The following update was emailed to all riders 17/01/24.
As we set our sights on 2024 events, we are looking forward to welcoming riders to St Albans in May. For those that have already signed up, or those looking to join us, we have an important update regarding the 2024 courses. The more we look at the new courses the more excited we are that they might even be better than the original!
Due to the extended closure of Jacks Track, the course for 2024 is going to be different. We had been informed that Jacks Track would be repaired and reopened prior to May, but NPWS have updated their advice and recently informed us that this will not happen. This means the tracks on the Western side of the MacDonald River won’t be used this year. The good news is that NPWS have quickly approved new courses that capture the spirit of the Convict 100.
The positives include less time on tar, no getting your feet wet at the river crossing a few km’s in, one less ‘big’ climb on the middle distance, all riders arrive and leave town the same direction, less bike traffic on roads where cars will be travelling to and from the event and more riders getting onto the historic Convict trail itself.
The negatives include no kayak bridge (although some might consider that a positive), and the big climb is slightly longer and harder than Jacks Track (you have been warned). There is also a small section of the 100km course that will be ridden twice, but this is to allow access to the single track up Shepherds Gully, as opposed to more time on the roads along the valley floor to make up the distance.
You can find updated course maps and descriptions on the course pages – linked below.
For those of you already signed up the new courses will provide the same level of excitement, challenge and adventure, however we acknowledge they aren’t the courses you thought you would be riding when you registered. Therefore, have a look at the courses below and if you decide they aren’t for you simply email us within the next two weeks via the email link below and we will refund you in full. Once that two weeks period has passed (after January 31) our normal refund policy will apply.
Aside from the course changes the Convict 100 will remain the same as always, the sleepy hamlet of St Albans will be transformed as the population quadruples with mountain bike riders of all ages and abilities. Old friends will reconnect around a campfire and new friends are made with the riders in the next tent over. The comradery is not easily forgotten although some memories can grow hazy for those who spend too long in the historic Settlers Arms Inn.
The Convict 100 holds a special place in our hearts and in the hearts of many of you. Now is the time to commit for 2024, put some training into the legs and to be on the start line come May, eager to push your boundaries and explore the trails.
