The 12th Edition of The Willo in 2023 will take place on 5 March and for the first time at Coondoo and Currambene State Forests in Nowra on the NSW South Coast.
This race offers 40, 60, and 80 km classifications on a giant circuit that combines all three mountain bike trail networks in Nowra: Coondoo, Superbowl, and Butterfly trails in the Nowra and Currambene State Forests.
Not only that, but we also have a 15km junior race, perfect for the next generation of riders to test their skills.
Founded as a tribute to the late Australian National XCM Champion James Williamson, we are proud to continue his legacy through this event. Experience the thrill of tackling challenging terrain this popular mountain bike trail network, while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, the Willo Mountain Bike Marathon is sure to be a ride you won’t forget.
Registration is open now and scroll down for FAQ’s about this year’s event!
Why the venue change?
The Willo did plan a return to its home in the Wingello State Forest. Unfortunately the wet weather patterns of 2022 presented a huge challenge for the land manager Forestry Corp NSW to re-open the Forest. The local Highlands Trails MTB Club put in huge efforts alongside the Forestry Operations teams all year and have been working on restoring the trail network.
As a firm reopening date can’t be set we worked together with Forestry Corp and the local club to find an alternative race venue: The Coondoo MTB trail network near Nowra.
The Nowra/Coondoo and Currambene State Forest trails are on the South Coast, about 1 hour South from Wollongong and about a 2.5 hour drive from Canberra.
What’s the race track like?
Nowra? – Race ALL of it!
This race offers 40, 60, and 80 km classifications on a giant circuit that combines all three trail networks in Nowra: Coondoo, Superbowl, and Butterfly trails in the Nowra and Currambene State Forests.
At the original venue we were able to plot a 25km loop for the 1 lap challenge. The new 40km loop is our only option at Nowra to create the same feeling of a giant circuit for a proper marathon characteristic and distance with the 1-2-3 lap options. We are able to offer a 15km race for juniors at Coondoo as well.
For more venue info and the MAP, visit the LOCATION information page.
How does the race track work?
All riders in the 1 lap (~40km), 2 lap (60km), and 3 lap (80km) will start the race in Coondoo, then cross Forest Road to race on parts of the Superbowl and Butterfly trails, then return by crossing Forest Road again to return to Coondoo. So all riders of 1, 2 and 3 lap categories will cross the Forest Rd twice (once in each direction. This road crossing will be a compulsory dismount. Specifically,
- 1 lap riders will ride from Coondoo, cross Forest Road, complete the eastern side of Forest Rd once and then return straight to Coondoo by crossing Forest Road again.
- 2 lap riders will ride from Coondoo towards the road crossing to do the tracks on the eastern side of Forest Rd twice, cross Forest Road again to then return to Coondoo.
- 3 lap riders will ride from Coondoo towards the road crossing to do the tracks on the eastern side of Forest Rd three times, cross Forest Road again to then return to Coondoo.
- There will be an intermediate timing point and marshal station at the start of the single track on the eastern side of the road that will count laps.
- The KOM will be at the end of the eastern lap where the track climbs a staggering 25-30m over about 1km… That being the steepest part of the course.
For more venue info and the MAP, visit the RACE FORMAT page.
Is there still a junior race?
We love when the young shredders line up at our start lines, so we are continuing the Willo tradition of the Junior Race. This classification offers a 15KM junior short-course on the Coondoo trails for U15 and U13 racers.
The race is made up of one 15KM short-course. The Junior Race will NOT cross Forest Road. A marshal point will be placed on the short-course diversion for them; juniors will race in Coondoo only (look out for “short-course diversion” in the map).
We have adults riding alongside the young riders to keep an eye on them.
If any of them are struggling or if it looks like they will not complete one lap in an hour or won’t manage the full two laps, they can pull out out after one lap, of course.
Are there still KOM and QOM classifications?
The Willo awards overall KOM (King of the Mountain) and QOM (Queen of the Mountain) classifications to the fastest male and female on the main climb. The KOM winner will be the rider with the highest number of points after three laps have been completed. The KOM will be marked 1km and 500 metres before the start of the climb and marked clearly at the finish of the climb for KOM points.
Can we practice the course?
The course will be open for practice on Saturday between 2pm & 6pm and on Sunday from 6.30am – 7.30am. Full race services, including First Aid, will be provided from 8.00am until 4.00pm Sunday. Limited services will be provided during notified practice periods.
I can’t remember what I’m signed up for, what next?
Check the Rider List, which is online here.
If you have any questions, or need changes, contact us via the online chat tool or via ride@rockytrailentertainment.com
Can I help out as a volunteer?
If you are coming to the race, with a partner, or friend, (or anyone else), and would like to join in on race proceedings in a different way, we are happy to have help with marshalling the sub junior racing events. You’ll receive lunch and you will get to experience the race from the other side. Contact us if you are interested.
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