AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL MTB MARATHON

The award winning Flight Centre Cycle Epic is a great mountain biking tradition that began in 2002 with a bunch of mates challenging themselves on a 117km epic trail ride. In 2003, the inaugural Australian mountain bike marathon started a new era in the sport. The ‘Epic’ has something for everyone, from the novice rider through to the professional, offering four races and several categories to challenge and reward riders.

The first thing you will notice is the change of date. The 10th Flight Centre Cycle Epic will take place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September 2012.

This year has the Epic course start and finish at Old Hidden Vale. The Merida Pursuit follows the first 50 kilometres of the course featuring single and double track on the property before heading south onto Mt Mort Road for 1,500 metres of bitumen and then turning west over Red Gap to the Mulgowie Valley.

The course continues north along Mulgowie Road for six kilometres, passing the famous Mulga Pub and then re-enters the property at Brown Springs. From the Old Hidden Vale gate, riders get another taste of double and single track. The Flight Centre Epic riders get an additional 25 kilometres to complete before returning to the finish at Spicers Hidden Vale.

The new format removes the logistical issues of the point-to-point race making it easier for riders and their supporters. Average rider can expect to complete the half marathon in 3-4 hours and the full marathon in 6-8 hours.

Even though this is a significant shift from the original Epic, the tradition of challenge remains the same – commitment, grit and determination!

The 99 Bikes Mini and Minor Epics are a highlight for many children who join their parents for the Epic weekend. The race course take in sections of the Old Hidden Vale single track. Children can ride with their parents and alongside some of the nations elite cross country endurance riders. Entry fees $33*.
When: Saturday 15 September 2012

The Spicers Chaser is a 30km cross country race on the Old Hidden Vale, Grandchester. The course has been put together with novice riders in mind. It follows sections of easy single track and farm roads on the property. This is a great opportunity for less experienced riders to be part of the Epic. Entry fees $44*.
When: Saturday 15 September 2012

The Flight Centre Epic MTB Marathon has the distinction of being the first marathon in the history of Australian cycling. The 75km race starts on Old Hidden Vale, following a demanding course made up of single track, farm and two small sections sealed roads. The course starts at Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat and heads west, up over the Little Liverpool Range and into the Mulgowie Valley. Riders then travel south before returning to Old Hidden Vale via Red Gap. Entry fees $119*.
When: Sunday 16 September 2012

The Merida Pursuit is the popular alternative to the full marathon offering riders a similar experience. The 50km ‘Half Epic’ follows the same course into the Mulgowie Valley and returns to Old Hidden Vale minus 33km of gruelling single and double track. Entry fees $99*.
When: Sunday 16 September 2012