The Road to the Summit: Peeter Febriyanto on Community, Grit, and the Science of Cycling Fuel
Brisbane’s cycling culture is undergoing a renaissance. What used to be a fragmented collection of local "bunches" has transformed into a vibrant, inclusive movement—and at the heart of this shift is Peeter Febriyanto, the founder of Pedal Brisbane.
As the Official Nutrition Partner for the Tour de Brisbane 2026, Fixx Nutrition sat down with Peeter to discuss how a pandemic-era hobby turned into a city-wide mission to "ungatekeep" the road, and why the right fuel is the difference between a suffer-fest and a success story.
A Lockdown Love Affair
Fixx: Peeter, everyone in the Brisbane scene knows Pedal Brisbane now, but the origin story is surprisingly recent. How did this journey start for you?
Peeter: It’s a classic 2020 story, actually. During the lockdowns, like so many others, I was looking for a way to stay active and sane. I bought a second-hand road bike on a whim, and honestly, it was love at first ride. There’s something about the rush of adrenaline and the sheer freedom of the open road that just hooks you.
But as I dove deeper, I hit a wall—not a physical one, but an informational one. In Brisbane, finding clear info on where to ride, how to stay safe, or who to join for a weekend spin was surprisingly difficult. Our Story really grew out of that frustration. I wanted to build a platform that united cyclists in a city full of adventure, making sure no one felt like they weren't "pro" enough to belong.
Conquering the "First Summit"
Fixx: One of your most popular campaigns is "The First Summit." Tell us about the psychological hurdle of Mt Coot-tha.
Peeter: For a beginner, Mt Coot-tha is the ultimate gatekeeper. It’s iconic, but it’s intimidating. The gradients are steep, the descents are technical, and the stigma is that if you can’t "conquer" it, you aren't a real cyclist.
The First Summit campaign is about beating that stigma. We treat it as a milestone, not a barrier. But to get to that lookout, you have to respect the climb. This is where I learned my first lesson in sports nutrition. My first few attempts, I was purely on water and maybe a generic grocery-store muesli bar. Halfway up the back-side of Coot-tha, my legs would just turn to lead.
Fixx: That’s the "bonk." How did you change your approach?
Peeter: I realized that water only replaces fluid; it doesn't replace the minerals that keep your muscles firing. I started using Fuel X Pro. The difference was immediate. Because it contains performance amino acids like Alanine (to keep blood sugar stable) and Leucine (to help with that lactic acid burn), I found I could sustain my power all the way to the top. It’s gut-friendly, too—no bloating while you’re trying to breathe on a 10% gradient.
The Science of Staying Cramp-Free
Fixx: You’re currently preparing the community for the #RoadToTDB26. With 110km of closed city streets, cramping is a major fear for many. What’s your "Emergency Break"?
Peeter: If you’ve ever had a calf muscle seize up at 40km/h in a peloton, you know how terrifying it is. For the Tour de Brisbane, I tell everyone: carry the CrampFix QuickFix shot.
I used to think salt tablets were the answer, but the science behind CrampFix is fascinating. It works through a neuro-response. It’s that hit of acetic acid that tells the brain to stop the cramp in about 30 seconds. It’s like an "undo" button for muscle failure. It’s always in my jersey pocket, especially for those undulating routes like the River Loop or the long drags out to Nudgee Beach.
Epic Adventures: From the Scenic Rim to Japan
Fixx: Pedal Brisbane has recently pushed into some pretty "Epic" territory—bikepacking in Japan and the Stanthorpe–Boonah gravel loop. How does nutrition evolve when you’re 100km from the nearest cafe?
Peeter: Those rides are a different beast. Take our Scenic Southern Down trip—2,000m of climbing and 18 creek crossings. You’re soaked, you’re tired, and you’re carrying your own gear. You can’t afford "flavor fatigue."
I rely heavily on the Fixx Gel X Pro. The Raspberry Fizz and Pear Cider flavors are light and refreshing. When you're bikepacking, your stomach can get quite sensitive, and these gels are formulated to be extremely easy to digest. They provide that steady 50g of carbs per serve without the "sugar crash" you get from cheaper alternatives.
Fixx: You even took these to Kyushu, Japan?
Peeter: Yes! Our Kyushu Bikepacking Guide covers some incredibly remote volcanic terrain. I actually packed my Fuel X sachets in my bike bags. Being able to turn a bottle of water from a local vending machine into a high-performance endurance drink with electrolytes and aminos saved me on those 1,500m climbing days.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Fixx: What is the vision for Pedal Brisbane as we head toward the biggest cycling festival in the city?
Peeter: We want to show that Brisbane is a premier cycling destination. Whether you're doing the Big Family Ride or the full 110km Gran Fondo, the goal is the same: finish with a smile and a story to tell.
My advice for the #RoadToTDB26 is simple:
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Test your fuel now: Don’t try a new gel on race morning. Use the Fixx Sample Packs during your Sunday long rides.
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Learn the route: Explore the Manly Loop or Mt Nebo to get used to Brisbane’s undulating terrain.
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Safety first: We’ve teamed up with River City Cycles to promote bike safety—ensure your gear is as ready as your body.
Peeter’s "Top 3" Fueling Essentials for 2026:
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Fuel X Pro (Tropical): My go-to for daily hydration. It replaces everything I lose in the Brisbane humidity.
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CrampFix Squeeze Bottle: Perfect for the Mt Mee Octoberfest Ride where the climbs are brutal.
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Gel X Pro (Vanilla Maple): Tastes like a treat but performs like a pro. Perfect for that 3:00 PM energy slump.
Ready to start your journey? Check out the latest Pedal Brisbane Campaigns or grab your Fixx Nutrition Race Bundle today.