Wild Horizons have run events for adventure-curious Australians for 20 years. They have focused on mountain bike events, including the CamelBak Highland Fling, one of Australia’s largest and longest running mountain bike marathons.
“Across the years we’ve noticed that the once clearly distinguished lines between being a ‘roadie’ and a ‘mountain biker’ have somewhat blurred and many riders now spin the wheels of both bikes. The idea of a race that includes both riding disciplines has been in our working file for a couple of years now, and we’ve spent a lot of time behind the scenes working out the best location and route. We’re very excited to finally share.” Danien Beets of Wild Horizons.
Whether the ride of choice is the solid structure and knobby wheels of the mountain bike, the stealth, speed and grace of the roadie or perhaps both, the latest event from Wild Horizons is sure to excite.
The event will run on Sunday 17 May 2015, an unfortunate clash with the Australian XCM Championships in Derby, Tasmania. But the riders lured to the new trails of north-east Tasmania will differ greatly from cyclists who yearn for achievable adventure closer to major capitals.
Riders will be able to put themselves in the spotlight as a soloist and complete the road course before swapping to a mountain bike to bring it home. Or, team up with a friend who rides the opposite cycling disciple and race as a duet, playing to individual strengths.
The first leg will be held over a course of smooth bitumen roads before sending riders onto flowing single track and fast fire roads. The race will start, transition and finish at the same event hub, providing the perfect opportunity for spectators to view the action.
The inaugural Rock&Road will be held in and around the picturesque village of Rydal (approximately two hours west of Sydney).
Rydal provides the perfect combination of scenic country roads stretching to Sodwalls, Tarana and beyond for the road stage, and the Lidsdale State Forest, with great trails built by the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club for the rock stage.
“I’ve had a long involvement in supporting sports in our area; from little athletics to horse racing. With the growing popularity of cycling in NSW, we are excited to support Rock&Road, and hope to see it grow each year to become a regular fixture in the NSW cycling calendar. We look forward to welcoming riders to the natural beauty and historic villages and countryside around Rydal, Tarana and Sodwalls,” says Councilor Maree Statham – Mayor of Lithgow City Council.
Rock&Road will have two race routes to cater for different rider levels:
Soloists can take on the Rock&Road Max, which will see riders take on 80km of road, followed by 40km of rock (well, it’s dirt really, but we’re working a theme here!). While those looking for a little less time in the saddle can enter the Rock&Road Mini consisting of 40km road and 27km on the dirt.
Plus for those who only ride road or only ride a mountain bike, there’s the Duo option. Team up with a partner who rides the opposite and race to win.
Or, go for a bit of improvisation and swap disciplines to see how the other side rides. Additional information and entry information can be found online.