Entries open for Otway Odyssey

ENTRIES have opened for the next Otway Odyssey, which will see hundreds of riders race through the spectacular Otway Ranges near Forrest on February 24-25.

The 12th edition of the event will feature the 100-kilometre Odyssey, 50-kilometre Shorty and 30-kilometre Rookie mountain bike races, as well as the children’s 10-kilometre Pioneer event, all starting and finishing at a bike expo and food festival at the Forrest Football Ground.

After its successful inception in 2017, the Great Otway Gravel Grind will also return to give road riders, gravel enthusiasts and recreational riders of all styles a scenic but challenging 49-kilometre or 97-kilometre ride on smooth rolling dirt roads.

A particular focus of this year’s Odyssey is to increase female participation in the events with a broad range of initiatives, support and information for female riders under the banner of Otway Angels.

Rapid Ascent is tackling the barriers for women wanting to take the first step into racing via a range of new skills programs, partnerships, networking opportunities, course recces and special events to help improve accessibility of the sport to female riders.

Defending Otway Shorty 50-kilometre champion and event ambassador Kim Willocks said she would love to see more women riding and participating in mountain bike events, and getting as much out of it as she does.

“Peddling through the bush on a mountain bike during a race, a social ride or even solo is so fulfilling.

“My advice to any females considering entering an event like the Otway Odyssey, who are a little apprehensive about taking the leap, is to choose an event like the 30-kilometre Pioneer designed for beginner riders, train as much as you have time for, and just have fun and enjoy the moment.”

Race organisers at Rapid Ascent are gearing up for huge another weekend in 2018 with over 1,500 competitors and several thousand spectators expected to descend on Forrest for the event.

“The Otway Odyssey is such a special weekend; it’s where riders from all over Australia and with all backgrounds congregate to experience both the thrill of racing on some of Australia’s best trails, as well as the satisfaction and reward of conquering a personal challenge,” Rapid Ascent general manager Sam Maffett said.

For more information or to enter, head to rapidascent.com.au/OtwayOdyssey.