The Evocoties MTB Series arrived in 2015, linking some fantastic pre-existing events and a couple of new ones, in New South Wales Evocities. The events were linked as a way to draw mountain bikers to NSW’s regional towns, to experience the hospitality, what the local MTB clubs could offer, and some fantastic trails.
But, what are the Evocities?
The Evocity campaign saw Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga – have unite to form the Evocities. Given the Australian population is increasingly moving to major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the campaign highlights the opportunities of living in regional NSW, where shorter commutes, a lower cost of living and a greater sense of community can offer an enhanced lifestyle.
Armidale is one of the Evocities – and the penultimate round of the series.
The Evocities MTB Series visits each and every one of the cities, and having the local clubs running each event is intergal to the message and experience. It’s about experiencing the community, and the city itself – not doing so at the direction of a private event promoter using the trails the club maintains.
The racing in Wagga has been well-received by those who visit. Photo: Scott Nevyn Stevens
The Evocities MTB Series offers 10 different categories for each event. So whether you want to race solo, in a pair or in a team – there is likely to be a category that will suit your needs, but also allow you to have a good race with some other like-minded mountain bikers.
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Qantaslink Open Female
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Forestry Corporation Open Male
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NSW Mining Masters Female
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Charles Sturt University Masters Male
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Super Masters Female
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Super Masters Male
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Elbit Systems Female Pairs
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Macquarie and Orange Anglican Grammar Schools Male Pairs
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Spinifex Recruiting Mixed Pairs
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MAAS Group Properties Teams
Events in the Evocities MTB Series
There are seven races in the Evocities MTB Series, and obviously the more you do the better you’ll place overall. But, that’s not the whole focus for the series – experiencing each town is. That’s why you’ll also find that each event location is just a short distance from town. If you moved there, it’s likely the trail head would be an easy pedal from your front door.
Bathurst 6 hour – Sunday 17 April
Albury 6 hour – Sunday 19 June
Tamworth 5 hour – Sunday 7 August
Wagga Wagga 6 hour – Sunday 4 September
Dubbo 5 hour – Sunday 25 September
Armidale 100km – Sunday 30 October
Orange 6 hour – Sunday 27 November
The Evocities MTB Series is also heralded as being one of the richest MTB Series in Australia. The Open men’s and women’s solo categories pay to 5th with $1000 for first place at each round, and the series prize also pays to 5th with $4000 for the winner in solo categories. The full break down is online.
So whether you need a country escape, some racing hours, an event with a community feel or some cash in the account – maybe you should look into one or more of the upcoming races?