For this event we will have exclusive access to the Sugarbag Road Mountain Bike Park located in the centre of Caloundra. The network of flowy machine, and hand built trail interspersed with man-made “NorthShore” features have been developed by Caloundra Off Road Cycling Association and the Sunshine Coast Council.
Since opening Sugarbag has gained a reputation for great riding and fun features. Rocky Trail thinks its time to recognise Sugarbag Mountain Bike Park as a key race venue and Caloundra as a mountain bike and cycling destination. The selected course will show off some of the trails on offer at the venue. Rest assured this pocket has lots of hidden little gems and is a place well worth a visit.
The Shimano GP format provides a ‘seriously fun” racing experience for all.
- Registrations open at 7:30 am and the friendly staff are there to make your racing experience as easy as possible.
- Riders will be called to the start at approximately 8:45.
- Race grid is self-seeded and we ask riders to be reasonable as no 4 or 7 hr race has ever been won in the first kilometres.
- Racing will start at 9am. 4hr racers will need to have started their last lap before 1pm and 7hr riders started before 4pm.
- Presentations for the 4 hr race will be as soon after 1pm as possible (approximately 1:45pm).
- Presentations for the 7hr race will be as soon as the last rider has finished their last lap.
Event partners
VIRTUAL RIDER BRIEFING
[coming soon]
RIDER BRIEFING CONTENT IN WRITING
We remain grateful for the outpouring of support and enthusiasm by our Rocky Trail riders and community over the last few months.
We will continue to run Rocky Trail events in Queensland, whilst the health advice about COVID-19 permits us. We need your cooperation.
How are we running this event and how do we keep you safe? – A lot of thought has gone into this Rider Briefing and we expect all competitors and non-racing visitors to comply with how this event will be run. It is very challenging and a privilege to host this event and participate in this race – we appreciate your cooperation.
We are tracking all event participants – non-racing supporters and ANY visitor at the venue are required to sign in for an Event Access Pass ahead of the race or on the day via these links:
Please understand if some of the rules appear harsh but we need to ensure that we can keep racing in this new world.
IMPORTANT: we understand completely that these are difficult and complex times and therefore, if you feel anxious, unsure or not comfortable to participate in this event, please contact us via ride@rockytrailentertainment.com and we WILL REFUND your entry, no questions asked.
ABOUT: EVENT FORMAT
The Shimano MTB GP’s are cross-country endurance lap racing at its best!
Race for four (GP4) or seven (GP7) hours solo, in relay pairs or teams of three.
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.
For those of you, for whom this will be the first Rocky Trail event, we differ from most other events by offering a much more relaxed format. For the Shimano MTB GP specifically the race format is as follows:
- Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.
- There are age-group and eBike categories.
- Expect less of a winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all racers.
- Our staff at rego and at the starts are there to help. Talk to them.
- Please note – we are Covid Safe compliant, your briefing will be virtual, we’ll be social distancing and we’ll make this the safest event you’ve ever been at!
- We can 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
#shimanomtbgp
In the following, please familiarise yourself with VENUE-SPECIFIC information and scroll down for EVENT REGULATIONS with regards to our Covid Safe Plans.
ABOUT: Sugarbag MTB Trails
- Event Hub is located southern side of the carpark of Sugarbag MTB Park situated on Sugarbag Road Caloundra.
- Parking will be located within the existing carpark and additional space available on the hardstand close to the Event Hub. Please follow the signs and volunteers upon arrive.
- Overflow parking will be situated down near Caloundra State High School. Please use designated footpath to traverse back to Event Hub. You are welcome to drop equipment before heading to overflow parking.
Race tracks used:
With a busy trail network featuring lots of timber features, log roll overs, sweeping berms and surprising pinchy climbs riders will need to be on their game. Course has been designed to provide key overtaking sections but you will need to be quick and strategic. This location will be extremely popular as the trail network is well known but has had minimal racing before now.
About the race track:
- Track info: 8.8km and 165vm.
- The Start will be on the “Bottom Power Line Track” and climb up “Sour Power” to the Event Hub.
- After passing through the Event Hub racers will stay on “Milky Way” to the start of “Syrup”.
