THE DIRTY DOCKER - A JOURNEY THROUGH GRAVEL AND GRIT
Creating an event like the Dirty Docker was a wild ride – a mix of gravel, grit, and more logistical challenges than I could’ve ever imagined.
THE IDEA
When I came back from Europe after my racing career, I knew I wanted to put my own event one day. Initially, I thought Lancefield wasn’t a big enough town. I had it in my head that people needed a location to make the event work.
Traveling around to other gravel events, I saw cool towns like Beechworth and Wagga, and I thought, “Lancefield’s not big enough.” I was planning out routes and basing my ideas on bigger towns in the local area, thinking that was what it was all about.
But, on one of the many rides I did in the area scouting routes, I started to realise that I had to do something different to the other events, and that I wanted to embrace my new home and the people in it.
That was when the idea came to me that the Dirty Docker wouldn’t simply be another one-off gravel ride, anywhere, but I would base it in my home, and show people the very best of that. Living in a small town you start to learn what community is all about, and that would be what would make the Dirty Docker event unique – it wasn’t going to be about a town a place or a location, it was about the people and seeing the best in what we have here in Lancefield.
Planning the Dirty Docker was no small feat. It began with scouting the perfect route. We wanted a course that was challenging yet rewarding, something that would push riders to their limits but also offer stunning scenery and a sense of adventure. Countless hours were spent poring over maps, riding potential routes, and tweaking the course to get it just right.
Next came the logistics. Organizing an event like this requires meticulous attention to detail. From securing permits to arranging support vehicles, every aspect had to be carefully coordinated. We also wanted to ensure that the event was accessible to riders of all levels, so we planned multiple route options to cater to different abilities.
The gravel here is unique. You ride through three distinct landscapes: the Macedon gravel out of Lancefield, the forested Cobaws, and the granite rock and pea gravel of the Tooborac region. Each offers a different challenge and a different kind of beauty. During our test event last year, the 50 riders who came were blown away by the variety and quality of the gravel. It was a reminder of how good the route really is.
THE EVENT
The Dirty Docker weekend was packed with a variety of events that showcased the best of what our little town and its surroundings have to offer. It wasn’t just about the gravel ride; it was a celebration of all things outdoors and community.
THE DIRTY DOCKER - COBAWSOME
The main event, of course, was the gravel ride. The route took us through a mix of terrains – from smooth, rolling hills to rough, rocky paths that tested our bike handling skills. Honestly, I was blown away by having a sell-out field for the event, 570 riders took part in the ride either the short, medium or long distances. Having so many people out there on my home turf enjoying the terrain and the amazing riding we have out there was such a cool feeling.
THE LANNY XC RUN
One of my personal highlights was the cross-country run. As someone who’s been dabbling more in running these days, it was great to see a course that was challenging, fun, and adventurous all in one. The run allowed locals to see their own park in a new light, realizing its potential for different kinds of activities. It was a fantastic way to get more people involved, whether they were seasoned runners or just looking to try something new.
CROSS-VEGAS
The cyclo-cross course was another standout. It offered a different kind of challenge, with its mix of technical sections and fast, flowing tracks. It was great to see riders pushing themselves and having a blast on the course. The cyclo-cross event added another layer of excitement to the weekend, attracting both cyclists and spectators alike. I loved the mix between the feel of a race and the fun that you can have with a course that goes right through the event village!
FESTIVAL AND CAMPING
Back at the Fiesta village in Lancefield Park, there was a whole other vibe going on. We brought in local bands, built a bar, and created a festival atmosphere that was perfect for relaxing and socializing after a day of riding or running. The tents added to the vibe, and the camping aspect was a big hit. It was a chance for people to get away from the big smoke, hang out with friends, and let their kids run wild in a safe, open space. The festival and camping elements made the Dirty Docker more than just a race; it was a full-on experience.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Getting the locals involved was a big push for me. I wanted the event to have a different feel, something that reflected the town I live in and the people I hang out with. We made sure there were plenty of activities for non-cyclists, so everyone could enjoy the day.
AFTER THE DUST SETTLED
Now that the dust has settled on the Dirty Docker, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible experience it was. The event was everything I had hoped for and more. It was tough, no doubt about it, but it was also immensely rewarding.
I was lucky in that I could manage to partake in and enjoy my own event, it’s not easy to be an organiser and squeeze in a couple of runs, a CX race – too many beers and then complete the gravel ride, but I managed, and I loved it.
I got such a kick from just walking about in the village and overhearing people talking about all different parts of the event, be it the singletrack or the running course, or whatever! It’s clear that the Dirty Docker has struck a chord with the cycling community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
In the end, the Dirty Docker was about more than just the ride. It was about the journey, the friendships forged, and the memories made. It was a reminder of why we ride – for the love of the sport, the thrill of the challenge, and the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
It was a lot of hard work to put the event on, but on the day, seeing all these different facets of the event come together was amazing. The Dirty Docker was a blend of everything I love about cycling and community, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
