The Rapid Ascent Otway Odyssey is one of the toughest and most rewarding mountain bike marathons in Australia. The event has earnt a reputation as a true test piece, one where riders know that a top performance isn’t a fluke – it’s an achievement worth recognition. With its steep climbs, technical descents, and challenging singletrack, the Otway Odyssey requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking to survive the race, the following tips, drawn from the experiences of seasoned riders, will help you maximise your performance in ther Otway Ranges.
1. Hydrate and Fuel Early and Often
Nutrition and hydration are crucial for completing any marathon event, and the Otway Odyssey is no exception. “Eat as much as you can!” says Sam Fox, who emphasises the importance of staying fueled with gels and carb/electrolyte mixes throughout the race. MarathonMTB.com Team rider Justin Morris agrees.
“Use every feed zone and be sure to inhale plenty of water or hydration mix, especially early in the race.” And it is important not to just wing it, but take the time to understand your nutrition needs and understand when you need to eat/drink and resupply. Having solid plan is essential.
“Make a plan and stick to it,” advises Tasman Nankervis. “More time will be lost with a poor nutrition strategy than that 10-second mid-singletrack sit up.” The details about feed zones and supply points are on the Otway Odyssey website.
2. Have a Strategy for the Course
Whether you’re racing for the win or just trying to finish, a clear strategy will help you manage the long day ahead – and this goes for whatever event distance you choose to tackle. “The first sector is the hardest, and it is easy to completely cook yourself in the first 35km,” says Justin Morris of the 100km event. He suggests pacing yourself on the climbs and pushing hard over the top and on the pedally descents to gain positions when others are recovering.
Samara Sheppard also recommends finding a group early on: “Riding good position on the early road section can put you in a good place to ride with a solid group once the dirt and climbs start.”
3. Adapt Your Strategy Based on the Conditions
The Otway Odyssey can throw a variety of conditions at riders, from hot, dry days to cooler, rain-soaked races. Peta Mullens suggests adjusting your hydration strategy accordingly: “If it’s a cooler day, I’ll run carbohydrates in my bottles. If it’s a hotter day, I’ll switch to electrolyte halfway.” Similarly, she notes that some years her stomach struggles with the race’s demands, but even when it feels tough, sticking to your nutrition plan is key: “The times you don’t feel like you can handle it are the times you need it the most.”
It is also important to update any pacing strategy to how the race is unfolding, especially if the conditions have changed, or how the field is coping has. But remember, it’s still a long game – you need to prioritise getting to the finish!
4. Pack Your Mandatory Gear (And Don’t Forget the First Aid Kit)
While it’s tempting to focus solely on your bike and nutrition, it’s essential not to overlook the mandatory gear required for the race. If you are in the 30, 50 or 100km event you must carry a first aid kit that includes 2 crepe bandages, 2 non-stick wound dressings, 6 steri-strip wound closures, a triangular bandage, and a pair of surgical gloves. This equipment is checked at registration, and it’s vital for your safety and peace of mind. For the full mandatory gear list, check out the race equipment and safety page of the Otway Odyssey website.
Most riders can pack the first aid kit into a ziplock bag and tape it to their bars behind the race plate, or somewhere out of harms way on their bike.
5. Don’t Overdo It in the First 30km
The first 30 kilometers of the Odyssey are often where riders can get carried away, trying to keep pace with others and burning too many matches too early. It’s also an important time to be ‘in the game’ if you’re chasing a top result. What you do needs to be balanced, and Tasman Nankervis cautions against going too deep at this point.
“Don’t go out too hard, if you think you’ve gone out just right… you’ve probably gone out too hard.” He recommends studying the course profile to identify where to save energy and where to push. “The Odyssey is easily broken down with portions of fire road climbing vs. singletrack in the middle half,” he adds. It’s important to understand and work to your strengths, and know when to back off – and when to make an impact!
6. Mentally Prepare for the Long Haul
The Otway Odyssey isn’t just physically demanding—it can also be a mental challenge. “The toughest part for me is when I get deep into the race and I’m surrounded by fewer people,” says Peta Mullens. “Some years I’ve gone 20km without seeing a person, and then comes the game of keeping your mind focused on the task.” She emphasises the need for mental resilience: “When you start to fatigue mentally you’ll need to draw on physical reserves or you’ll find yourself bouncing from tree to tree instead of riding around them!”
Some riders have small cues that they play in their mind – others have them written on their handlebars or bottles in the feedzone. Understand why you have signed up, what your goals are and what your motivation is – and remind yourself along the way.
7. Choose the Right Event for You
The Otway Odyssey offers multiple event options, so it’s important to pick the one that aligns with your current abilities and goals. Rapid Ascent hosts the 30km, 50km, and 100km races, along with the women’s only start Odyssey Angels 30km on Sunday February 23. As such, there are a range of distances to suit different levels of experience and fitness.
While it’s great to set lofty goals, it’s equally important to set achievable objectives that will help you progress. The 30km and 50km events are excellent choices for riders looking for a challenge without the full marathon commitment. And even in the 100km race, finding balance in your goals is key.
