Entries open for Otway Odyssey

ENTRIES are now open for major Australian mountain biking events, the Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon, and the Great Otway Gravel Grind, to be held in Forrest next year.

Gearing up for its 19th edition, the Otway Odyssey is expected to again draw a high level of demand from riders.

The weekend of February 22 and February 23 will be headlined by the 100km mountain bike race, along with 50km, 30km and 10km MTB courses; two gravel events of 97km and 49km; and a “Grommets ride” specially designed for children.

Each course has been crafted to create quality, tough, and epic rides on the mountain bike trails and gravel tracks synonymous with the area.

“These courses are tough, but they’re tough for a reason – it brings people together and allows riders to really test themselves and have a crack,” Rapid Ascent general manager Sam Maffett said.

“It’s why we love designing courses that feature those long flowing sections of single track that everyone seems to just love; and the lung-busting climbs that leave that lasting tough memory from the Odyssey.”

Set against the backdrop of Forrest and the Otway Ranges, competitors will face challenging uphill battles and rewarding descents; flowing single track as well as a huge social vibe – perfect for everyone from world champions to weekend warriors.

Three-time Otway Odyssey title holder and Olympic representative Rebecca Henderson rates the course highly.

“It really is the most prestigious marathon in the country and I’m very excited and happy to keep coming back as it’s a highlight of my summer,” she said.

In addition to the MTB races, the Great Otway Gravel Grind, referred to as “the GOGG”, will return for its ninth edition and features both 97km and 49km course options.

The gravel grind races meander through smooth, undulating dirt roads in the Otway Ranges, showcasing panoramic views of the Great Ocean Road region.

 

 

Riders can enjoy the popular “time-out zones” to take coffee breaks and rendezvous with mates without affecting their official race times.

Samara Sheppard, winner of the 2024 97km race, is impressed by the course.

“It’s beautiful out on course; a lovely journey through the Otways; then my favourite part being the downhill towards Wye River which is really stunning,” she said.

“What’s special about gravel is that it’s a little bit more social as well as being a big push.”

The weekend will also see the continuation of the Odyssey Angel’s program, initiated in 2017. The program is dedicated to fostering female riders’ involvement in off-road events, offering a number of engaging initiatives.

All races start and finish amid a huge bike expo and food festival at the Forrest Football Ground.

“We extend our thanks to everyone who supports the Odyssey and Gravel Grind events year in, year out, and to the local community of Forrest for their ongoing dedication to maintaining these epic trails,” Maffett said.

For more information or to enter, head to otwayodyssey.com.au and thegogg.com.au