MORE than 400 cyclists took to the gravel tracks last on November 9 as the third instalment of the Dirty Warrny returned to the Surf Coast.

Participants had the choice of completing three different distances: the Classic 80, an 84km ride from Timboon; the 140km Forrest Challenge, beginning in Forrest; and the original event, the 246km Dirty Warrny, leaving from Geelong.

All course options took riders through some of the less-travelled roads in the region, before finishing in Warrnambool.

Event organiser Karin Jones said the 2024 event was a huge success and one of their best ones yet, with 471 riders across the three distances.

The Dirty Warrny, inspired by the Melbourne to Warrnambool road race, included riders from each state and territory in Australia and some making the journey from other countries.

Varied experience levels participated, with riders ranging from 16 years of age up to 70 across the three distances.

Ms Jones said the highlight for many of them was finishing the challenging ride.

In the 246km event, Tara Neyland crossed the finish line first, followed closely by Emma Viotto and Brianna Samuhel.

In the men’s, Scott Bowden took out first place, with Dylan Sunderland in second and Connor Sens in third.

Ms Jones said the everyone working on the event valued the local communities they ride through and their support.

Event organisers are planning on delivering the event on the Surf Coast again next year.

For more information and the full list of results, head to dirtywarrny.com.au