Rider Briefing | AMB100 Marathon 2023

Spring racing in the Capital! The sweeping climbs, rocky descents and flowing trails at Stromlo mean that it gets you into a rhythm that makes it one of the most fun and rewarding races you’ll ever do.

Virtual Briefing

Full Briefing

Last update 14/09/23 8pm:

We can’t wait to see you smashing it! Remember, your race photos are included in your entry. Be sure to download them after the race and share your stories using:

#ROCKYTRAILRACER


ABOUT THE VENUE

VENUE

University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo, former Stromlo Forest Park), Canberra, ACT

University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo) is located in the heart of the Molonglo Valley, an easy 15 minute drive (15km) from the Canberra CBD. UC Stromlo can also be accessed by bike or horse through Canberra’s extensive path and trail networks. There is no direct public transport. Directions: click for directions.

Stromlo Forest Park is a public MTB track and you can ride it in the lead up to the race.

RACE MAP:

For a list of trails in the circuit, visit the LOCATION tab on the website.

Update 14/09/23 8pm: Race Track confirmed with slight decrease in lap length and elevation.
The team was on-site marking today and has finalised the race track to align them with the changed traffic conditions and the construction site at UC Stromlo. The race track is slightly shorter and elevation a bit less.

Race Track Stats:

  • Course length 28.2km.
  • Climbing 760m per lap.
  • Approximately 75% of the trails in Stromlo used or partially used.
  • Single track is broken up by 11 sections of forest trail.
  • Two major climbs: the gentler front face to City View (5km at an average of 5%) and the more punishing “Casuarina Climb” on the northern side (2km at an average of over 10%).

Race Circuit: click for detailed race track description incl. Stromlo track names on the website LOCATION section and make sure to check out the video rider briefing for final details.

Be aware: whilst we have booked the entire race track set out in the UC Stromlo trail network, you may encounter public riders on the trails. The event is published prominently, but be prepared for non-racers on the trails and may we ask that you are courteous. We will have marshalls on course who will help spread the word, if there are any issues, please report them to our crew or back at the event centre.

PARKING:

Parking – Attention! Temporary traffic and parking arrangements are in place from Monday, 7 August 2023 due to carpark (re-)construction. Event Parking info below and CLICK on “show more” for public parking details.

Event parking: enter via Cotter Road and drive West towards the Stromlo Observatory, turn right into Mt Stromlo Road and then right again after about 100m. Drive through the open gates onto the gravel road which takes you to the Southern end of the Stromlo Crit Track. Event Parking is on the Crit track, follow the signs.

Parking: Currently, alternative temporary carparking options published – for more information and parking maps, please check the UC Stromlo website HERE.

  1. Temporary carparking along Old Uriarra Road, located to the left of the main entry. Access is then a walk or slow cycle ride towards the Pavilion along the Criterium track extension, and then along a portion of a barricaded Dave McInnes Drive.
  2. Temporary grass carpark accessed from Mount Stromlo Road.
  3. Bushfire Memorial carpark accessed from Swallowtail Road.
  4. Unsealed lower level parking at Stromlo Leisure Centre.

For those with disability parking needs, you can find suitable spots at the above-mentioned Parking Locations 1, 2 & 3. If you’re dropping off a visitor, feel free to use the main gate of the Park, exiting around Stromlo Leisure Centre.

Camping: You can camp at the Stromlo event centre on the Saturday night. For accommodation offers in Canberra, visit our “Capital Destination Guide for Rocky Trail Racers

EVENT FORMAT

You can Choose Your Own Challenge with the options to ride the Single, Double, Triple or Miler

In this circuit race the distance challenges are on a 29.8 km loop:

HERO Triple: 3 laps for the full marathon challenge
ADVENTURE Double: 2 laps – the most popular distance
CHALLENGE Single: 1 lap for a relatively quick but still hard race
The 100 MILER: 5 laps which has a small but very dedicated following of hard racers

The traditional start is a mass gun start for the first three classifications and there is usually a short addition to the race circuit, an extra bit of firetrail, to avoid congestion on the first lap. Start for the 100miler is very early to give you that rewarding morning lap and let’s you finish with the crowd. After each lap the times will be recorded at the event centre; the fastest rider in each category wins. Male and female age categories offered include Junior, Elite, Master and SuperMaster.

