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