Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Transport + Accommodation Packages 
All Wildside competitors are encouraged to have their own support person or crew during the event. If you are unable to arrange your own support for the event, you may opt for one of the following transport and accommodation support packages. Competitors choosing these options MUST stay inthe designated accommodation. The options below will not be provided to competitors with their own transport. These strictly limited Transport + Accommodation packages are for unsupported competitors who would otherwise not be able to compete.                                                          

Option A involves transport from and to Strahan (people can leave their cars at the race finish in Strahan), with all accommodation provided. Option B involves transport from and to Launceston Airport and city. Both transport options can include either Mostly Camping or Luxury (hotel/motel) accommodation. The camping option is in large tents with a camp bed, sleeping bag and pillow provided. The tents are erected each night for you. More information is avaiable under the TRAVEL menu and the Latest News items.

Competitor's should contact Andrea via the 'Get in Touch' form at the bottom of the page, email 'race @ wildsidemtb.com' or ph 0407 407 001 if their arrival and departure times do not suit these proposed times. BACK TO TOP

What is a Registered Support Crew?                                                                                                                                                            You can choose to register your support person or crew. Registered support crew become very much part of the event, with lunches and drinks provided each day, receiving a Wildside top and being included in fantastic random draws for prizes just for support crews. Many support crews choose this option because finding lunches for themselves can be difficult in the remote areas of the west coast, particularly when they are under pressure to look after their rider. Children's support packages can also be arranged.

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.

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

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 during the race. If you don’t have the luxury of bringing a selection of tyres for different conditions, then a good all-rounder like the Kenda Nevegal is the best choice. The Nevegal (pictured) is the ultimate light weight tyre for all conditions – loose or hard pack. Voted #1 tread pattern two years in a row by MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION Magazine! The Nevegal’s deep aggressive knobs provide great grip in wet conditions and the casing allows them to be run at a low pressure without the fear of pinch flats.

For those who plan to bring more than one pair of tyres, Kenda offers a wide range of 26” and 29” tyres to suit all conditions, ranging from the fast rolling Small Block 8 to the super aggressive K.O.T (King Of Traction) which was developed with John Tomac to help you stay upright in the most slippery conditions.

Kenda tyres are available from your local AvantiPlus store or online at www.avantiplus.com

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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! The West Coast has high rainfall (which supports the incredible rainforests the race passes through). Come prepared for all weather.