WHAT YOU’RE RACING FOR:

There will be rolling podium presentations as category 1-2-3 placings are confirmed. Various product prizes and Rocky Trail race vouchers for the Jetblack 24 Hour and our brand-new Effervelo Gravel event will be presented.

We would like to thank our headline sponsor, the AMB Magazine, for providing all AMB100 racers in 2023 with a 12-month subscription to the Adventure+ film online streaming service, as part of their new affiliation with the Adventure Entertainment Group. Click below for the details!

SCHEDULE 

SATURDAY

4:00-5:00 pm Registration open to pick up your number plate early.

SUNDAY

5:00-5:20 am Registration for Miler racers
5:30 am Race Start 100 Miler

7:00-8:30 am Registration open to pick up your number plate
8:45 am Rider briefing, be race ready
9:00 am Race start Triple, Double, Single

from around midday / 1pm Presentations. As soon as we have a full podium in each category we will call you up and hand out certificates and prizes

3:00 pm You must start your last lap before 3pm in order to be in the results

TIMING:

Race plates with passive timing chips, automatic race timing and LIVE results online all day.

EVENT FACILITIES & SERVICES

  • Event centre: Crit track below Pavillion
  • Coffee & Food: The Handlebar
  • Tech Support: Fizo Cycling
  • Toilets & hot showers: On-site near main car park at the Pavillion
  • Water: Drinking water taps are on site.
  • MEDICAL: On site in the event centre and roaming out on track. The Race Director mobile number is available on your race plate for any issues out on track.
  • TEAM TENTS – Are welcome – no spikes allowed – need weights/sand/water containers

WEATHER INFORMATION

A chilly start ahead of a warm and dry day is forecast. Come and experience Canberra at its finest!

DESTINATION INFO: Plan your trip!

Check out our Destination Guide! Click here.

RIDER LIST AND RESULTS:

All weekend you can find links to Rider List and LIVE Results via the drop-down menu from the event page on our website! Before the race day the page will display the RIDER LIST and from the race start onwards it will switch to LIVE then on Sunday after the race to final results. You can check these now and throughout the weekend via your mobile devices – to reduce touch points we will not have any public display computers on-site.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

Race Director – Bob Morris 0458 299 558
Event Director – Martin Wisata 0403 090 952

INSURANCE

You don’t need to be a member of any cycling association to race with Rocky Trail. Some offer great insurance packages which are worthwhile checking out and you are in charge of your own health insurance when racing with us. Flip Insurance is a new Event Partner for Fox Superflow® and Rocky Trail cross-country events; you will find some more information here: Flip Insurance CLICK HERE

You don’t need to be a member of any cycling association to race with Rocky Trail. Some offer great insurance packages which are worthwhile checking out and you are in charge of your own health insurance when racing with us.

ROCKY TRAIL MERCHANDISE:

  • Rocky Trail Jerseys designed by Dharco ($75-$85)
  • New in: Rocky Trail X Sendy Hoodies $65 and T-shirts $35
  • Socks $15
  • Mudguards $20
  • Rocky Trail hats made from recycled materials “eco-choice” – $30
  • Available from the Rocky Trail rego desk all weekend!

EVENT PHOTOS:

We will have photographers and automated photo points set up – download links will be sent after the event and all images are included in your entry.

VOLUNTEERS WELCOME

Rocky Trail is always looking for crew to support the riders. If you can lend a hand, complete our online form https://rockytrailentertainment.com/home/volunteering/ or contact Jo at jo@rockytrailentertainment.com to be part of the team. Riders luv seeing supporters at our events.

EVENT UPDATES DURING THE RACE / WEEKEND:


NOW, GET READY!


Do you have any questions?

Talk to us via our online chat – click on the orange circle symbol on your bottom right screen corner and we’ll be right with you! (We always love talking bikes, racing and riding!)