Plans for this year’s Corry Cycles Mackay Mountain Marathon, to be held on August 3rd and 4th, are causing a buzz of excitement amongst organizers and the Eungella community. The mountain bike event, which is in its second year, is held at Eungella National Park. The ride gives participants the chance to participate in a fun family adventure or an extreme mountain bike challenge with ride distances ranging from 15km to 80km.
In 2013, I travelled up with Subaru-MarathonMTB.com team mate Imogen Smith, and we were surprised by the climate, and number of people who travelled to race this marathon. It was a very friendly event – but one that rewards the fastest rider with $2000 for their efforts.
Entertainment at the Mackay Mountain Marathon
Organiser Evan Corry said “Last year everyone involved had a fantastic weekend. The event brings a lot of excitement to the Eungella community and the locals really do their best to help make the event a sensational two days. The Chalet puts on a great afternoon for the finish line and members of the rural fire division volunteer as track marshals on the day and $10 from every entry is donated back to the group.”
Nice spot for a finish line
The actual ride takes place on Sunday the 3rd August at 8am but organisers are encouraging participants to make a weekend of the event by offering camping at the Eungella cricket ground on the Saturday night, live entertainment and a BBQ dinner and breakfast. There is plenty of other riding to do the following day, from an easy spin on the dirt roads or taking a roll on the road through the forest. You can even go spot some platypus.
Corry said, “At present the majority of accommodation options at Eungella have sold out but there is still plenty of camping spaces available, if you do choose this option pack your thermals, the temperature really drops over night but that’s all part of the fun.”
You can race through a tree!
The event draws avid riders from many areas of Queensland with mountain bike popularity on the rise. This is a great boost for tourism in the area.
There are events for kids
Those interested in the event can visit www.mackaymountainmarathon.com.au for more information. If entries are received before 5pm this Friday 20th June a free event jersey valued at $50 will be included with registration, don’t miss out!