More than 1,000 elite riders have begun rolling into the region for the 2024 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships.
Kicking off on Tuesday 12 March, the event includes a variety of mountain-biking disciplines, with most competition focused on the challenging trails of Awaba Mountain Bike (MTB) Park.
Visitors are warned trails in the popular locale will be closed for public use throughout the championships, which run from 13-17 March.
Jenkins Road will also be shut for public access from Wednesday 13 March until Sunday 17 March, with no access from Becks Road to Mount Faulk Road.
Mount Faulk Road is expected to see significantly increased traffic throughout the championships, with drivers advised to allow for extra travelling time.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser said the event, which acts as a gateway competition for the Olympic Games and World Championships, would attract Australia’s top MTB exponents.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city to a national audience,” she said.
“The skills these competitors display are matched only by their bravery and that makes for a very exciting and spectacular event.”
Awaba MTB Park has gradually expanded in recent years to become a world-class facility, catering to multiple disciplines including trail riding, cross-country and adaptive.
On Wednesday, action will head beachside as competition extends to the Redhead Pump Track for the pump category.
More information about the championships is available at auscycling.org.au.
Awaba MTB Park
Awaba MTB Park trail network encompasses 200 hectares of forest, offering a variety of mountain biking routes for various skill levels.
It has three loops, a 12 km loop referred to as ‘Awaba Loop’ (formerly red), a 8km loop called ‘Watagans Loop’ (Blue), and a 5km loop named ‘Olney Loop’ (was yellow).
There are connecting fire trails and public roads that provide park users with options.
For more on this topic:
- Singleton adds MTB trails
- Drift Bikes founder on new track
- Dungog trails
- Discovering MTB trails in your own backyard
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