About the Highland Fling
13-14 November 2010
The Highland Fling is a Mountain Bike Marathon starting and finishing in the village of Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, NSW, on Sunday 14 November 2010. Riders can enter as a Full Flinger (solo approx 113km), Flinging Threesomes (relay team of three but can be done as a pair), or Half Fling (solo approx 59km). There is also a 100mile Fling option (167km). And there's also the Casual Fling, a 15km untimed participation ride.
- Route Description
- Where is Bundanoon?
- The Highland Fling Draft Schedule
- Event Jersey by Hot Designs
- Event T-shirt
- Event Map
- What to Carry
- Rules and Conditions
- Bike Hire
- Catering – Saturday 13 November
- Catering – Sunday 14 November
- Water and GU20 Drinks Station
- Australian Banana Promotion Company
- Shimano & 3D Race Support
- Rock’n’Roll Lube Station
- Aquamann Bike Wash Station
- Tertini Wines - Highland Fling Wine
- Kid's Fling
- Cycle-Photos.com
- Massage Facility
- Bundy On Tap
- Fundraising at the Fling
- Join the Dark Side - Marshals and Volunteers
- Bundanoon Dash
- Casual Fling
Route Description
The race will follow a unique route that will take riders out from Bundanoon on great farmland tracks and eventually into Penrose State Forest before riding through more farmland to Wingello Village which marks the end of the Ground Effect Stage. From here riders will start the Forests NSW Stage and enter the beautiful forest and gully country of Wingello State Forest including the network of singletrack. Riders will loop back to Wingello Village and, for the GU Stage, will follow a different route into Penrose State Forest and eventually back to Bundanoon. You'll ride on singletrack, open paddock, rough 4WD track and dirt roads and a tiny amount of sealed road. There is some 2300 metres of enjoyable climbing in total and, given you finish back where you started, some 2300 metres of even sweeter downhill!! The Highland Fling will test all who take on the challenge.
- Full Fling - Complete Ground Effect, Forests NSW and GU stages.
- Half Fling - Complete Ground Effect and GU stages.
- 100Mile Fling - Complete Ground Effect stage, Forests NSW stage (twice) and GU stage.
More info, map and profile available here.
Where is Bundanoon?
Bundanoon, the event centre, is a picturesque village in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Situated only 90 minutes’ drive along the Hume Highway from Sydney or Canberra and an hour’s drive from Wollongong, it is the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Southern Highlands. In the village you will find numerous shops and cafés, the all important bakery, and a wide range of accommodation options.
Bundanoon is the southern gateway to the spectacular Morton National Park which offers a wide range of recreational opportunities (bushwalking, camping, cycling, photography), with numerous scenic walks, breathtaking views, scenic waterfalls, gorges, sandstone plateaux, and the nocturnal delights of the Glow Worm Glen to discover.
Bundanoon is also close to Penrose and Wingello State Forests, both of which offer a wealth of singletrack and forest tracks to explore.
Map of how to get there: location.pdf
Brochure on Bundanoon: bundanoon-brochure.pdf
The Highland Fling 2010 Draft Schedule
| Saturday 13 November | ||
| 9.30am-1.30pm | Fling in the Vines Cycle Tour | Berrima |
| 1.00pm-11.00pm | Camping Open | Bundanoon Pony Club |
| 1.45pm-3.00pm | Kids MTB Skills Training | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 3.00pm-10.00pm | Shuttle Bus runs from Ferndale Oval Event Centre to Bundanoon Hall | Bundanoon Village-Ferndale Oval Rtn |
| 3.00pm-10.00pm (3.00pm-4.30pm) |
Registration Registration and On Day entries for Bundanoon Dash |
Bundanoon Hall |
| 3.00pm-10.00pm | Sponsor Displays, Bike Repair | Bundanoon Hall |
| 5.00pm-10.00pm | Bundanoon School P&C Dinner served | Bundanoon Hall |
| 3.00pm-9.00pm | Bundanoon Soccer Club BBQ & Coffee Van | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 5.10pm | Riders assemble for Bundanoon Dash | Church St outside Bundanoon School |
| 5.20pm | Rider briefing for Bundanoon Dash | Church St outside Bundanoon School |
| 5.30pm | Bundanoon Dash Start | Church St outside Bundanoon School |
| 6.00pm | Bundanoon Dash Finish | Church St outside Bundanoon School |
| Sunday 14 November | ||
| 5.30am-9.00am | Breakfast/Caffeine/Drinks Available | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 6.00am-7.00am | Registration | Bundanoon Hall |
| 6.00am-7.30am | Final Bike Tune Up Service | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 7.10am | Rider Briefing - 100Mile Flingers, Full Flingers (excluding Elite) | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 7.30am | Start: 100Mile Flingers Full Flingers (excluding Elite) |
Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 7.40am | Rider Briefing – Elite Full Flingers, Half Flingers, Flinging Threesomes | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 8.00am | Start: Elite Full Flingers Flinging Threesomes Half Flingers |
Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 8.20am | Rider Briefing - Casual Fling | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 8.30am | Start: Casual Fling | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 8.40am-9.30am | Kids Fling | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| 8.30am-4.00pm | Drinks/Coffee/Food/BBQ | Wingello Oval Transition Area |
| 11.00am-5.00pm (approx) | Competitor Meal Provided, BBQ, Bar, Coffee Van, Drinks/Snacks Kiosk, Music | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
| Approx. 4.00pm | Presentations | Ferndale Oval Event Centre |
The Highland Fling Jersey
Ride the Fling and beyond with your very own Highland Fling jersey. Produced by our good friends at Hot Designs, it is a great way of remembering the weekend and we conservatively estimate that wearing it could knock perhaps 10 minutes off your time. The 2010 jersey design is found below. (Disclaimer - The jersey should not be relied upon on its own, but should be used as part of a training and dietary regime!)
