The Epic Course
Saved Thursday 1st January, 1970 9:59am by Dean Fogarty
Edited Saturday 13th September, 2008 6:05am by Peter Creagh
Flight Centre Classic Marathon
Stage 1 Preston Peak to Ma Ma Creek
The Epic starts from the RM Williams Reserve at Preston Peak Winery just south of Toowoomba (the Bicentennial National Trail is one of the famous Australian bushman’s many contributions to the country). It begins with a short bitumen climb and then turns south travelling over undulating hills, after approximately 10 kilometres, the route turns east up a steep climb to the ridge top on Lindemann Rd, if you call call that. The route cross the road and turns south down a short descent and runs through Mt Prosper, turning east again at the second white gate - this is where fun begins as the trail plunges into the valley. The run begins with rough road and open paddock before narrowing down to the most technical stage - Ma Ma Creek. This section is a mix of single track, cattle trail, 4WD track and creek bed. There are a few "walk" sections and depending on the rain there may be a few more.
The trail emerges from Ma Ma Creek and crosses the Gatton Clifton Road. Checkpoint 1 here marks the end of Stage 1.
Stage 1 distance: 30.82km; Stage ascent: 542m; Stage descent: 896m.
Stage 2 Ma Ma Creek to Mt Sylvia
This begins with the "Razorback" - a gruelling, grinding passage of well graded road that climbs relentlessly towards Twin Hill at the top. The Gatton Council has sealed 500m of the Razorback Rd at the worst pinch - an erosion measure that benefits weary riders. Not long after reaching the top of the Razorback the track becomes rough 4WD farm trail again before meeting up with the West Haldon Road for the roller coaster ride towards the Blackfellow Creek valley. There are a few tough hills to negotiate before the adrenaline packed race down the valley wall. The majestic views, the speed and the sweeping corners make this leg unforgettable. Keep an eye on the speedo on the Devil's Tail decent to the Mt Sylvia Road and remember speed limits apply.
Once you hit the valley floor you continue north for 2.8km on Mt Sylvia Rd. The Checkpoint 2 is on the right across the creek. This is also the start for the Merida Pursuit.
Stage 2 distance: 20.16km; Stage ascent: 552m; Stage descent: 618m.
Flight Centre Marathon and Merida Pursuit
Stage 3 Mt Sylvia to Thornton
The Merida Pursuit and Stage 3 leave from the open paddock at Crust's Farm, heading east before turning south east for 3.8kms - you pass through a stockyard and ensure you turn left at the second gate and head up (don't take the right hand gully otherwise you'll become very, very lost). Please respect the gate rule - leave them as you find them. Once you hit the top, the have a 5km downhill run through Reibstein Gully to Upper Tenthill Creek Rd. Turn right onto the road to begin the long stretch of flat dirt road to Laidley Gap. This is a moderate climb but ends with a short crest that is sure to test the will (and skill) of many. The gradient here gives weary riders a chance to take a look around and enjoy the rugged hills and cliffs of the area before reaching the end of Stage Three at the Thornton State School.
Stage 3 distance: 26.38km; Stage ascent: 591m; Stage descent: 557m.
Stage 4 Thornton to Old Hidden Vale
From Checkpoint 3, riders head north along Mulgowie Road for 3.8km before turning up Edwards Gap - the climb is short, sharpand gets a little rough before reaching the gap. The other side of the gap is an extremely enjoyable dirt road leg that seems to roll on forever before hitting the bitumen road along the valley floor. Turning north, Mount Mort Road undulates for several kilometres before cutting into the Peppers Hidden Vale property where riders are faced with the last great challenge of the Epic.
While the hills into Peppers Hidden Vale are not difficult - the fact that your legs have just dragged you along 90kms can make these hills seem like Everest. Be ready, save some energy and charge on!
The last few kilometres are on the Epic single track and has one final climb up the Camel Track that turns into the Aeroplane Track before you hit the final section on the Gully Track, finally you come over the last hill to see what you have dreamed of - the Peppers Hidden Vale homestead, the crowds ... the finish!
Stage 4 distance: 25.47km; Stage ascent: 530m; Stage descent: 557m.
Total Marathon distance: 102.83km; total ascent: 2,115m; total descent: 2,628m.
Total Pursuit distance: 51.85km; total ascent: 1,121m; total descent: 1,114m.
Download Epic Course Map CLICK HERE
Download Epic Marathon Profile CLICK HERE
Download Pursuit Profile CLICK HERE
