FAQ

How fit or experienced do I need to be to take part?

The Mountains To Beach covers a huge variety of country over 5 days. Whilst it is a race it is also an opportunity to tour by MTB some of the best country in Australia. Riders will be covering some 380km over 5 consecutive days. Thus you will need to be reasonably fit. While the event is designed to be achievable by any regular rider or rider prepared to put in some training in the months before the event, do note that there are some long days (the longest is 130km) and some big climbs - despite the clever advertising by our marketing team, it is not all downhill! Hopefully you'll find there is plenty of time to refuel, rest up, clean the bike etc. over the course of the week.

Again, variety is the key on stages that will range from short and sweet to long and more steadily paced. There will be singletrack, fire trails, dirt roads, beach and some blacktop. Like all mass participation events there will be something for everyone. And the push bike can always be pushed!!

Can friends or family support me during the event?

Absolutely. Indeed if you book the Package B - Race Entry Only, you need to have a support person and vehicle along with you. Your support would transport your luggage etc etc to the various overnight stops and from the finish of the event. Please note that support vehicles are usually not able to follow the same route as the race. This includes 4WD’s. Supporters Packages are available to purchase.

Do I have to stay in at the official overnight halts?

No, you are welcome to stay where you like. Obviously there are advantages to staying at the Host Partners – presentations, food, bike mechanics, sponsors displays etc will all be based there. Hopefully you will want to be part of the buzz at those places and will support our Host Partners who are working closely with us to give the event and entrants a great welcome.

Can I camp for the week?

Camping is certainly possible although on a couple of nights the nearest camp area is a few kilometres away

Thredbo Village – nearest camping 7km

Lake Crackenback Resort – nearest camping 3km

Buckenderra Resort – Camping available

Cooma Town – Camping available

Bermagui Town – Camping available

Narooma Town – Camping available

What is the plan with meals during the event?

If you book the All In package we will provide you with 3 meals a day (except lunch and dinner on Wednesday 7 March).

All riders will also be provided with lunch each day (except Wednesday when breakfast is included) as well as a Welcome Dinner on Sun 4 March and an End of Race Dinner on Fri 9 March.

On other nights there will be a dinner available for entrants on a pay for yourself basis and the same will occur for breakfast. Obviously there will be opportunities to try various café’s, pubs, restaurants etc in places along the way.

We plan to have a mobile coffee van following the event to ensure good coffee is available all the way. This will also sell snacks, cold drinks, sports drink etc etc.

I've booked an All In Package, where can I keep my bike overnight?

Security of your bike is your own responsibility and most accommodation providers are happy for you to keep your bike in your room - we do ask that you bring a lightweight drop sheet to prevent any muddying of carpet or flooring. There may be some nights where it is not possible to keep your bike in your room, and while bike storage on these days will be in a secure area, you may wish to bring your own bike lock for additional peace of mind.

What about bike repairs and spares?

A travelling mechanic service will follow the race. You’ll be able to get any problems with your bike sorted each day and will also be able to purchase basic spares.

Do I have to ride the whole way including the non racing stages?

The Mountains To Beach is about riding all the way from the mountains to the beach. To qualify for a finishing place you need to ride the whole way, including the non timed stages. Any riders who miss a stage or do not finish a stage will still be allowed to continue in the race but will be recorded as a DNF.

Do I have to race or can I just enjoy a great tour from the mountains to the beach?

Everyone will be timed within the race. However it is up to you how hard you go. Provided you complete each stage within the cut off times then you can enjoy the event primarily as a tour. The times will be pretty generous for riders with reasonable fitness.

How’s the weather in early March?

As a rule March should offer great weather for mountain biking. However we will be riding between altitudes from close to 2000 metres to sea level. It can be cool (it’s been known to snow!) in March in the high parts of the Snowies. On average the early parts of the event should see temperatures in the low 20’s, warming a little as we drop toward the coast where hopefully we’ll enjoy some warm but not overly hot weather.

What about the transport of my bike?

If you are taking Transport Package 1 from Narooma to Thredbo, we will transport your bike either packed in a bike bag or box, or complete (i.e. not packed in bike bag/box, but with some requirements) from Narooma to Thredbo. If you do use a bike bag or box, this can either be disposed of in Thredbo or we will transport it to the finish in Narooma for to you to take home after the event.

If you are taking Transport Package 2 from Canberra to Thredbo, we will transport your bike, packed in a bike bag or box, from Canberra to Thredbo. Your bike box or bag can either be disposed of in Thredbo or we will transport it to the finish in Narooma for to you to take home after the event.

If you are taking Transport Package 3 to Canberra we will transport your bike only if it is packed in a bike bag or box. We will ensure that your bike bag/box will be transported from Thredbo to the finish in Narooma. We will then transport your bike (in bike bag/box) back to Canberra.

What size can my bag be?

For those who have booked an All In or a Transport Package, your bag must be a maximum of 80litres, 20kg, with dimensions of no more than 80cm x 35cm x 35cm.

How do I change my entry?

Log into the Wild Horizons Event Management System by clicking on the Register tab above, then make the changes you wish. If an additional payment is required, you will be taken to a payment screen to enter your credit card details. If you are eligible for a partial refund, you should email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (02) 4883 6509 (during business hours) to provide your credit card details, THIS MUST BE THE SAME CREDIT CARD THAT YOU USED TO ENTER THE EVENT, as they are not kept on file. Note the deadline for changes to entries on the Entries page.

How do I transfer my entry to another person?

Your entry can be transferred to another person by logging into the Wild Horizons Event Management System by clicking on the Register tab above, and selecting 'Enter/Manage My Events'. Here you will see the option to transfer your entry. Enter the recipient's email address and click OK. The recipient will get an email with instructions on how to accept the entry, and once this is done they can edit the entry to select the correct category (including upgrading it to a longer distance), or purchase an event package, t-shirt, etc. Any difference in entry fee will be charged for via the Event Management System at this time.

It is up to the original rider and the replacement to sort out the financials for the original entry.

Note the deadline for transferring of entries on the Entries page.