Riders to reach their peak as WA’s biggest mountain bike festival returns to Albany
WA’s biggest mountain bike festival will return to Albany this weekend, with a line-up of events set to get adrenaline pumping for riders and spectators.
Southern Peaks is back from this Friday to Sunday after the event was cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Albany Mountain Bike Club president Dora Adeline said the event was returning stronger than ever this year, with registrations exceeding expectations.
“It brings all the epic disciplines of mountain biking together in one massive event,” she said.
“A buffet of mountain bike visual experiences for spectators, with a superior experience for riders and opportunities for the community to spectate, participate, volunteer or support this unique event.
“With new entries coming in every day there will be some healthy competition and plenty of riders on track.”
Australia’s only Urban Downhill race will challenge riders on a tricky course from Mt Clarence to Stirling Terrace.
“With new course designer Nathan Davenport, the track will take riders through extreme challenges, high speed, wall rides, backyard shortcuts, massive jumps, and promises wild experience for riders and spectators,” Ms Adeline said.
Riders will set off on Saturday for the 50km Make Smoking History XCM Cross Country, followed by 39km and 17km races.
After an Emu Point channel crossing, riders will tackle a climb up Mt Clarence and Mt Adelaide, before finishing with a sprint along Stirling Terrace.
Some of the country’s best rid-ers will put on a show on Satur-day night with the return of Jump Fest on Stirling Terrace and Proudlove Parade, with a show-case of aerial skills and BMX jumps on a slope style multi-feature course.
Finishing off the festival will be the Kids Urban on Sunday morning for riders aged 5-12 at Lawley Park.
Visit southernpeaks.com.au.
FRIDAY
Youth Challenge Park freestyle workshops, Youth Challenge Park Sanford Road, 4-6pm
Youth Challenge Park official launch party, Youth Challenge Park Sanford Road, 6-9pm
Road closure/ diversion, Proudlove Parade, 6pm
SATURDAY
Road closure, Stirling Terrace, 6am
Make Smoking History XCM 52km race start, XCM Start Point at Nippers Cafe and Marron Farm, noon
Make Smoking History XCM 39km race start, Emu Point, 1pm
Make Smoking History XCM 17km race start, Emu Point. 2pm
Make Smoking History XCM finish line, Stirling Terrace, 2-5pm
DJ, Southern Peaks mainstage Stirling Terrace, 5-8pm
Make Smoking History XCM presentations, Stirling Terrace mainstage, 5.30p,
Jump Fest, Proudlove Parade, 6-8pm
Jump Fest presentations, Proudlove Parade, 8.15pm
Event village closure, Stirling Terrace, 8.30pm
SUNDAY
Urban Downhill road closures, 6-8am
Proudlove Parade reopens, Proudlove Parade, 8am
Kids’ Urban, Southern Ports grassed area, 7.30-10am
Kids’ Urban presentations, Southern Ports grassed area, 10.30am
Urban Downhill practice runs, Mt Clarence to Stirling Terrace, 10.30am-12.30pm
DJ, Southern Peaks mainstage Stirling Terrace, 11-5pm
Urban Downhill briefing and welcome by RSL, Mt Clarence, 1pm
Urban Downhill qualifications/ race, Mt Clarence to Stirling Terrace 1.30-4pm
Urban Downhill presentations, Stirling Terrace mainstage, 4.30-5pm
Event village closure, Stirling Terrace, 5pm
Roads re-open, refer to map, 7pm
Stirling Terrace re-opens, Stirling Terrace, 8pm
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