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AusCycling Gravity Enduro State Championship 2025
AusCycling Gravity Enduro State Championship 2025

AusCycling Gravity Enduro State Championship 2025

Hosted by Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club.

 

 

 

 


What is Gravity Enduro?

Gravity Enduro is a mountain bike racing format that blends the thrill of downhill racing with the endurance of cross-country riding. The focus is on descending skills — racing down timed stages — while still requiring riders to pedal uphill (untimed) to reach the start of each stage.

Think of it as the mountain biking version of a rally race: you race fast, timed segments, then cruise to the next start line.

Riders have a number of hours to complete the course. The course incorporates competitive downhill stages, each ranging in difficulty. Riders have their times recorded for each downhill stage, and the rider with the fastest consolidated time is declared the winner!  

Where is the Gravity Enduro State Championship?

The Gravity Enduro State Champs event is held at the Douglas Mountain Bike Park in Townsville, North Queensland. 

Who is it for?

Riders who enjoy the thrill of downhill but want a more accessible and all-around experience than pure downhill racing.

Perfect for those who like a challenge that combines fitness, endurance, and technical skill.

Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or just starting out, the Gravity Enduro event caters to experts and novices alike. It is family-friendly and offers multiple age categories for racing, including juniors. 

Just 15 minutes from Townsville’s CBD, Douglas Mountain Bike Park offers over 40 km of trails catering to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned riders. The park features a variety of terrains, including dirt, rocky paths, and wooden features, set against the backdrop of scenic views over the city and surrounding areas.

Race Categories

All catergories are in accordance with AusCycling’s General Technical Regulations

Category (M&F) Min. Age Max. Age
Under 13 11 12
Under 15 13 14
Under 17 15 16
Under 19 17 18
Under 21 19 20
Elite 18+
Masters 35-44 35 44
Masters 45-54 45 54
Masters 55-64 55 64
Masters 65+ 65+
E-Bike 18+

Entry Fees

Junior entry – $75

Adult (18+) – $95

The event is held at the Douglas Mountain Bike Park, Townsville. If you like picturesque views, single track and obstacles then Douglas is for you! Explore the 40km trail network which sits just 15 minutes from the CBD and enjoy building confidence on the obstacles and skills area. A great place to ride, made even better by the well signposted tracks – just watch out for the Kangaroos!

The main entrance to the Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve is on Angus Smith Drive.

The course information will be release 5 days prior to the event and it will show detailed maps for each stage.

Race Structure

A Gravity Enduro race is made up of two main types of segments:

  1. Timed Stages (Special Stages)

    • These are mostly downhill or descending trails.

    • Riders are racing against the clock.

    • Trails are technical, fast, and often natural (rocks, roots, drops, off-cambers).

    • This is where you push your speed, skills, and focus.

  2. Liaison Stages (Transfer Stages)

    • Riders pedal or push their bikes to the next stage.

    • These are not timed competitively but often have a maximum time limit.

    • Think of these as recovery time or a social ride to the next start.

Your final result is based on the combined time of all the timed stages — the rider with the lowest total wins.

The Bikes

Most racers ride enduro bikes:

  • Full-suspension, typically 140–180mm travel

  • Designed to climb reasonably well and descend aggressively

  • Dropper posts, wide bars, strong tires, and solid brakes are all standard

The bikes must be durable enough for all-day use, but still nimble enough to handle fast, gnarly descents.

Gear & Safety

All riders must wear a helmet at all times during competition. For timed stages all competitors must wear a full-face helmet `1(either fixed or detachable) and knee pads. AusCycling strongly recommends that riders wear the protections as indicated in the Downhill section of these Technical Regulations.

For all riders who are eligible to compete in Under 13, 15 and Under 17 categories, the following equipment is mandatory during special stages: Full-finger gloves, Full length jersey & Knee pads and Elbow pads.

Full details can be found at: AusCycling MTB Technical Regulations

AusCycling requirements

Entrants must hold a current, valid AusCycling Race Off Road or Race All Discipline Membership.


Event Schedule

More info coming soon!

When registering and participating in this event, you must hold a current AusCycling membership or purchase a day license for the event. The AusCycling rules and regulations apply to this event as they provide the insurance for the state championship event. Please see below links for more information.

AusCycling Event Terms & Conditions

AusCycling Junior Policy

AusCycling membership terms and conditions


Race Rules & Rider Guide

The following rules exist to keep racing safe, fair, and fun for everyone — from first-timers to Elites. Breaking the rules may result in time penalties, disqualification, or even bans from future events.

Code of Conduct

  • Be courteous to all riders, volunteers, and officials

  • No intimidation or anti-competitive behaviour — zero tolerance

  • Respect volunteers — they’ve been working hard so you can ride

  • Respect the trails — no cutting corners or creating new lines

Rider Responsibilities

  • Read and understand the rules

  • Ride within your limits — safety first

  • Ensure your bike is in good working order

  • Keep your eyes up — read the trail

  • Stop and help injured riders

    • Stay with the injured person

    • Ask the next rider to get help

    • Never leave a seriously injured rider alone

Racing Rules

  • Self-powered only — no external assistance allowed

  • One attempt per timed stage, unless directed otherwise

  • If caught by a faster rider, move aside when safe

  • If overtaking, call out politely: “Rider when ready”

  • Unsafe passing = disqualification

  • Only exception for re-runs: stopping to help an injured rider (must notify marshal)

  • After finishing, return to the registration tent to upload your times

The Course

  • Trails include technical descents, short climbs, and flat sections

  • May include A-lines (technical/fast) and B-lines (easier/slower)

  • Timed stages are connected by untimed liaison stages

  • A total time cap applies — delays or unnecessary stops aren’t excuses

  • Courses typically include 4–7 stages, covering 10–25 mins race time and 10–15 km

  • Stage details released the Friday before race day.
  • Stages are designed for mid-travel bikes, but all bikes are welcome with the right skill level.

Course Marking & Trail Use

  • Trails marked with red/white tape or AusCycling tape, arrows, signs, and natural objects

  • Riders must stay on the established trail

  • Double tape = must pass between

  • Cutting track = deviation to gain time advantage

  • Re-enter the trail at the same point if you go off-course

  • Shortcuts or course cutting = time penalty or disqualification

  • Trails are not fully double taped to reduce environmental impact

Bikes & Equipment

  • One bike per event

    • Frame, fork, and wheels cannot be changed

  • No modifications to race plates

  • Bikes must be in safe, race-ready condition

  • Repairs allowed, but no extra time given

E-Bikes

  • E-bikes can only compete in E-Bike categories

  • No towing other riders on liaison stages

  • Must comply with Australian Standards

  • No modifications to exceed legal assist speeds

Mandatory Gear (All Riders)

  • Full-face helmet (certified AS2063) on all timed stages

  • Helmet must be worn whenever riding

  • Knees covered (shorts with pads OK)

  • Bring enough food and water for the full course

  • Helmets with removable chin bars allowed

Extra Requirements for U17 and Under

Must wear at all times:

  • Gloves

  • Long sleeve jersey

  • Knee pads

  • Elbow pads

Penalties

Offence Penalty
Rolling start +30 sec
Cutting track (1st offence) +30 sec
Cutting track (2nd offence) Disqualification
Missed mid-race check-in Disqualification
Late check-in (after 3pm) +30 sec
Modifying track or bunting Disqualification

Rules may be updated at any time. Race briefings on the day can override written rules.

Please use the below link to register.

More info coming soon!

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