Prepare to be surprised by all that ‘Rocky’ has to offer! Tree-top boardwalks, visiting cheeky animals at the Zoo, exploring ancient caves, bush walks and hikes, farm stays, indigenous experiences, events to rival those of Australia’s big cities, a significant art collection that includes some of Australia’s greats, heritage and history, distilleries, breweries, bars and eateries all over town and day-trips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef… that’s just a short list of what you can experience when you Explore Rockhampton!
Stop, see, stay. You’ll be surprised.
There is such a long list of ways to #ExploreRockhampton while you’re in town for the race. Find everything you need in the information below!
Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for 5-star luxury, pub-style budget, an apartment for the family, or even a visit at a working farm – take a look at what Rockhampton has to offer by searching and booking your accommodation below.
CQ University Capricornia College
Rocky Trail have arranged a group booking with CQU, which also offers an airport shuttle option via CQ Connections for Rockhampton.
Accommodation:
Individual rooms containing 1 bed and shared bathroom available for all event participants and family members.
Each room has king single and room for storage of bike
Bike wash area outside the building
Free laundry facility available
Located 15mins bike ride from First Turkey MTB Park and event hub location
If you’re looking for a more unique option for your stay in the Rockhampton region, there is nothing more perfect than this family-owned & operated farm stay.
There are both campsites and accommodation, and included in every stay is a free farm animal feeding each afternoon, plus sulky rides for the kids (and free firewood of course, for the campfire or the wood-fired bbqs). You can even grab your bike and explore the farm to warm up for the race.
There are so many activities to do and unforgettable memories to be made on the farm, but don’t worry if you’ve already booked your hotel – you can also book a day trip so that you can still experience the adventure of horse riding and motorbike/UTV riding, kayaking, or a Chuck Wagon Sunset Tour!
Give Dave and Becc a quick call or send them a text – all their information and costs are on the website, or check out their Facebook page. Join a fun-loving Aussie Family on their cattle farm and make memories that will last you a lifetime.
Our top tips for #rockytrailracers
1.
Beef it upRockhampton is commonly known and referred to as the Beef Capital of Australia, and with over 3 million head of cattle grazing throughout the region it’s easy to see why! Head to the Great Western Hotel for an iconic rodeo experience, track down all seven of the life-size bull statues around town, and make sure to sample the best steak you’ve ever had.
Take a walk on the wild sideRockhampton Zoo has almost 100 animals, spanning more than 30 species of native and exotic animals. Come and meet Mzuri the baby chimpanzee (born December 2021), overload on cuteness with the meerkats and otters, or stop by the Australian Wetlands zone to marvel over the giant saltwater crocodile ‘The Colonel’. Of course if you’re keen on crocs, make sure to check out Koorana Crocodile Farm as well – home to over 3,000 crocs!!
Top fishing As if being the Beef Capital wasn’t enough, Rockhampton is also the Home of the Barramundi, and is the only city in Australia where you can fly in, check in, and boat out in less than an hour. You can target trophy size barra right in the heart of the CBD, not to mention king threadfin, saratoga, giant trevall and many more, and you don’t even need a boat!
Fill up an eskyRockhampton isn’t short of places to pick up some local produce for a killer BBQ or afternoon picnic, with farmers markets, seafood pop-ups, award winning butchers and boutique bakeries. Make sure you check out the top spots for a BBQ, and don’t forget the coffee!
Catch a cave tourExplore the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground, the Capricorn Caves, 390 million years in the making! With names like ‘Deep Vault Cave,’ ‘Jack’s Beanstalk, and ‘Whales’ Belly,’ you just know you’re going to see something amazing and have a great time underground.
A little luxury never hurt anyoneEver stayed in a penthouse? Or had a meal cooked for you by your own personal chef? Or maybe you just want to splurge a little on some fine whisky and the perfect cheese platter. There’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself, so why not take the opportunity to be a little extra? You deserve it!
Squeeze in some cultureRockhampton has a lively arts and culture scene buzzing with exhibitions, theatre productions, festivals and music events year-round. With public art trails and sculptures, and a range of cultural centres and museums to explore you’ll want to spend a few extra days in Rockhampton discovering its arts and culture scene.
Go for a driveThere are some truly great drives in and around Rockhampton if you’re keen on exploring some of the hidden gems of the region. Wind your way past spectacular views on your way to Mount Morgan, find some pristine beaches on the Capricorn Coast, or head for the elevated tree top boardwalk at Mount Archer.
Relax by the waterMake sure you don’t miss Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct while you’re in town! You will find heritage listed pubs, quirky cafes, high tea, or fresh cocktails, and with a kids’ playground paradise as well there truly is something for everyone!
The precinct is also the site of a self-guided walk around one of Australia’s most historically significant heritage strips – so take the 2km return walk and marvel at Rockhampton’s colonial past.
Stretch those legsYou know you’re a nature lover, so stretch out those post-race legs (or warm them up) and check out the best of the best mountain and hill climbs you need to conquer when visiting Rockhampton. Make sure you have your phone ready to snap those stunning views from the top!
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!
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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