Highland Fling Jersey Sizing
Mens
S
M
L
XL
XXL
Chest
86-90cm
34-36in91-95cm
36-38in96-101cm
38-40in102-106cm
40-42in107-111cm
42-44in
Womens
8
10
12
14
16
Bust
82-86cm
32-34in87-91cm
34-36in92-96cm
36-38cm97-101cm
38-40in102-106cm
40-42cm
The Highland Fling T-shirt
The 2010 Highland Fling T-shirt will be available to pre-order on your entry form to ensure you don’t miss out!
Mountain Bike Trails of the Southern Highlands Map
This superb 1:25,000 scale map shows all the tracks in the southern part of the Southern Highlands along with information on riding in the area. Wingello and Penrose State Forests are included on the map. Wingello State Forest shows the purpose built singletrack (currently 14km) along with over 50km of waymarked trails in the forest. The map also shows the route taken by the Highland Fling MTB Marathon race.
Purchase the 2008 edition here.
What to Carry
Essential:
Suitable mountain bike or cyclocross bike in good repair
Approved cycling helmet worn at all times
Race number plate mounted on handlebars with number clearly visible
Timing transponder
2 litre liquid carrying capacity *
Food e.g. energy bars *
Whistle *
Toolkit with minimum pump, puncture repair, inner tube
Water resistant jacket (may be reviewed on the day) *
First Aid kit (minimum of crepe bandage, bandaid strip, sterile dressing, 6 x painkillers e.g. Paracetamol)
* Not required for Bundanoon Dash
Recommended:
Mobile phone – Telstra Next G good reception. Some others limited reception.
Multi tool, spare chain links, zip ties, electrical tape
Sunscreen
Sunglasses or clear lens glasses
Rules and Conditions >>
Bike Hire
If you're looking for a bike to ride at the event, whether it be a quality hardtail (BMC Team Elite 04) or a blingy demo bike such as an Ibis Mojo, we can help. We are offering a discounted hire rate of $85 for any of our top-end demo bikes (normally $95). Pick up at Rego on Saturday and return after the event on Sunday(security your responsibility!). See Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe for more information.
Catering – Saturday 13 November
Whilst there are numerous places to eat in Bundanoon on Saturday night, they couldn’t hope to feed all 1500+ fuelling riders and their supporters. So there will also be a dinner available in Bundanoon Hall (provided by Bundanoon School P&C and the Bundanoon Lions Club). There will also be a basic BBQ down at Ferndale Oval/Pony Club by Bundanoon Rebels Soccer Club (where a coffee van will also be stationed from Saturday afternoon)
Catering – Sunday 14 November
Breakfast (provided by Bundanoon Rebels Soccer Club) and the all important coffee carts will be fired up from before dawn and drinks (including Sportdrink) will be sold here throughout the day. Snack food and cold drinks will also be available all day at the Wingello Oval Transition Area (provided by Wingello School P&C). Lunch (included in your entry fee) will be provided back at Ferndale Oval by Exeter School P&C, who will also be cranking up the BBQ. There will also be a Bar at the finish
Water and Drinks Station
Water will be available at the Ferndale Oval start, and Wingello Oval transition area. Water and GU20 will also be available at the Frequent Riders Lounge approx 29km into the Forests NSW Stage. You may be able to obtain water at other locations along the route – taps, rivers, and creeks – however the quality of this is not guaranteed.
Aquamann Irrigation - Official water carriers and suppliers to the 2010 Highland Fling
Australian Bananas
As always bananas are on the race menu at The Highland Fling. Bananas are high in nutrients, antiodixants, potassium and Vitamin B. They contain no fat, are easily digestible and fast acting. Enjoy the finest natural sports food there is - all with a biodegradable wrapper!
