come from as far away as Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney to take part.
This is the first time the “Gravel And Flannel” event has come to Wondai; it was previously held in Esk.
Kent said Wondai had been selected this year as it was a bigger venue which offered more options for the riders.
Speaking at the official opening on Friday evening, former SBS Tour de France commentator Mike Tomalaris said the group “love riding our bikes and love spending our money!”
South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff, who opened the event, said she hoped they would be coming back to Wondai every year from now on.
The “Gravel And Flannel” weekend was also a fundraiser for Farm Angels, with proceeds raised going towards helping Australian farmers.
