The MAAP Beechworth Granite Classic is 71 miles with about 4,600 feet of climbing on gravel roads and forest tracks through the Victorian high country. The climbing begins in earnest around mile 30, and the terrain turns technical and sustained through the high country grind near mile 60. Conditions can range from cool to warm depending on the season.

This is an eight-week plan for riders who want to get to the start ready for the distance and the terrain on their own available hours. Most of the work builds toward riding the climbing and technical sections on tired legs, because the climbing begins in earnest around mile 30 and the terrain stays demanding through the high country.

WHAT'S INSIDE

• Structured workouts on your calendar, with real power and heart-rate graphs


• Strength work built in, with video walkthroughs


• Weekly notes from me, plus the Gravel Grit mental program


• A testing week, so the plan runs on your real numbers


• The full MAAP Beechworth Granite Classic guide — terrain, gearing, fueling