Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia

Home




Botanic Garden Mountain Biking

The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan recently hosted what is believed to be the first 24-hour mountain bike race staged in a botanic garden, with 500 competitors from around Australia vying for the winner’s title. Jason English clocked up 37 laps of the 10 km track to claim overall victory, despite an early challenge from Canberra’s Ed McDonald.

In a new format, the event included the Mercedes-Benz Huntingwood 6+6-hour race. Riders in this category enjoyed an overnight break between two six hour rides. Canberra’s Shane Taylor took out this race with an impressive 22 laps, followed by Hornsby’s Dave Carter.

Riders and spectators enjoyed the great weather, buzzing atmosphere, beautiful surrounds and entertainment on offer over the 24 hours. The track was praised by riders as one of the most challenging yet fun tracks for such an endurance event. This is the third successful competitive event held at the Garden, with more races planned in the year to come.

Mountain biking at the Australian Botanic Garden is growing in popularity. The Garden’s terrain, vegetation and location make it an ideal cycling venue. The terrain provides a naturally occurring cardio workout and the vegetation changes from open paddocks to groves of native Australian bush, providing a changing vista. The facilities and location make it convenient for riders, including the provision of picnic and BBQ facilities to enjoy.

The mountain bike track consists of three sections. The Competent section is for those with a moderate fitness level and is approximately 4 km in length. The Intermediate section, approximately 3 km, is more difficult with increased gradients and narrow trail, requiring an above average fitness and skill level. The advanced level is approximately 3 km (which will be extended in the future) and requires a high level of fitness and skill due to tight winding trail, irregular surfaces and steep hills.

The trail is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Friends of the Botanic Gardens can access the trail between sunrise and sunset but must have their current membership card with them.

Click here for more information.

Enjoy the ride!

 

 

 

 

 

mountains biking1

mountain biking 2

Photo: Damian Breach

Photo: Damian Breach

 

^Back To Top
Web CMS by Squiz