12 | Mid-Western Living WINTER 2025 In the dusty folds of rural NSW, where backroads wind through gum trees and gold-tinged paddocks, a new kind of cycling event is stirring both tyres and souls. Marys Mayhem, the third in Graveleur’s Bushranger Series, isn’t just another race - it’s a rally cry for adventure, inclusion, and community connection. At its core is Mike Israel - father, endurance cyclist, and founder of Graveleur. Mike’s life has revolved around cycling for the better part of two decades, and he’s been lucky to cycle all around the world. Now he’s sharing his passion with anyone interested in riding a bike, and has traded race kits for gravel bikes and long-haul rides through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the country. “I started Graveleur back in 2017 with a few mates looking for dirt roads to ride,” Mike recalls. “It grew into something much bigger - a national community of over 6,500 riders who love getting off the beaten path and supporting the regional towns they pass through.” That ethos - explore, connect, support - is the beating heart of Marys Mayhem, which is held in and around Mudgee each year. The name pays tribute to Mary Ann Bugg, a fearless and independent Worimi woman, widely recognised as Australia’s first female bushranger. Her legacy - defiant, resourceful, and strong - resonates through every kilometre of this event. MARYS MAYHEM: GRAVEL, GRIT AND A WHOLE LOT OF HEART 2-3 August 2025 Photo Credit: @readyaimmedia Powered by:
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