I have a question……..
Great! But first, have you read the event rules? Check them out here
Still have a question? Then read on…
When will entries open?
We hope to open entries around 19 Feb. An exact date will be published closer to the time.
Stay tuned to the Alpine Cycling Club and Victorian Gravity Enduro Tour Facebook pages for
more information.
The entry fees are higher than previous years. Why is that?
We understand any increase in cost is a bitter pill to swallow. We have done our best to keep
the event entry fee as low as possible, but our club has taken on some massive cost
increases this year. In fact, some of our major event costs have almost doubled in price over
the past few years! There are a number of reasons for these cost increases, all of which are
well beyond our control (like legislation changes, etc!). At the end of the day, we put on
events so that riders can have a great time and so that our club can turn a small profit in
order to help fund some of the other great programs we run (like our awesome junior MTB
program).
To keep this event sustainable, the event entry needed to rise. We have tried our best to
keep it as low as possible and we truly hope you understand this hasn’t been an easy
decision to make.
How many stages are there?
All riders, except those in the ‘Enduro-Lite’ and U13 categories, will complete 5 stages. ‘Enduro-Lite’ and U13 riders will complete 3 stages.
What is ‘Enduro-Lite’?
‘Enduro-Lite’ was a new category for 2022. These riders complete less stages over the day. ‘Enduro-Lite’ will be mostly intermediate-rated trails; however, there will be one stage on an advanced trail. ‘Enduro-Lite’ entrants will not have to ride to the top of Mystic!
This category is designed to make getting into racing a little easier, with a focus on fun and social racing. There will be two Enduro-lite category – Enduro-Lite & E-bike Enduro Lite
The ‘Enduro-Lite’ category will be open age – so there will be no age categories.
What trails will be part of the race?
Shhhhh….. it’s a secret! In true Enduro tradition, we will be releasing all the stages about a week prior to the event.
But we can tell you this:
You will need to pedal to the top of Mystic once (excluding Enduro-Lite)
Trails will range from Blue to Double Black
You will need to pedal (a fair bit!) on some stages.
Riders at the pointy end of the results sheet will be those with all-round abilities.
Most advanced features on the trails will have either a B-line option or can be rolled or walked
The liaison stages will be great fun, too. And challenging!
You will have an awesome time.
I really, really don’t want to miss getting an entry!
Great! Read the information about the ‘Event Volunteer – Entry Guarantee Program’.
But what if I still miss out on an entry? I really want to race! I have tried really hard/ I have booked my accom already/ I need to race to get series points/ My coach says I’m awesome/ I deserve a spot more than those other squids/ Can my mum write me a note, etc etc?
We are still seeing REALLY strong demand for entries to Gravity Enduro races in Victoria. We hate seeing people miss out on entries but, sadly, this is likely to happen. We can not make exceptions to the rules. Not only is this not fair on anyone, it is also not the place of race organisers to decide which riders are more deserving of a spot.
There will be a waiting list for any riders who missed out and would still like to participate. Check the Facebook pages for a link (will be posted if/ when entries sell out).
If demand is strong for entries, why not just open more entries?
It’s not that simple! As a volunteer-run event, we only have limited resources and daylight hours. Each additional entry means the race course stays ‘live’ for longer, which delays the event and also means our awesome volunteers are working for much longer. This also impacts on the overall enjoyment of the event for all involved. At some point we must draw a line.
I got an entry but now I can’t race. Imma just give it to my mate, ok?
No. Not okay. Entries are not transferable. Only registered riders will be able to compete. If you can’t attend, please let us know and, if possible, we will refund your entry and give your place to the next person on the waiting list. Refunds will follow the refund policy outlined in the Event Rules (check them out here)
Do I have to practice on Saturday?
Sure do! And why would you not want to! The trails are so good, you will want to ride them more than just once. It’s also in the rules (AusCycling rules) and also a safety thing. The last thing you want to be doing is seeing race tracks for the first time when you’re going Mach 1 in your race run.
Do I have to follow the stage order/liaison routes?
Yep. The stage order is there to help spread out riders and avoid congestion. The liaison route has been planned to be the best route to get you efficiently to each stage, while also allowing riders to experience some great trails. There are also a number of safety considerations that help us to determine the liaison route.
Do I have to ride with my category?
All riders need to leave the start line with their category. This allows us to track who has started the race and to also conduct a category specific rider briefing prior to each category starting. To help reduce congestion, riders will undertake the stages in a specific order. This order is the same for all riders in each category. So the event is designed for riders to ride with their category. However, once you have left the start line, as long as you stick with your stage order, you can ride with whoever is close by. Be aware, there is an event cut-off time. So don’t delay out on course. If you’re hanging around for your buddies, you risk missing the time cut-off and therefore also risk disqualification.
Will there be food/drinks on the course?
Yes. We will have a water and snack station located at the top of the Up DJ climb. Basic snacks will be provided. Please be mindful that this isn’t a buffet! Only take what you need – we have a lot of hungry riders to keep fuelled up!
What should I carry with me?
Enduro racing is an adventure. So you should be prepared for one. The best adventures are the self-sufficient ones! So you need to be prepared for whatever eventualities occur on course. This means food, water, tools, basic spares and appropriate clothing is essential.
I’m nervous about the race trails. I want to practice them in advance. What can I do?
While the specific race stages won’t be released until a week prior to the event, the trails at Mystic are open year-round and Blue Dirt operate shuttles every weekend. Come on up to Bright and ride the trails in the park. It’s almost guaranteed that if you ride a range of trails in the park, you will get a chance to ride plenty of the race stages.
Why aren’t you doing practice shuttles?
Putting shuttles on is no easy task! It takes a lot of people power and resources. As a volunteer run event, this creates many challenges.
Luckily, the team at Blue Dirt run shuttles every day at Mystic. They are the experts in this area. They have the staff, vehicles and trailers to be able to offer shuttles in a really efficient way. So we have decided to leave this to the experts! If you wish to utilise shuttles, you must book directly with Blue Dirt ASAP. Book your shuttles HERE
Shuttles are optional for practice – if you want to use this service, head to the Blue Dirt website to book your passes. They provide shuttles 7 days a week.
Do I have to attend the rider briefing?
All riders must attend a rider briefing to be held at 8:30am on the morning of the event.
Do I need a race licence to compete?
All riders MUST show proof of a valid licence. This can be either:
● AusCycling Off-Road Race licence
● AusCycling Event Licence (AKA Day Licence) – If you need to purchase an event
licence, you must do this online no more than 7 days prior to the event. NOTE: You must purchase a 7-Day event licence as the event goes for 2 days (Sat and Sun)
Please note: As per AusCycling rules, Day licences are NOT accepted for any State Championship categories.
Day licences will only be acceptable for riders in the following categories:
Sport
Expert
Hardtail
Enduro-Lite
Purchase your License here
What are the clothing requirements?
The event rules (Link) outline the clothing requirements for the event. A summary is below:
● A full face helmet – which meets Australian Bicycle Helmet Standard AS2063 or
equivalent. Helmets with a detachable mouthpiece are permitted provided they meet
AS2063 Standard or equivalent.
● Jersey / shirt covering elbows
● Knees covered (full-length trousers or knee pads)
In addition to the above, all riders competing in the Under 13 Category, Under 17 Category
and Under 15 Category are required to wear:
● Knee Pads
● Elbow Pads
● Full finger / Full length Gloves
● Full length jersey
