ON TRACK FOR A HUGE BOOST

AUSTRALIA’S leading mountain bike promoters will set up camp in Townsville for the first time, bringing with them a huge economic boost.

Across two huge weekends, starting on Saturday, Rocky Trail Entertainment will hold three events at Mount Douglas Reserve, for both cross-country and gravity racers, and a special event for schools.

Townsville Enterprise Limited (TEL) played a role in getting the events to Townsville and expected them to generate nearly half a million dollars for the local economy.

“It’s anticipated the events will inject $480,000 into Townsville’s economy, generated by over 800 event attendees and 1500 guest nights,” tourism director Lisa Woolfe said.

“It comes off the back of a fortnight of major events held in our city and will again provide a much-needed uplift to our local tourism, hospitality and accommodation sector, which has been doing it so tough from the impacts of COVID-19.”

The event’s first race on September 12 will see a return of the infamous Hot Rock Race through four and seven-hour competitions.

Described as “classic cross-country lap racing at its best”, event manager Jo Parker said it was hoped the Hot Rock Race would become a flagship event in Townsville once again.

“In order to bring our riders and spectators the racing action that they love, we have rules and regulations in place, which make sure we all adhere to social distancing and gathering laws currently in place,” she said.

The second weekend will kick off with the North Queensland Mountain Bike Schools Comp on Friday and finish with the Fox Superflow races on Sunday.

For more information and to register, visit rockytrailentertainment.com.