We invite you to explore the beautiful Macleay Valley Coast while you’re in the region for our event – Kempsey has so much to offer! What is there to do in a coastal region when the weather turns chilly? The answer is, plenty, especially when winter in the Macleay is mostly blue clear skies and crisp, cooler days. Here are our top ways to enjoy winter on the Macleay Valley Coast in winter.
About the event
The Shimano MTB GP’s events are all about “seriously fun” racing! Podium chasers can line up with Australia’s elites and experienced amateur endurance racers plus casual racers will have a blast, all feeling safe and part of an inspiring community.
Supported by Macleay Valley Coast, this event will be happening at the Kalateenee MTB Trails. Race for four hours solo or in relay pairs. There are age-group and eBike categories. Expect less of a winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all racers.
This is XC lap racing at its best! From the first time between the tape to people that have spent a lifetime training for power output, we have you covered when you line up at the Rocky Trail start line!
Double-header alert!
We have TWO Shimano MTB GP events happening back-to-back over one PACKED weekend in July.
Start out at Jolly Nose MTB park in the beautiful Port Macquarie Hastings Valley on the SATURDAY, and then follow up with another GP on SUNDAY at the Kaleteenee MTB trails in Kempsey, which is only 45 minutes north!
Check out the Destination piece for Port Macquarie as well, and make it an epic weekend full of twice the fun!
#rockytrailjourney: Kempsey
We can’t wait to come back to Kalateenee MTB Trails, which is a favourite with the local riders. We designed the Shimano MTB GP event format as a perfect opportunity to make it a weekend getaway with family, friends, your mates and your special someone!
Explore Saturday, Race Sunday!
…it’s what the Shimano MTB GP is all about!
Scroll down for visitor information such as accommodation options, and What’s On in the region off the race track. There are lots of ideas for what your fambam can get up to while you race, plus some of our favourite experiences you can have together before or after the race.
Location
Kalateenee MTB Trails – 330 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey NSW 2440
The event centre is at the Kempsey Golf Course, so track side camping won’t be possible. You can, however, drive along West Street and camp in the State Forest there; plus there is the Kempsey Motor Inn right next to the Golf Course and a Caravan Park right across the road, the Kempsey Tourist Village.
Stay & Play!
The Macleay Valley Coast has a diverse range of accommodation available for all budgets. Find out more information and search by category to view all listings. Find out more…
Camping: From beachfront and creekside caravan parks to the space and tranquillity of one of our National Parks and Reserves to the picturesque hinterland, you’ll find a range of camping options in the Macleay Valley Coast.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Kempsey and the surrounding region has so much to offer. Here are the top things to do with some insider tips from the locals!
1.
Have a whale of a time!Winter just happens to be whale season on the Macleay Valley Coast, so don’t miss the opportunity to spot these gentle giants making their way along our shores. Get your camera ready and capture the whales breaching and feeding in pods from the vantage points of Crescent Head, Smoky Cape, or Hat Head.
Suit up at the beachWinter on the Macleay Valley Coast means mild temperatures, offshore winds, crisp mornings and, often, perfect surf conditions. Don a wetsuit and ride a paddle board in the calm waters of Trial Bay, surf glassy waves in Crescent Head, or dive off South West Rocks.
Fishing is another great way to get out on the water at this time of year, with endless options including beach, rock, reef, deep sea, river and estuary fishing.
Get your culture fixThe Macleay Valley is home to a rich Indigenous history and a vibrant culture that is maintained by strong local Indigenous groups, art galleries and events. Whether you’re after a unique treasure for your home, yearn to learn something new or simply want to immerse yourself in the arts, there’s plenty to whet your cultural appetite in the Macleay Valley.
Don’t forget to pop into the Gladstone Hub for a coffee and toastie from Steam and Cedar and spend some time perusing art, vintage furniture and Moroccan rugs in the artisan stores.
Do a tourist driveBeginning at Crescent Head, the incredibly scenic Tourist Drive 12 takes you through lush farmland along the Belmore River, passing through Gladstone on its way to South West Rocks.
Take a walk on the wild side!You’ll find the best bushwalks, from easy to challenging, in the Arakoon and Hat Head National Parks that surround South West Rocks. Tackle the 10-kilometre track from Little Bay to Smoky Cape if you’re after a challenging hike or wander the shorter trails that lead out from the gaol.
