Explore the high country at the Cattlemen 100 in Omeo

In 2020 the inaugural Cattlemen 100 took riders and the Omeo region by storm. The long-distance mountain bike event was borne from a connection with the greater Omeo area, and the hard yacka involved in scratching out a living for colonisers. Nothing came easy, and that's the intent of the Cattlemen 100 as well. The route is designed to take in some of the most stunning areas, while testing riders ability and mental fortitude. If you wanted a walk in the park – you could go take a walk in the park.

The Omeo Region will host the second Cattlemen 100 MTB on Saturday 19th November, 2022, making an impact on the national endurance mountain biking calendar. In 2022 the Cattlemen 100 is receiving grant funding from the Australian Government along with support from the East Gippsland Shire Council.

“The terrain was brutal and beautiful and if you’re looking for the ultimate physical challenge then this is for you”  said Tasman Nankervis, who was second in 2020.

The event covers the Omeo region, Omeo Valley and Benambra, on a series of unique loops that showcases the breathtaking landscape of the high country. While riders will tackle the demanding 100 mile (162km) course with 3650m of climbing, there's live music and food at the event finish, so there's plenty of time to kick up your heels and celebrate with family and friends. And what better way to snap out of the slump of questioning every decision that lead to the moment you're hunger flatted on the second last climb, than slapping shoulders with fellow racers and knocking back a cold one?

So what's riding 100 miles at the Cattlemen 100 actually like?

Make no mistake, the Cattlemen 100 will be a hard day on the pedals, but one we are told reaps many rewards for those who finish it. 100 mile races are not a common event here in Australia, but some of the largest marathon mountain bike events around the globe are based on the 100 mile distance, including the infamous Leadville 100, or the less well-known but 100% fun Shenandoah 100. 

You need to be prepared to be on the bike for the whole day, although there are cut offs you will need to make. If you go out guns blazing, and don't have a few podium finishes at national level events to your name – you may be in trouble.

A big day out in the area could be searing heat, gusty winds or even cold conditions. Being prepared for this is part of the challenge. It's a long day out, and we'd recommend having plans in place for both your hydration and nutrition.

As the clock ticks past 5 hours towards 6 and 7 hours of ride time (and beyond) it pays to know what you're in the event for. Dig deep, spark that motivation and push to the finish!

What's up for grabs for the fast kids?

The Catteleman 100 will reward riders with cash prizes to be won for participants who place in both men's and women's categories as well as many other prizes to be won. This event is not for the faint hearted, with previous participants calling it the ‘toughest one day cycling event in Australia’.

And the route? 

The route will take in a mix of gravel roads and other back roads only known to locals. The course will be taking riders over Mount Gingee Munjie, Splitters Range, around Lake Omeo in Benambra and back to Omeo over Mount Sam, where riders go past the main trail head for the Omeo MTB trails. 

While it's not a route based on purpose-built singletrack, the rough nature of the route does mean a mountain bike is stipulated as mandatory gear. So you can leave your skinny-tyred gravel bike and influencer accounts at home. 

Registration for the Cattlemen 100 is open now. This is set to become an iconic event on the Australian endurance mountain bike scene – will you be part of the history?