Thrills and spills on the Hill
MOUNTAIN bike warriors are about to be unleashed on Castle Hill.
Some of the region’s best downhill mountain bikers are putting in final practice runs ahead of the upcoming Westies Downhill event, which features some of the region’s most talented riders tackling an unforgiving course that will undoubtedly feature plenty of spills. Starting from the top of the radar lookout, the course plunges straight down a steep drop and from there riders navigate plenty of twists and turns, before spitting out just before the carpark at the bottom of the hill.
“This would be the most difficult track in Townsville,” event organiser Stephen Knott said.
“It’s at the top end of track difficulty … it launches straight into the steepest part, there’s no easing into it. The nature of the Townsville dirt, it’s pretty sketchy at the top. There’s nowhere like it anywhere else.”
Riders have been doing practice runs over the past few weeks, and organisers have been making the final touches to the Westies track, which is also used by the odd walker. Knott said the event was a golden opportunity for riders to promote their sport, given it’s happening virtually in the middle of the CBD.
The event, being held on Saturday September 25, will feature a free shuttle bus to the summit, and spectators will be able to watch the action from three different viewing points.
The road to the summit will be closed to traffic on the day, but walkers will still be able to use the road. “We’ll be running the shuttle bus to the top for spectators to come watch, and people will be able to walk up there too,” Knott said.