- On “Syrup” after about 200m break out left back onto “Milky Way” to climb to the start of “Sweet Sugar” (an excellent passing opportunity). We will use the full “Sweet Sugar” and when complete cross back over to the second section of “Syrup” before again climbing the “Milky Way” (another good passing opp) to the start of “Party Mix”.
- Complete all of “Party Mix” proceed onto “Fantales” to the “Bottom Power Line Track”. From the “Bottom Power Line Track” cut onto ”Willy Wonka” and you will join “Sour Power” under the bridge called “The Gateway”.
- Climbing “Sour Power” will get you back to the Event Hub.
What you can expect:
- A well-marked course
- LIVE TIMING
- Caution signs in technical areas
- Passing opportunities
- A large transition area
- Online rider briefing prior to event
- Music, coffee and medical service in case something doesn’t go to plan
- Easy registration
- And a supportive community
Come along and join the team to make the first Shimano MTB GP on the Sunshine Coast a great success for the Region!
Services and facilities:
- NO WATER IS AVAILABLE ON SITE – please bring sufficient personal supply
- Coffee: We have you covered, the team from Jungle Bean will be on site from 7am serving coffee and drinks with various snacks.
- Food: We have secured the services of High Class Burgers who will be onsite from 7am
- Neutral Support: The team from HITBIKES Caloundra will be set up in the event hub for all the last minutes bike issues and with a shop just100mtr down the orad they will have you covered.
- Merchandise: Available for purchase at registrations are “Race the way you ride” teeshirts and hoodies, Rocky Trail Socks as well as Gu’s.
- Medical: 1300 MEDICS will be on site for the duration of event with roaming marshalls out assisting across the day
- Toilets: Portable toilets will be provided at the event hub.
- Music: Our Redbull DJ will be providing the beats to kick off racing and give you the adrenalin you need. Grab a cold can of redbull
- Giveaways: Will be again supported by Shimano and will have giveaways available on the day.
Attention interstate racers:
Queensland is open to the majority of Australians. For non-Queenslanders a QLD border pass is required. Please get your access pass via this link: https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/queensland-border-declaration-pass-july-10
Emergency contacts:
- Race Director – Bob Morris 0458 299 558
- Event Manager & Media Liaison – Jo Parker 0424 955 332
RACE RULES
The usual race rules still apply as always. In summary:
- You need to stay on the race track. No cheating or ‘sneaky pro lines’ where you leave the track and re-enter.
- Don’t litter – please take your rubbish back with you or throw it in the landfill or recycling bins we have near the registration tent.
- There are 3 portable toilets at the event centre, which we will clean and disinfect during the day. Please let us know if they need a clean.
- Timing will be done with your timing chip – please ensure it is on your bike and that the plastic doesn’t touch any metal parts of your bike (e.g. don’t wrap the number plate around your handlebar).
- If you need to pass a rider out on track please do it in a friendly and safe way.
- You agreed to our RACE WAIVER when you registered online – here is a link to the RACE WAIVER again
- Click here for DETAILED RACE RULES
IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS YOU MUST KNOW
We have been implementing and operating under a strict Covid-19 Safety Plan. In the following, please read and acknowledge the event-specific rules, procedures and regulations:
- If any of the following applies please contact us immediately.
We will transfer or refund your entry but you CAN NOT PARTICIPATE in the event:- If you live or have been to a published Covid-19 Hot Spot: please check the Hot Spot list here
- If you are showing any signs of the cold or flu
- If you have even the slightest fever (we have facilities on site to test and will send you home immediately if you have fever)
- Find out more information about the QLD border restrictions
- Again, we understand completely that these are difficult and complex times and therefore, if you feel anxious, unsure or not comfortable to participate in this event, please contact us via ride@rockytrailentertainment.com and we WILL REFUND your entry, no questions asked.
- There are a few important changes on how we run things on the day:
- ACCESS:
- All spectators, supporters and volunteers sign in HERE ahead of the event
- We have exclusive use of the trail network
- If you are a non-racer, please check in at the Rego tent as a supporter/visitor.
