Plenty of people are looking for ideas for active holidays, and mountain bikers are now a tourism target market for regional Australia.
One park that needs no introduction to MTB riders is Smithfield, just outside of Cairns. It’s been the venue for world titles, and is known for its challenging rainforest trails.
It was also the start line of 2018’s inaugural Reef to Reef MTB stage race. About 300 competitors (racing solo or in teams of two) took part in the four day event in early August.
Day one was a 20 kilometre time trial through the iconic Smithfield Mountain Bike Park.
On day two, the venue was Davies Creek, for a 50 kilometre cross country through bushland and gullies.
Day three saw riders take on Mt Molloy, and for 60 kilometres, they sweated it out through cane fields, bush, and more rainforest.
Finally, on day four, mountain bikers rode towards the coast from Wetherby Station, crossing a finish line 55 kilometre later at Port Douglas.
Local, interstate and international competitors all agreed that this year’s event was a huge success, and the dates are in for Reef to Reef 2019. It will run from August 8-11.
All the action happens within easy reach of Cairns, so at the end of the day riders can rest their weary bones in maximum comfort.
Mantra Esplanade has hotel rooms and two and three bedroom apartments that are in a top location. because if you’re in Cairns, you want to be close to the water.
Its accommodation is stylish and contemporary, and facilities include a pool, spa, and room service.
