About the Course

Day 1 – Derby Flow

This 52km stage takes in the world-famous Blue Derby trails and continues to finish at the iconic Weldborough Hotel.

To reach the start line in Derby, all riders complete a non-timed 9km transfer stage along the delightful double-width Valley Ponds trail.

Setting off on the stage proper, the first 18km follows some classic Blue Derby trails. Riders start at 10 seconds intervals and go into Axehead then hit the climbing trail of Long Shadows. A technical traverse across some old mining water races on The Great Race leads you out of the single track onto a more open fire road and the notorious Heart Break Hill. Once conquered, follow the weaving Dam Busters trail around the western side of Cascade Dam. This section is an open fire trail with good passing areas. At the northern end of the dam, it is back into flowing single track which eventually leads to the highest point of this section. An incredible descent starts with a few technical rocky features followed by the newly refurbished Dam Busters descent, a section guaranteed to bring a smile to all. At the bottom, follow Relics and Sawtooth to the newly built trail and through the surreal Derby Tunnel. Then it is the arrival at Aid Station 1 in Derby.

After a quick break and some snacks, you head off to tackle the middle 17km of Day 1. Cross the picturesque suspension bridge and onto the Lake Derby trail. A classic ascent of Wotchya Upta brings breathtaking views of the township. Now it’s time to depart the Blue Derby trail network and launch into some old school adventure riding. For race day only you will travel across a paddock (private property) to the old Derby oval. A speedy gravel descent of Mutual Road and the track narrows into the old Ringarooma River Trail. You contour along the river to the small township of Moorina and Aid Station 2. 

Day one concludes with a final 17km section having two distinct personalities. The first is gravel grind up the scenic Frome Road, time to get your legs into a groove and give your brain a rest. This forestry road is wide, well maintained and has a consistent ridable gradient. Once past Frome Lake, the final section of this trail narrows and becomes steeper and rougher until it arrives at the Big Chook trailhead. At this high point of 580m, you need to switch back on for a 5km descent of groomed mountain biking bliss – the perfect trail to finish off the first day of the Dragon Trail. Big Chook launches you along a short section of gravel road to a triumphant finish at the historic Weldborough Hotel. Clean up, kick back and enjoy a beer with some classic local cuisine around a campfire with your friends.

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Day 2 – Bay of Fires

This is the longest and biggest day of the Dragon Trail, an epic 58km wilderness stage that has something for everyone.

Your journey starts from the Weldborough Hotel at 10-second intervals (based on your finish time from the previous day – fastest riders first to reduce congestion). This first 17km section begins with a short gravel road taking you to the perfect good morning trail – the lovely Little Chook. This cruisy 3km of single track passes through spectacular Myrtle Beech forests and winds its way through a maze of moss-covered mullock heaps from the old tin mining days.

Now it is time to tackle the biggest and toughest ascent of the entire race, the 400m vertical climb to the top of Blue Tier. This daunting route has been a classic amongst the old school riding fraternity and featured prominently in the pre-machine built trail era of mountain biking in the region, admittedly, more often ridden in the opposite direction. It is an adventure and one not to be undertaken lightly.

The first half of the climb is scenic through some beautiful myrtle forest along the old and bumpy 4wd trail Emu Flat Road. A high point at 580m, catch your breath and hold tight down a short and rough trail to a flatter area used by prospectors.

The second half of the Blue Tier Ascent is firmly in adventure territory and all riders will likely be on and off their bikes through the technical terrain. The ascent to the sub-alpine summit of “The Tier” begins up 3.5km of steep and rugged 4wd trail including large boulder gardens to navigate. The next 4km of this section is less steep but features narrow and rocky single track and multiple crossings of crystal clear alpine streams. The final few kilometers take you to the old mining town of Poimena at 570m the much-earned Aid Station 1.

Once recovered, you return to a more modern groomed single track and follow the stunning Bay of Fires trail to the coast. The middle section is 19km to the second Aid Station and has two has three distinct sections. 

Save some energy because the first 13kms is one of the best flow descents in the world. It begins with a 2 km traverse and has views down to the coast and to St Helens, where the camp is for the end of the day. The next 6km sees 400m of altitude loss down a fast flow trail ducking majestic myrtle trees and rolling around huge tree ferns. A short climb through Giant Ash trees leads you into the final 5kms of speedy descent, a perfect flow trail if ever there was one built.

Continue on the Bay of Fires trail for another 7kms of forestry roads – an opportunity to rest your brain and shake out your hands – as you leave the myrtle and transition to coastal forests. Aid Station 2. 

The final 22km of the Bay of Fires trail begins with 5km of undulating forestry road before going into a masterpiece of single track ascent. The trail weaves its way through a playground of granite monolith boulders with glimpses of the coast. The day concludes with a stunning 7km flowing descent to the finish line at Swimcart Beach at the famous Bay of Fires.

Riders have the option to ride to the campsite in St Helens or relax on one of the shuttles provided by the race.

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Day 3 – St Helens Dreaming

To reach the start line at the St Helens Trailhead, all riders complete a compulsory non-timed 4km transfer stage up the cruisy Townlink Trail.  The racing part of Day 3 is 45km, predominately following the Dreaming Pools wilderness trail.  The first 13km climbs through open eucalypt forests traversing the side of Flagstaff hill, following Rock Lobster, Wedged In and Garnup trails.  Aid Station 1.  

Now onto the newly opened Dreaming Pools Trail for the middle 17km of day 3. It starts with a descent of about 2km before a climb to the highest point of Day 3 at 418m.  Strap in for the next 5km of down, a bit of undulation, and more down into Constable Creek and past the Dreaming Pools themselves.  The single track is relentless right through to Aid Station 2.  

You get a breather on a short section of fire trail as you begin the final 15km of the entire race.  Soon enough it is back to single track and a short climb up the flank of Flagstaff Hill.  A rolling descent down Wedged In, Rock Lobster and to the finish at St Helens Trailhead

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