- Volunteers are welcome, again come out and bring your bike if you have one.
- ARRIVAL & PARKING:
- When you arrive follow the signs to the parking area.
- We need to maximise parking in this area so please ensure you park as close as possible to the car next to you and keep the road clear in and out.
- Do not park across local resident driveways.
- If bringing a marquee we welcome drop off Friday.
- If you are setting up a tent for riders you must respect the 2m2 rule.
- RACE PROCEDURES: You can pick up your race plate with the timing chip between 7.30am and 8:45am.
- This way we avoid queues near the registration area.
- If you are late, don’t worry, come to see us at the rego tent and we will assist you. You can still have your race and we’ll explain it all to you then.
- 8:45am Rider call up, be race ready.
- The official rider briefing usually held before the race start is replaced by this means of communication.
- Riders will need to follow signs to the start.
- Riders are asked to self-seed into the large start grid area. Please ensure social distancing is maintained through this process.
- Most laps per solo rider or team in the least amount of time wins.
- EVENT START SCHEDULE – changes due to COVID19-measures apply!
- 9:00am Race start – Riders to self-seed into the large start grid area, please follow signage and instructions by our crew.
- Please remember to observe social distancing throughout this process, we’ll be there to assist.
- The simplest way is to remember to do it in a single file leaving a bike length between each other.
- 9:00am Race start – Riders to self-seed into the large start grid area, please follow signage and instructions by our crew.
- EVENT FINISH: You cannot start another until those cut-off race finish times.
- 1:00pm Race finish – GP4 Solo and Teams
- 4:00pm Race finish – GP7 Solo and Teams
- You complete the lap you are on after the above stated finish time, it counts towards your result still.
- RACING & ETIQUETTE:
- • Again, when you are gridding up at the start line, please do it in a single file leaving a bike length between each other.
- • No hand-shaking permitted at event.
- • Please understand that we need to be very strict on this . Non-compliance will result in revoking race access or disqualification.
- CHEERING: Keep 4m distance to the race track!
- If you ‘hackle’ or encourage other riders on their race run please do so at least 4m away from the race track.
- Shouting is a known source of virus transmission and we MUST minimise the risk there. Non-compliance will result in revoking race access or disqualification.
- RESULTS & CEREMONY:
- approx 5:00pm Last Rider and Sweeper across the line and event finishes.
- Race results are LIVE throughout the day.
- Access race results via the website.
- Presentation ceremony will kick off when majority of riders are back, approx. 1.40pm and 4.30pm
- IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR RACE RESULTS as soon as you cross the line! The top three podium getters in each age category will receive a podium medal
- Giveaways to every racer: pick a RedBull or Rocky Trail bandana at rego.
- PERSONAL HYGIENE:
- No ‘snot rockets’ (blowing your nose without a tissue) in the vicinity of other people.
- Hand washing stations and sanitation stations are available at the venue.
- Please regularly clean your hands with an alcoholic-based hand rub or wash hands with soap and water (especially after going to bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing).
- Riders and visitors are encouraged to wear (cycling) gloves when picking up number plates.
- Unless from the same family, we discourage you from car-pooling to the venue.
- PARTICIPANT TRACKING:
- Every person at the event (including non-racers) need to register.
- Racers will be track with race plates.
- Non-competitors will be issued a Race Access pass.
- ACCESS:
Enforcement of COVID Safe Plan
If we see blatant breaches of those rules we will ask you to leave the event. You are not only potentially endangering other racers, but also the future of our business.
We recommend but won’t enforce that all event participants use the Covid Safe App to assist health authorities with tracking potentially.
Please understand that the team won’t shake hands, hug, high five or fist bump anyone and will be trying keep some distance to all riders during registration, start and finish. There will be a lot socially distance elbow bumps from us, which is almost as good 🙂
Download the full Covid-19 Safety Plan below and here is a summary:
WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE
You will still have to get ready for the massive surge of adrenaline when you drop into your time race stages. When you rail those berms and fly across the trails, crossing the finish line with your heart pumping. You’re alive. You’re doing what you love. And that’s why Rocky Trail exist. So that you can RACE the way you RIDE.
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!)
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