If you like racing the groomed trails of the southern highlands, then there are a select number of races that should be on your radar. Outside of club racing, there’s the lap based James Williamson Enduro and historically there has been an 8h Enduro format offered by Chocolate Foot or Rockytrail. With neither Chocolate Foot nor Rockytrail heading to Wingello this year, and the James Williamson already having been run, then the two offerings from Wild Horizons are your best bet – the Highland Fling and the Three Ring Circus.
The Three Ring Circus takes in the best parts of the ever-popular Highland Fling in a punchier format. For my Fling, the fern gullied sections of singletrack called Tangles and the Great Wall are normally done at groveling pace with already 50km in the legs. At half of the distance of the Fling, these same sections can be enjoyed at a faster pace – and that generally means a broader smile.
Dylan Cooper drilling the rigid single speed. Photo: Lisa Harden
The race features three loops (or chainrings) – 6km of blistering fire road, 25km of singletrack heaven, and a hillier 17km final loop to sort out the pretenders. Returning to the event centre each time keeps spectators aware of how you’re travelling, and it also means you don’t have to take a day’s supply of food with you as you would normally do in a marathon.
Matthew Fleming all smiles with the 2011 win. Photo: Lisa Harden
The main event is held on Sunday 22nd July. Again in 2012, there will be the pre-event which is held on the Saturday night before the race for those wanting to make the most of their leave passes and get as much racing in as possible. The pre-event is a 20km night race so remember to bring your Ay-Ups. Demo sets are also available if you contact Ay-Up beforehand to book a set.
Shaun Lewis clowning around with Andy Blair. Photo: Lisa Harden
Grab your entries from Wild Horizon’s website.
Report back to see how things unfold for Subaru-Marathon.com racer Tate Dogan.