Earlier this year I was lucky enough to visit south Western Australia. Living in Sydney, it’s not somewhere that is close by. After a 4 hour flight there’s then about a 3hr drive to get there. Round 2 and 3 of the Subaru MTBA National Series was on in Pemberton, so it was a great opportunity to meet Chris and Charles, who are behind the 2 Oceans MTB Race, that is running for the first time this May 8-10.
Pemberton has hosted the National MTB Series, and will again in 2016. The trails were overwhelmingly popular.
One of the best things about a stage race is that you get to discover the region it’s set in. But I count myself lucky being able to visit the shires of Manjimup and Pemberton before the race, as I don’t think I would have seen so much otherwise. I had time to visit areas that the race will venture through, ride the course of the final day, and meet some of the key people behind the event.
If you climb the Gloucester Tree, you’ll be rewarded with the views.
In a far more temperate climate than Perth, the region has historically been the home of forestry and farming. What remains is beautiful. Hillsides are covered with towering karri trees, and marri and tingle forests. It’s clear why the area was so valuable for forestry.
The race will be based at Fontys Pool just outside of Manjimup. While popular through summer with holiday makers, the caravan park with cabins boasts a huge freshwater swimming area and broad gardens. The cafe serves good coffee and the amenities are a far cry from a portaloo or shower in a can.
The racing takes place through the whole region though. North to Bridgetown and south to Pemberton. The Manjimup shire prides itself on produce, and racers at the event are likely to be fed the best quality produce for any event in Australia. The soil is fertile in the region, and that red dirt that shapes lovely trails also grows quality fruit and vegetables.
While originally planned as an eight day race from “ocean to ocean” across the south-western tip of WA, the inaugural 2oceans is being run as a 3 day event.
Day One: Manjimup to Quinninup – 46km
The first stage starts in Manjimup but gets out of town soon enough on fast farm trails and gravel roads. The course traverses a lot of the farmland through local forests, and then heads to the sublime trails in the pine plantation before finishing in Quinninup.
Special Stage: An evening eliminator with 4 riders from each category.
Full course description, map and .gpx file are online.
Day Two: Bridgetown to Bridgetown – 45km
Bridgetown is north of Manjimup and home to a very nice singletrack loop. So nice, that there are two laps of it proposed for the second day of racing. It’s been designed by local mountain bikers with the backing of the council, and is yet to be raced on.
Full course description, map and .gpx file are online.
Day Three: Pemberton – 45km
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of this race is Pemberton MTB Park. Riders will start through town and head out to Gloucester Tree (drop back later to climb it for the views), looping through the arboretum and along undulating double track and some excellent singletrack.
Pemberton MTB Park is right on another swimming hole, so expect this to be a great stage location.
Full course description, map and .gpx file are online.
Perhaps the greatest feature of this race is that it allows time to enjoy the townships and regions. With 2-3 hours of racing each day, there’s time to tour a vineyard, go for a walk, or a swim, or enjoy lunch at one of the cafes in town. You’re not wrapped up in the machine that a marathon stage race creates of ride, eat, sleep, repeat (with more eating).
There’s more than enough time to relax…
The Experience
The Southern Forests are ready to welcome riders for the first 2 Oceans race, and Chris Neal is using his experience from stage races like the Crocodile Trophy and Trans Hajar MTB Race to make sure they cater for rider’s needs. The food is good, the amenities are in real buildings, the race village is at a very experienced venue, the trails have a mix of trail types, and the quality of the food will be amazing. Throw in three great stages and the event is set for a great launch.
We have more details on the event page – so don’t miss out on Australia’s newest MTB stage race this May.
