Mackay heats up for QLD XCO Champs!
There's a big race coming to Northern Queensland!
Riders are digging deep in their final preparations for the big day. Training plans are being adjusted. TSS and FRC are being analysed, bikes are being adjusted, and people are wondering what a-lines are rideable.
That's right – all eyes are focused on Mackay as the Queensland State XCO Championships head up there on the October long weekend!
The race will be held Rowallan Park, on purpose built trails. We rode there last year and it's a good mix of modern trails and some older style xc trails with off camber lines, roots and rock gardens.
With racing on Sunday, you can head up on Saturday 30th, race on the 1st, relax and head home on the public holiday monday.
There are 9 championships to be decided:
U15 (M/W) 45mins (3/2 Laps)
U17 (M/W) 1hr (3 Laps)
U19 (M/W) 1hr30m (5/4 Laps)
Expert (M/W) 1hr (4/3 Laps)
Masters 1/2 M/W (30-39) 1hr (4/3 Laps)
Masters 3/4 M/W (40-49) 1hr (4/3 Laps)
Masters 5/6 M/W (50-59) 1hr (2 Laps)
Masters 6+ M/W (60+) 1hr (2 Laps)
Elite (M/W) 1hr30m (6/5 Laps)
Registration is open now. But they close on 27th September.
Beyond the racing, there's plenty to do up around Mackay. Whether it's a cruise on the foreshore, a drive up to Eungella, or even some platypus spotting!
Ride with a local
One of your best bets to get out and get riding is to drop into one of the local bike shops in Mackay. Most stores run a social ride or two. Corry’s Cycles have a Wednesday night ride, but also a Sunday ride where they even put a sausage sizzle on afterwards. Owners Evan and Ryan are well entrenched in the local mountain bike scene, so drop in and see them to get the details.
Getting to Mackay
You can fly to Mackay from most Australian capitals, although direct flights from some are gone since the down turn in resources. But it is only 4hrs drive from Rockhampton or Townsville, or about 10 hours from Brisbane. So if you’re planning an epic East Coast mountain bike road trip – Mackay is well worth stopping at.
Where to stay
Quest have serviced apartments right in town, and they’re spacious, with a place to wash bikes. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is good, and having a laundry means you can get your kit cleaned too.
There are plenty more options, head to the event page for details on accommodation deals for racers!
Best coffee
We settled on Woodman’s Axe, just across the road from Quest. It was recommended by most of the club. They have a few different roasts of coffee that they use, and they have a great range of food too. We hear the cold drip coffee in summer is very popular.
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