Ministry of Dirt
Off road, gravel, MTB, CX, bike touring.... you name it!

If you're craving riding off-road with a community of like minded people, then DHBC's Ministry of Dirt is the place for you. We have an active gravel and off road scene with rides happening every month. To learn more about upcoming rides and everything dirt, join the DHBC Ministry of Dirt (MoD) Facebook group via the link below:

Gravel

More and more club members are falling in love with gravel riding. From unpaved roads and trails to gravel paths and rocky terrain - there's something for everyone. It's a great way to explore the outdoors and discover new routes while challenging yourself both physically and mentally.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, gravel riding offers a unique and rewarding experience that combines the excitement of off-road cycling with the speed and endurance of road cycling.

DHBC members on a gravel ride
DHBC member competing in a Shimano GP Mountain Race
Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an exhilarating form of cycling. From single track to rock gardens, off-road trails and rough terrain, it's a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally while enjoying the beauty of nature. Mountain bikes are specifically designed for this type of riding, with features like suspension, wider tires, and durable frames. Mountain biking really gets the heart pumping and the adrenaline running.

Bike Touring

From over night rides, to multi-day bike packing adventures, hotel hopping or camping. Bike touring really allows you to get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors.

DHBC is looking to organise tours in the future to amazing off-road destinations. To find out more join the DHBC Ministry of Dirt Facebook Page.

DHBC members taking a selfie on a bike touring adventure
Bec racing in a CX event, respresenting DHBC
CX

CX or cyclocross riding usually involves racing on a closed circuit course that features a variety of terrain, obstacles and barriers. It's a fast-paced and challenging sport that requires both speed and technical skills. Whether you're a competitive racer or just looking for a fun and challenging workout, CX riding offers an exciting and unique cycling experience.

Join DHBC's Ministry of Dirt
1. Get Covered
Sign up for an AusCycling license (try it out with a 4 week-trial membership)

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2. Get in touch
Reach out to other off-road riders on the DHBC Ministry of Dirt Facebook page.

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3. Start riding
Follow the Facebook page and reach out other off-road riders to plan rides, discover events and learn everything off-road related.
DHBC members on a gravel adventure rideDHBC members taking a photo on a gravel rideDHBC member with mud all over their back after a gravel adventure rideDHBC members taking a photo on a gravel ridePhoto from DHBC's Intro to Gravel rideDHBC members stopping for a photo on a multi-day off road adventure
DHBC members on a gravel adventure rideDHBC members with mud on their face after an off-road adventure rideDHBC members riding on the gravel trails near BilpinDHBC members taking a photo after riding the Gears and Beers gravel eventDHBC members riding off-road over the Colo River BridgeDHBC members making coffee in the middle of no where

Get ready to hit the dirt and unleash your inner adventurer - sign up with DHBC today!

Sign up for an AusCycling license (try it out with a 4 week-trial membership)
Join us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the types of dirt riding styles?

There are a number of different types of cycling when it comes to dirt. Whilst some of the different types of off-road cycling have similarities, others are in fact quite different. Overall, the main differences between these types of cycling are the types of terrain they involve, the equipment used, and the specific focus of the riding style.

Gravel riding: Gravel riding involves riding on unpaved roads, trails, and gravel paths.

CX riding : CX, or cyclocross riding, involves racing on a closed circuit course with a mixture of terrain, obstacles, and barriers.

Bike Touring: Bike touring is cycling long distances over multiple days while carrying gear. It can be anything from over night to multiple weeks and either camping or staying in hotels and inns.

Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is riding off-road trails and rough terrain with bikes that typically have wider tyres, suspension and durable frames. It can involve various types of terrain, such as rocky, technical trails or smoother, flowy singletrack.

Downhill Mountain Biking: Downhill mountain biking is a type of mountain biking that focuses on descending steep, technical trails using full suspension bikes and wearing protective gear.

Singletrack Mountain Biking: Singletrack riding involves riding on narrow, winding trails through wooded or mountainous terrain.

What type of bike do I need?

To ride on dirt, you generally need a bike with wider tires, suspension, and a sturdy frame. But from there is can vary heavily depending on the type of terrain you are riding on and your individual preferences.

• CX bikes typically have minimal suspension and aggressive tread on their tyres.

• Mountain bikes can have front suspension, full suspension, a variety of gear ranges, and wide, knobby tyres.

• Bike touring bikes typically have wider tires for stability and endurance, and may or may not have suspension.

• Gravel bikes often have wider tires with a smoother tread pattern, a more relaxed frame geometry, and may or may not have suspension.

• Downhill mountain bikes typically have full suspension, long-travel forks, and strong brakes

• Singletrack bikes are often similar to mountain bikes, with a focus on manoeuvrability and quick handling.

Do I need to be a member of DHBC to ride off-road?

You can be a member of any club to ride with us. As long as you have an active AusCycling license, you are welcome to join our off-road adventures.

Submit your dirt race results to DHBC

Did you compete in a race? Do you want let DHBC know how you went? Fill out the form to submit your racing results