Shimano & 3D Race Support
Shimano and 3D Race Support will be providing a bike repair service / basic spare parts available on Saturday afternoon / evening in the hall at Bundanoon. On Sunday morning this will shift to the Start / Finish area at Ferndale Oval from 6.00am to 7.30am before moving to Wingello Transition area for the rest of the day from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Rock’n’Roll Lube Station
Also down at Bill O’Reilly Oval, Wingello will be the Rock’n’Roll Lube Station. This will be in place from 8.30am-3.00pm. Please use only what you need to ensure there is enough to go around!
The Aquamann Bike Wash Station
There’s better things to do at the end of an MTB Marathon than washing your bike. But for those who want it we’ll have the Aquamann Bike Wash Station set up this year at the Event Centre.
Tertini Wines Special Edition Highland Fling 2006 Riesling
Our sponsor Tertini Wines are giving every entrant (over 18!) of the Highland Fling a bottle of special edition Highland Fling 2006 Riesling. Tertini will also be at the event offering tastings and sales of their award winning wines.
Kid's Fling
On Sunday morning while you’re all riding the Fling course, we’ll be running a fun little race for children of primary school age. Sponsored by Todds Real Estate, a local Bundanoon business, the kids will enjoy some fun at Ferndale Oval between 9.00 and 10.00am. Each entrant will receive a showbag, there will be plenty of prizes for participation and everyone goes into a draw to win an Eastern BMX bike worth $759. More details here!
Cycle Photos
Cycle Photos will be on the course snapping away and will have a selection of photos of each rider available for sale after the event
Massage Facility
A team of therapists will be on hand to offer massage to help ease those tired muscles. This will be available at the Start/Finish area at Ferndale Oval. Rates will be $15 per 15 minutes and $30 per 30 minutes.
Bundy On Tap
Bundanoon, the home of The Highland Fling, was the first town in the world to go Bottled Water Free thus taking a stand in 2009 against the environmental effects of putting water into plastic bottles and trucking it around the country.
Read more about this initiative on www.bundyontap.com.au
Fundraising at the Fling
The Ben Mikic Foundation
In April 2007, Ben Mikic, a talented 15 year old cyclist from the Southern Highlands of NSW, was tragically killed in a collision with a car during a training ride. Ben had proved himself a gifted athlete in Road, Track and Mountain Bike Racing. Ben was so keen that he pulled the wool over our eyes and raced underage in the 2006 Highland Fling, an event his mother recounted as being one of the best experiences of his short life.
Ben’s death galvanized the local cycle community, schools and those closest to him to do something to prevent such accidents befalling young people on bikes. Out of this came the Ben Mikic Foundation. The Foundation aims to:
- Educate young cyclists and schoolchildren to adopt safe riding practices
- Encourage and support promising young cyclists with the potential to make a career in the sport or become lifetime cyclists
- Work with governments, motoring organisations, the police and cycling organisations to ensure that cyclists are able to safely share the roads with truck and car users
- Promote safe car driving practice in relation to cyclists and other road users
- Promote safe road cycling practice and encourage cycling organisations and associated stakeholders to act in concert to ensure that individual cyclists act to share the roads safely with other users.
The Foundation is actively achieving these aims, including running cycling programmes for schools and young people and the intent is to expand on these activities as funds become available.
Through the Highland Fling we aim to assist the Ben Mikic Foundation in their work by increasing the profile of the Foundation and by encouraging Fling riders to donate or raise money for the Foundation.
On the Highland Fling entry form you will find an option to make a donation. Additionally why not get yourself sponsored and raise money via the Highland Fling for your ride. Perhaps a rate per kilometre ridden?
For further details on the Foundation check out the website www.benmikicfoundation.org.au or email Michele O’Byrne on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Local Community Groups
A number of local community groups and organisations will be raising funds at the event through camping fees, catering and drinks. Other local organisations playing a role in the event receive donations from the organisers. In both 2008 and 2009 over $35,000 was raised for these groups.
Community groups involved in the Fling include:
- Bundanoon, Wingello, Exeter & Penrose Rural Fire Service Brigade
- Bundanoon Rebels Soccer Club
- Bundanoon School P&C
- Exeter School P&C
- Wingello School P&C
- Bundanoon Pony Club
- Bundanoon Lions Club
Additionally The Bundanoon Dash race on Saturday evening is purely a Fundraiser for all local groups involved
Join the Dark Side - Marshals and Volunteers
We need help over the weekend. If you are unable to compete but want to join the Dark Side, then we'd love to hear from you.
Volunteers receive food and drink throughout the event and an event T-Shirt. They also have as much fun as the competitors! If you can help then contact us by phone or fill in the online volunteers form.