Near Crescent Head, you’ll find short headland walks in Limeburners and Goolawah National Parks. Another beautiful rainforest walk sets out from The Pines Picnic Area in Yarriabini National Park and, nearby, there’s a great coastal headland trail around Grassy Head.
Eat and drink!We know how much you have been waiting to have a laugh and reconnect with friends and family over some delicious food and drink after being stuck at home for so long. Luckily our cafes and restaurants are opening back up and are looking forward to having you. Please contact businesses directly to check on their offerings right now.
Escape to the HinterlandGo for a drive West of Kempsey to discover magical views of the mighty Macleay River meandering through ancient valleys, then stop at the Bellbrook Hotel for a beer. Experience real old-fashioned country hospitality in the spectacular natural surrounds.
Walk it outJack Perkins walking track is a short walk that boasts some of the best views in Hat Head National Park, only a short drive from Kempsey.
The track leads downhill through whispering she-oaks where you might catch a glimpse of a magnificent glossy black cockatoo among the branches. Passing through lush rainforest, entwined with liana vines and dotted with cabbage palms, a swamp wallaby may cross your path. A boardwalk leads down to the picturesque palm-fringed North Smoky Beach, where you can refresh yourself with a swim in the turquoise waves before heading back up the path.
Your Age group will automatically be assigned during the registration process based on your Year of Birth.
JUNIOR CATEGORIES
Male and Female Junior U13 (Challenge)
Male and Female Junior U15 (Challenge +Adventure)
Male and Female Junior U17
Male and Female Junior U19
Male and Female Junior Pairs U19
ADULT CATEGORIES
Male and Female 19-29
Male and Female 30-39
Male and Female 40-49
Male and Female 50-59
Male and Female 60+
Male and Female Open e-Bike
Male and Female Open Pairs
Male and Female Masters Pairs
This is cross-country racing at its best!
What's the challenge?
These cross-country events are normally run on an 8-10km circuit for solo racers and pairs. The solo rider or relay team in their respective categories/age groups with the most amount of laps completed in the least amount of time within the racing window, wins.
These events aim to reward as many riders as possible with prizes at each event and across the series. There are age-group and eBike category podiums. Racers receive a placing in their age category and the events present four specialty Awards including KOM/QOM, Fastest Laptimes for adults and juinior as well as an GC Title for the Male and Female Heroes. The races also offer eBike categories in the Adventure distance.
Who can race it?
Make this a smashfest, show off your sponsor logos, re-kindle your love for XC racing or catch the racing bug with us! From the first time between the tape to people that have spent a lifetime training for power output, we have you covered when you line up at the Rocky Trail start line! You will all enjoy the community spirit and classic XC racing thrill that Rocky Trail Entertainment delivers like no other – be a #rockytrailracer!
This is less of a winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all racers.
If you are at the pointy end of GP/XC/Enduro or sponsored, don't stress, we are building a overall points and ranking system to ensure if you are there to race, you can still have the fun you want. Each race is sure to test your endurance, skill and determination!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Your Shimano MTB GP® registration includes the following:
Personalised Race Plate with timing chip & results QR
Entry into your state Shimano MTB GP® series
Live Timing throughout the event
Free photos of you on track by professional crew of photographers
Free giveaways
Professional First Aid
Race Starters on all stages
Event Marshalls
Event Village with music and race commentary
Food, Coffee & Drinks Vendors
Neutral Service / Repairs
Sponsor Expo & Demonstrations
LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY EVENTS?
The Rocky Trail MTB events provide a perfect option for people who love to be outdoors and part of a friendly happy community. Many roles are available and we can find a match for you!
If you want to become part of the crew as a volunteer at some (or many) of our events let us know by filling out the form below and our Volunteers Coordinator and Event Manager Jo Parker will be in touch.
Parking attendees – early start but just a short shift that makes such a difference to the operation of our events
Course Marshalls – stationary or roving on your bike. Enjoy watching the competitors on track and keeping everyone safe. Short and long shifts available
Sweep Riders – Morning or Afternoon – check the track in the morning before racing or clear the track at the end of the day. Perfect for someone who loves riding but not competing
Registration/Village support – general helper in the Event Hub
Timing support and helping the riders
Kids activity support – depending on the event support activations on the day
Pack down – help clear course markings after racing – can be on foot or riding
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Helping your local community
Snacks and drinks
Discount entry to future events
Access to Rocky Trail Rewards Program (get access to the online portal to grab current offers from sponsors and supporters)
Event Schedule
Friday
TIME
The track is marked and you can practice on it but we wont have any services (marshals or first aid). Please respect any trail closures if there is an Academy Event in progress.
