Ollie Jones is having a crack at a proper Curve throwback for 2026, retracing the Melbourne to Adelaide TDU Commute that Jesse and the Curve crew started ten years ago. It’s 800km in two days, the sort of ultra-endurance ride that’s mostly about keeping things simple and ticking off small targets as the day moves. Read on to learn about Ollie’s rough game plan for the route, how he’s feeling about it all on the eve of it, and the titanium Belgie Disc setup that will be pointed at Adelaide for a commute to cycling’s best week of the year!
Ten years later from Jesse and the gang kicking off the Melbourne to Adelaide TDU Commute; Ollie is retracing the same route for 2026! 800km over two days. Jesse has given me two non-negotiables; the helmet stays on at stops AND get to the SA border sign before sundown on day one.
My one major difference to the original Curve days, I’ll be taking on the ride fully supported. I know it's not exactly the true origins of the ride, but if the offer of cold bottles and unlimited Haribo is there, you'd take it too. I guess another small point. I’ll be riding a solo mission. No wheels to suck or people to keep the mind occupied, just me and the road (and approximately 20 saved hours of belgian techno music).
But the idea is there. Riding from Melbourne to Adelaide to watch the Tour Down Under. A January tradition of the purest kind.
The JC Commute:
Designed to be road, direct and fast. There are significant chunks of major highway and much prettier and more enjoyable routes. Leaving Melbourne early is essential; for my ride I’ll be leaving at 4am, and hoping to clear Ballarat and the worst chunk of highway before sun up and the start of the TDU traffic. From Ballarat the route turns to quieter roads and towards the south end of the Grampians at Dunkeld, before heading back north towards the VIC-SA border. The aim is to tap the border sign in daylight and then cruise the final 20km to Naaracote where the hotel for the night is booked. A solid 450km after departing Melbourne.
Day Two is 100km shorter, but does throw the Adelaide hills at you just to twist the screw. I’ve been told the road up from Naaracote to Keith is quiet(ish), but then the 100 odd km stretch from Keith to Murray Bridge certainly isn’t the most fun bit of road in the world. Straight, hot, busy highway. Will certainly be hoping for a tail wind and pressing on the pedals to get through that. From there, it's the foothills of Adelaide culminating in Mt Lofty, before the glorious descent into the city. The thought of a cold beer will be fully at the front of my mind by then.
It’s very much a you vs the land kind of ride. Crossing between the two major cities under your own steam.
The ride inspo - circa 2016:
The Pre-Ride Feels:
I think I’ve managed to get the legs in a good place, hopefully enough to enjoy the ride rather than being an double portion of sufferfest. The thought of the highways on day two certainly adds some apprehension but that’s just the body getting ready for a challenge right? I’m excited for a homage to the commute, after all this is my style of bike adventuring; carrying light, riding in daylight and sleeping in motels. As summed up perfectly by Adelaide bikepacking legend, David Rossi:
“Ride fast, sleep hard"
It’s been a while since I’ve taken on a long distance mission, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing if I can survive the heat. After all, the best week of the year is at the other end…
Ollie’s Belgie Disc Setup:
Custom Painted Curve Belgie Disc
Prototype Curve G5T [R] Wheels
SRAM Force AXS 50/36 10-36
Pirelli P-Zero Race TLR RS Tyres 30mm
Zipp 36cm Handlebar with Zipp Aerobar Clamps & USE Extensions
