Frequently Asked Questions

Entry Fee
Support Options
MTB Experience
Fitness & Training
Technical Difficulty
Mechanical Support
Tyre Choice
Teams Event
Racing vs Touring
Weather

What is included in the entry fee?

• daily lunches
• a competitor kit
• a fully insured event with a comprehensive risk management plan
• emergency response plan, including full attendance of 4 medical staff.
• the time and efforts of a highly experienced organisational crew of 28 people BACK TO TOP

Do you need your own support crew, or is support available?
Competitors are encouraged to provide their own dedicated support vehicle and driver, however supported options are available. A support crew registration package is available for $88 (including GST) per person. This includes lunch and drinks each day, a race t-shirt, and inclusion in the support crew random prize draw at the final presentations. Support crew can be registered for this package on the entry form, or at race registration. If you cannot provide your own support, the following options are available: 

Transport Support Option 1 – Leave your car at Strahan on Friday 18th January (venue to be notified), and catch our 1pm bus with all your gear to Cradle Mt. Personal gear will be transported throughout the race. This option also includes the shuttles on Day 3 to the start of riding in the morning if needed, from the end of Granville Harbour stage back to Zeehan, and through to Strahan at the end of the day. Cost $198 (including GST).

Transport Support Option 2 - Competitors will be picked up from Launceston on Friday 18th January and transported to the race start at Cradle Mt, then brought back to Launceston from Strahan on Wednesday 23 Jjanuary, at the end of the race. All personal gear will be transported throughout the race. This option also includes the shuttles on Day 3 to the start of riding in the morning if needed, from the end of Granville Harbour stage back to Zeehan, and through to Strahan from Zeehan at the end of the day. Cost $286 (including GST).

For pick-up on Friday 27th January from Launceston airport you need to arrive by 1:30pm. Return flights on Wednesday 1st February should be booked for 1:30pm or later.

Competitor's should contact Andrea at the email:wildsidemtb@bigpond.com or ph 0407 407 001 if their arrival and departure times do not suit these proposed times. BACK TO TOP

How much mountain bike experience do I need?
Although the course is designed to cater for a range of abilities, you will need to have a reasonable level of experience, fitness and skill to complete the event safely and enjoy the experience. The experience necessary comes from regular off-road riding. Wildside MTB is not an event for the inexperienced. BACK TO TOP

What is a “reasonable” level of fitness?
Are you fit enough to ride 200km over 4 consecutive days, including some demanding off-road tracks? Regular exercise at moderate intensity over a period of time is needed to develop a reasonable level of fitness. The physical challenge of Wildside MTB should not be underestimated. BACK TO TOP

What should I do to train for Wildside MTB?
Start now! If you’ve been on the couch for a while, you should start gradually, building up to riding several times during the week for about 45 - 60 minutes at least. On weekends, try to get off–road and do longer rides up to 2 hours in length. Before the event, do some rides of up to 3 hours. Also try doing some shorter rides at a higher intensity. If possible, try to have some consecutive days of longer rides. When you are doing longer rides, try to establish how much fluid and food you need to keep performing at an optimum level.

Check out this excellent training article from Race Elements. Further info available from the Race Elements website. BACK TO TOP

How technically difficult is the course?
The course covers a wide range of terrain and tracks. The course is technical enough in places to provide some challenge for experienced riders but not so difficult that those of moderate ability will struggle. The most difficult sections are short and can be walked.  BACK TO TOP

How can I improve my skill and knowledge for Wildside MTB?
Three times Australian XC Champion, and current Technical Market Manager for SRAM in Australia and New Zealand, Rob Eva, will run specialised Wildside Training Courses on demand in Victoria. The 1/2 day course is designed to improve your skills and give you an appreciation of the course and riding conditions. Rob will also arrange courses in NSW if sufficient demand is indicated. For further information, contact Rob Eva on 0414 322 676 or reva@bigpond.net.au BACK TO TOP

Will there be any mechanical support to fix my bike if I break something?
Yes. The event is supported by a crew of experienced bike mechanics. They will be at the end of most stages and will also have a mechanic riding as a sweep to help any riders in need out on the track. They will carry a range of spares, but if you have a high end bike you should bring your own spare parts, especially those prone to breakage such as deraileurs or hydraulic brake cables. BACK TO TOP

How demanding is the event on the bike?
Wildside MTB will test your bike. There’s plenty of mud and water to accelerate wear and tear, and plenty of sticks to take out a deraileur if you’re tired. Your shocks will also get a good work out. Many riders have found the event a lot harder on gear than they had anticipated. Ensure you bring the gear necessary to help clean up your bike at the end of each day and keep it lubricated. BACK TO TOP

What sort of tyres will I need?
You will encounter a wide range of trail surfaces. On balance, aggressive tyres designed for wet and slippery conditions are the best compromise if you don’t have the luxury of bringing a range. Pegasus will carry a range of tyres if you decide what you have are not suited. BACK TO TOP

What is the teams event?
The teams competition is designed to promote friendly rivalry amongst sponsored riders and the many groups of friends who enter Wildside. It is an additional way to promote your sponsors. Riders entering as individuals can also register as part of a team. Each team shall consist of 3 riders. The winning team will be that with the fastest cumulative time for all stages - see conditions and rules on the entry form. Prizes will only be awarded to teams at the final presentations. BACK TO TOP

Can I enter and treat the event as a tour rather than a race?
Wildside MTB is a race, but a race with a difference. In designing the event we have endeavoured to cater for a range of ability and experience and allow the opportunity for you to appreciate the spectacular environment and enjoy the experience. You don’t have to race, but you will need to ride at a steady pace to ensure you complete each stage within the designated cut-off time. The cut-off times are in the interests of all competitors’ safety and are achievable by any rider with a reasonable level of fitness and skill. BACK TO TOP

What is the weather like on the West Coast in January?
January and February are the warmest and driest months in Tasmania. Average maximum temperature for the West Coast of Tasmania is about 21 deg (C), with night time temperatures of about 10 deg (C). Tasmania, however, experiences an island climate, which means that all four seasons can arrive in one day. Temperatures can rise as high as 37 deg (C), or drop to below zero. Snow can fall at Cradle Mountain even in summer! BACK TO TOP

Although January and February are the driest months, the West Coast still has quite high rainfall (which supports the incredible rainforests the race passes through). Come prepared for all weather. BACK TO TOP