One of the most fun events on the calendar for south-eastern Australia is coming up at the end of this month. The Beyond Bank Duo Classic takes the pairs system of many marathon stage races, adds a lap based format that Australians love, and keeps the distance manageable to make sure smiles aren’t grimaces.
Now in its 4th year, the 50km pairs race covers two 25km laps through Kowen Forest and Sparrow Hill. But the most fun part is that unlike most pairs races in Australia that are relay style, in this race you’re racing with your team mate. Or against them. That’s up to you and your ego. But you do have to finish together. It is a great chance to shred some quality trails at speed with your mate, if not for results, for bragging rights.
As it’s near Canberra, and the weekend between National rounds, you can be sure that the racing will be full of fast locals (some of the nation’s finest) out riding trails they know like the back of their hand. But it is far from an exclusive event, it can be fun to race as father and son, mother and daughter, as sisters, brothers, partners – or just training buddies.
The 2015 event is on January 31st, and entries are still open. Head to the event website for further details