From 3:00 PM
Saturday
TIME
Registration Open
7:30 - 8:45 AM
Rider call up, be race ready. The official rider briefing usually held before the race start will be available online before the race.
8:45 AM
Race Start
9:00 AM
Race Finish Finish the lap you are on but can't start a new one.
1:00 PM
Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
1:30 PM
Presentation Ceremony
From 1:30 PM
How Does It Work?
The Distance:
We will be aiming for 25km (Challenge), 50km (Adventure) and 75km (Hero) for the event to still be concluding around the 4-hour cut-off time.
The Tracks
We aim to create 8-10km cross-country circuits and three different distance classifications: Challenge (shortest), Adventure (middle) and Hero (longest) distance classifications.
Mass Start & Start Lap
Its the famous Shimano GP mass start with solo and pairs riders going bar to bar before the single track. E-bikers will start in a second wave and our eBike Policy applies.
Solo or Pairs
Ride solo for the ultimate challenge or hit the trails as a pair (hero) and have double the fun, the choice is yours!
How many laps?
The number of laps required to be completed in each distance classification will be based on the terrain and conditions of each race track – therefore vary per event!
Podiums
Podiums are awarded to first, second and third place in ALL age group categories including ebike specific categories.
Always respect other riders no matter their skill, speed, age or gender
Start: There will be one mass start. Riders will be able to self-seed.
Duration: Riders have 4 hours to complete their laps. Riders will not be able to start another lap after the 4 hours of elapsed time but may finish the lap they are on.
Completion: If a rider fails to complete the number of laps signed up in the to do in 4 hours, they will be ranked based on the time taken and the number of laps they did complete and will be recorded in the results as “-n Laps”.
Transition: A transition lane will be provided for pairs racers after the finish line. The to transition to the next rider the teams’ wheels must cross on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the trace track. There is no need for physical touch.
Rider down procedure: probably the most important rule of all: if you come to an accident out on the track you MUST stop and make sure the rider is ok. If he/she is not, stay with him/her and send the next rider straight back to the event centre to let us know what happened. If you lose time while helping an injured rider we will adjust your lap time at the end of the race. The race directors phone number is on every race plate. We recommend you carry a mobile phone.
Passing: being friendly out on the track goes a long way. Let the rider you are about to pass know when and on which side. E.g. “rider coming up, passing on your right when you are ready”. Then say thanks and keep on smashing it. If you are riding in a train let the rider in front know how many people will pass him/her. If you are being passed, find the next best place to move to the side and let them pass.
PAIRS: Only one rider in a pair is allowed on the track at any one time. Pairs riders must complete equal or close to equal number of laps
If you leave the track you must return to the same point before continuing your race
Outside assistance is only allowed within the transition/pit area. Outside assistance can be provided by other riders whilst out on track.
No shortcutting or “local lines” outside the bunted track
All bikes and rider safety equipment must comply with the Australian Standards
eBikes must be unmodified and comply with current Australian standards. Read more about our eBike policy here…
All riders must agree to a Race Waiver when they sign up online or at the race on-site
All Shimano GP events are part of Rocky Trail’s cross-country racing line-up of events and in 2023 we are implementing our “Pace Points System”.
Competitors will be able to accumulate points across all our cross-country events, including our marathon and ultra-endurance events. A pace-based algorithm developed by Rocky Trail will produce an innovative ranking output and you may just score big with Pace Points!
You’ll be able not only to reach your goals but to earn Rocky Trail Rewards too!
All Rocky Trail events have the Ecotourism Australia Nature Certification status. This ECO Certification program is a world first and it has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators. This means that with Rocky Trail you are guaranteed to be part of a genuine and authentic trail-based nature experience that looks after the environment.
Our Sustainability Pledge – We encourage our racers to follow some simple tips to ‘tread softly’ when visiting the bush and minimise damage to the natural environment. These guidelines are laid out in our Sustainability Policy and will be communicated and encouraged via Rider Briefings and at the events.
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