Bike racing never really stops in Australia, especially for racers who compete in many disciplines. Marathon Mountain Biking does go pretty quiet through July and August, with just a few events on to keep racers going – compared to other times of the year.
September is a great time to get started again, and there are plenty of events on for Marathon MTB racers up and down the East Coast of Australia. Here’s a selection of what’s coming up.
On September 1st, this race will re-awaken the Real Insurance XCM Series with Round 5. SAid to be a fast course, it could again come down to a sprint finish. Shaun Lewis (Rockstar Racing) is leading the series with three wins from four starts. Will he and his team mate Jenny Fay take line honours again?
A popular endurance event in Central NSW, the Back Yamma is on 9th September, and offers a variety of challenges. Racers can compete in 25, 50 or 100km races – as an approximately 25km lap is used. New for 2012 is a pairs relay for the full distance event. With a demo fleet of bikes from Merida and plenty of prizes on offer, this would be a great weekend away.
This event is a classic, having helped start the Marathon MTB scene in Australia. 2012 is the 10th anniversary of the race. The course has changed recently, after the damage done by floods in early 2011. There is a category for everyone, with 20, 50 and 87km races, plus kids races and a family event. Unlike some events in Australia, the Flight Centre Epic isn’t relegated to a dusty field for the start and finish. Spicers Hidden Vale hosts the event, so competitors and their families can enjoy comfort and great facilities. With great prize money on offer, this should draw a sharp crowd from around Australia.
If you’re a little bit slow regaining your competitive spirit or edge – or just want the chance to ride some great trails and catch up with fellow riders – this is the event for you. The forests around Taree hold some amazing single track, typically more testing than what you would normally ride in a marathon race. Accommodation is available on site, or there is camping. This is a two day event from the 22nd to the 23rd of September. So Saturday night will be a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy some beer with fellow riders.
This is another new race for 2012. The Kowalski Classic has been put together by the Kowalski Brothers, who are responsible for a lot of the great trails around Canberra. There are categories for everyone: Elite, cyclocross, masters, opens, super masters, single speed and veterans. With two race options, either the 50km or 90-100km event, anyone who wants to race on well built trails near our Capital city should find something suitable. The East Kowen region has had a lot of trail development, and this event should exhibit what the brothers have been up to.
The Kowalski Trails are often used in popular events, like the recent Singletrack Mind race at East Kowen. Photo: Dave Bateman
Is that not quite enough? Consult our calendar, as there are still plenty of other great races going on around