What is the Reef to Reef MTB Stage Race?
From the 17th - 20th August, mountain biking enthusiasts from all over the world will flock to Tropical North Queensland, Australia for the annual Reef to Reef MTB Stage Race. It’s a four day cross-terrain mountain biking event that takes place along world class trails in Cairns and the surrounding areas. The race is famous for its challenging tracks, stunning scenery and tropical climate, making it a great escape from the cold winter in southern states.
What To Expect
Wanna know what you’re getting yourself into before committing to the Reef to Reef Mountain Bike Race? Each day, race contenders take on a unique stage of the event which varies in both terrain and difficulty. With a medley of single-packed tracks, Tableland farm trails, gravel roads and sealed bitumen, riders race to complete the four stages within an allotted time frame to qualify for the overall race results.
The event is supported with checkpoints throughout the various courses in the form of water stations, while bike mechanics and medical assistance are present at the start/finish line. Don’t have a crew? Don’t worry, the Reef to Reef event team has your back.
The Location and The Course
Covering almost 200 kms, the course is broken up into four stages and changes slightly from year to year. You know, just to keep things spicy. The main event (Reef to Reef) stretches over four days, while the Triple-R (Rural, Rainforest and Reef) is a one day 35 or 48 km MTB race that coincides with the last day of Reef to Reef.
Stage One starts and finishes in Cairns at the Smithfield MTB Park. Situated just a 20 minute drive north of Cairns City, cyclists battle 18 km of rugged riding trails featuring vertical climbs and swift downhill descents. A nice little taste tester for what to expect over the rest of the race!
Stage Two gets serious at Davies Creek MTB Park. 45 minutes west of Cairns up in the Tablelands you’ll slug it out over 39.5 km of winding paths that snake through the rural region of Far North Queensland. Treat yourself to a refreshing dip in one of the natural watering holes afterwards.
Stage Three ups the ante in Mount Molloy. Travelling about 1.5 hours north of Cairns, this 59 km rainforest ride takes competitors through some of the most lush tropical terrain. Think, river crossings and stunning scenic sights that’ll make the trek that much more worth the effort.
Stage Four brings the end in sight. Riders travel 46 km from Mount Molloy to Port Douglas where the last leg of this epic mountain bike race takes them across the sandy expanse of Four Mile Beach, crossing the finish line at the Port Douglas Surf Club. Celebrate all the hard work of the past four days with a well-earned bevvy (or maybe a few!).
Who Can Participate?
The Reef 2 Reef MTB Stage Race is open to riders from the age of 15, providing they are accompanied by an adult. From elite riders to recreational entrants fresh to mountain biking, participants of all fitness levels are welcome to join in on the fun. Enter as either a solo rider or team up with a mate in the pairs event.
How To Get To Cairns
Cairns Airport supports both domestic and international flights that operate to and from main cities in Australia and Asia. You can get an airport shuttle or public bus to Cairns city centre and surrounding areas, or rent a car for a more direct way to travel around to the various race stages. Maybe even make a road trip of it with your MTB buddies and drive up, if travelling from interstate. Or, if you’re feeling extra motivated, you could always ride your mountain bike? Cairns has plenty of bike lanes to cater to cyclists!
What Do You Win?
Daily awards are dished out at the end of each stage day, along with rider timing results, Reef to Reef gifts and cash prizes. And even if you complete the whole four days just for fun, you still get to take home a pretty sweet medal that doubles as a bottle opener! You also win the bragging rights to say you’ve completed one of the most epic MTB races in the world.
With its stunning backdrops and challenging yet adventurous terrain, the Reef to Reef MTB event is an exciting stage race suitable for all riding abilities. So, whether you’re a serious solo mountain biker, or a recreational rider looking to get on some of the funnest, most unique trails with mates in tow, the Reef to Reef race in Tropical North Queensland will no doubt go down as an unforgettable mountain biking experience worthy of the memory bank.
