COBAWsome!

13th October

The COBAWsome features all of my favourite riding from the region. The Cobaw Ridge is one of Victoria’s hidden gems! Not only for cycling (where you can do both MTB and gravel) but also trail running, hiking, and camping; it’s the best!

Once heading beyond the Cobaw Ridge you head into an exquisite region of rolling pea gravel roads littered with the most wonderful rock features that make up Tooborac and the edges of Heathcote. 

Sometimes I find it hard to believe people have not had the chance to experience what I am describing and that is partly why I have created the Dirty Docker, to share my piece of the world, and the amazing country for riding that you need to experience yourself.

THE COURSES

DISTANCE: 15km | UNPAVED: 75% | PAVED: 25% | CLIMBING: 125m

The LANNY LOOP

  • Or if you are just keen on dipping your toe in this year or want to build up to something bigger next time the Lanny Loop is a great place to start.

    This is a shorter relaxed loop for anyone looking to just get into the sport of cycling, gravel riding or just simply happy to tick a few kilometres off. Perfect adventure for kids to attempt as well. The loop has a few lumps in it to test you, but in general, it is very achievable!

    We head out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park and directly onto the dirt. Trek up past award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford. Some of my favourite little tracks that I use very often out running or for a quick loop on the bike.

    From here the majority of the climbing is done as you turn onto Monument Rd and in the direction of Edgars Mission. As you turn down Oakleys Lane it can be a bit of a rough and tumble, so just be ready!

    Some back alleys cut you through the back of Lancefield and you’ll find yourself tested enough, but safely back to the Fiesta Village.

    • Course marshalling

    • Feed stations, hydration and food

    • Sponsor merch and goodies bag

    • Free Beer or non-alcoholic drink ( if the race plate is picked up on Saturday )

    • Official Dirty Docker Race Plate

  • 10:45am - Call up / Briefing

    11:00am - Start - 15km

The POT

DISTANCE: 40km | UNPAVED: 80% | PAVED: 20% | CLIMBING: 550m

  • Featuring the best riding of the day through the Cobaw Forest.  

    We head out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park and directly onto the dirt. Trek up past award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way. 

    Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my newfound home for all riding disciplines. You will tackle the Ridge Rd Climb, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the Cobaw Forest to arrive at the main aid station at the famous Burke And Wills Track. 

    From here the tough part is done, as you will cut your way back through the Cobaw Forest and descend down and out in the direction of Lancefield. Some single track will be littered on your way down into Lancefield to keep things interesting before you can see the township on your horizon. 

    The final kilometres will allow you to take it all in as you roll through the streets of Lancefield town and back to the Fiesta Village.

    • Course marshalling

    • Feed stations, hydration and food

    • Sponsor merch and goodies bag

    • Free Beer or non-alcoholic drink ( if the race plate is picked up on Saturday )

    • Official Dirty Docker Race Plate

  • 09:45am - Call up / Briefing

    10:00am - Start - 40km

The SCHOONER

DISTANCE: 80km | UNPAVED: 79% PAVED: 21% | CLIMBING: 1,232m

  • There will be hard moments, long enough to challenge you, but short enough to know it won’t destroy you. Tapping into both magic regions Cobaw Ridge and Tooborac

    We head out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park and directly onto the dirt. Trek up past award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way. 

    Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my newfound home for all riding disciplines. You will tackle the Ridge Rd Climb, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the Cobaw Forest to arrive at the main aid station at the famous Burke and Wills Track. 

    A quick stop to refresh and across Burke and Wills to follow the road down out of the Cobaws and into the rolling rocks of Tooborac. This will blow your mind, the white winding gravel road disappearing into the distance, with some steep jags and fast descents. It is a mixture of everything. 

    As you turn back, you’ll meet a 5km section of paved road to give you some respite as you roll into the Baynton Hall for some refreshments. Fuelled up again it’s time to get back up into the Cobaws. It’s tough work getting to the Cobaws but worth it when you arrive again at the Burke and Will Track.

    From here the tough part is done, you will cut your way back through the Cobaw Forest and descend down in the direction of Lancefield. Some single track will be littered on your way down into Lancefield to keep things interesting before you can see the township on your horizon. 

    The final kilometres will allow you to take it all in as you roll through the streets of Lancefield town and back to the Fiesta Village.

    • Course marshalling

    • Feed stations, hydration and food

    • Sponsor merch and goodies bag

    • Free Beer or non-alcoholic drink ( if the race plate is picked up on Saturday )

    • Official Dirty Docker Race Plate

  • 09:15am - Call up / Briefing

    09:30am - Start - 80km

The PINT

DISTANCE: 115km | UNPAVED: 84% PAVED: 16% | CLIMBING: 1,725m

  • This loop will be a challenge, no matter what speed you ride. A combination of distance, climbing and technical ability are required. But don’t worry, it’s great riding out there

    We head out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park and directly onto the dirt. Trek up past award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way. 

    Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my newfound home for all riding disciplines. You will tackle the Ridge Rd Climb, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the Cobaw Forest to arrive at the main aid station at the famous Burke and Wills Track. 

    A quick stop to refresh and across Burke and Wills to follow the road down out of the Cobaws and into the rolling rocks of Tooborac. This will blow your mind, that white winding gravel road disappearing into the distance, with some steep jags and fast descents, it is a mixture of everything. 

    The further out you go, the faster it gets with rolling gravel roads on the edge of Heathcote. At your furthermost point, there will be some aid, drinks, food and support. It’s a long way home. The ride back has some testing climbs even a WALL, but you decided you wanted a challenge, and that is what you’ll get out the back here. 

    You’ll hit a nice flat paved road to give you some respite as you roll into the Baynton Hall for some refreshments. Fuelled up again it’s time to get back up and into the Cobaws. It’s tough work getting to the Cobaws but all the while worth it when you arrive again at the Burke and Wills Track.

    From here the tough part is done, you will cut your way back through the Cobaw Forest and descend down in the direction of Lancefield. Some single track will be littered on your way down into Lancefield to keep things interesting before you can see the township on your horizon. 

    The final kilometres will allow you to take it all in as you roll through the streets of Lancefield town and back to the Fiesta Village.

    • Course marshalling

    • Feed stations, hydration and food

    • Sponsor merch and goodies bag

    • Free Beer or non-alcoholic drink ( if the race plate is picked up on Saturday )

    • Official Dirty Docker Race Plate

  • 08:15am - Call up / Briefing

    08:30am - Start - 15km