FAQ
How do I get there?
FLY You can fly direct into Newcastle from Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
OR DRIVE If you are in NSW - Newcastle is just a 2 a 1/2 hour drive from Sydney
What do i get for the $440 entry fee?
Your Entry gets you your entry to ride in all 4 days of the event, includes fees for all National Parks and Forests, Timing Chips and Race Plates, Shuttle transfers back to the Start Line from the Finish Line on Day2 and 4 (however you MUST prebook) Water at each Start/Finish line and on course, Recovery drink at finish lines, a rider gift and event program and the amazing experience that is Port to Port MTB.
Where can i stay?
There are so many options in this beautiful region, here are a few we recommend.
Exclusive Rates with our friends at Crowne Plaza coming soon for 2017!
Unpack just the once....You can use Newcastle as a base. Each Start/Finish line is no more than 45 minutes away from Central Newcastle - Newcastle has everything from Camping to 5 star.
Check out the many options at Visit Newcastle's website http://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/
Move with the ride.... to take advantage of the great wine in the region we recommend the below!
Wednesday 24th May - Stay in Port Stephens - Click here for options
What's ON for P2P - Registrations and Pack Collection at the Day 1 Start Line from 3pm - 7pm
Thursday 25th May - Stay at the Hunter Valley - Click here for options
What's ON for P2P - Stage ONE
Friday 26th May - Stay at the Hunter Valley Click here for options
What's ON for P2P - Stage TWO and the Crowne Plaza Sundown Shootout
Shootout - Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Saturday 27th May - Stay in Newcastle Click here for options
What's ON for P2P - Stage THREE
Sunday 28th May - Stay in Newcastle Click here options
What's ON for P2P - Stage FOUR and the FINISH LINE FESTIVAL
I don't have a support crew.... Can I still race?
We prefer you bring a crew so we can all hang out, however if you can't the Port to Port family can look after you. We can arrange a bag drop for you at the Start Line for each day and there will be shuttles to take you back to your car on day 2 and 4 (Day 1 and 3 Start and Finish at the same place)
There will be water stations at the half way point but do not rely on them!
Which bike do I bring?
It would have to be one of the most commonly asked questions we receive in the lead up to the event, what bike should I bring? For some people they only have one bike to choose from but for others they have the luxury of choosing between multiple different machines. The simplest question to ask when contemplating what bike to bring is how well you want to go in the race.
Q. Do you want to excel in your category?
A. Bring the lightest bike that you have. A hardtail is perfectly fine and so is a lightweight XC Dually.
Q. Do you want to have a bit of fun but also be fast?
A. Bring a bike that has 110 or 120mm of travel up front and 100 or 110mm of travel in the rear. A lot of our singletrails suit this style of bike.
Q. Just in it for fun?
A. Bring whatever bike you would like!
Q. What wheel size?
A. A touchy subject but for this style of event a 29er is the ideal weapon of choice no matter what suspension style!
How does the elite seeding work?
At Port to Port MTB our aim is for all riders to get the most out of their ride experience, with the best possible time and maximum enjoyment.
2017 P2P is a self seeding event, so each rider is required to position themselves within the starting chute in line with their ability. The Race Management do keep an area at the front of the grid for sponsored elite riders and top end riders, however, all riders start as a single group. Note that stages 1, 2 and 3 all have short rollouts following the Race Directors vehicle, which we feel gives ample opportunity for jostling and making a position relevant to riding ability.
The only exception to this will be for the Stage 4 start. When you cross the Stage 3 finish line our amazing volunteers will place a coloured dot on your number plate. This dot indicates your starting wave for the next day. Each colour represents approximately 200 riders per grid for the start of stage 4, with each grid leaving approximately 5 minutes apart. This is simply a logistical issue with our aim to have riders of similar abilities riding together for maximum enjoyment and to spread riders equally throughout the course!
When do registrations close?
Registrations for the 2017 Port to Port MTB will close 5pm, 23rd May 2017.
What services are at the Start/Finish Line?
Each Start and Finish line will have Registration, Information, Merchandise, First Aid, Bike Mechanics, Massage, Recovery, Food and Drink for purchase and a finish line festival on day 4.
What is your withdrawal and refund policy?
For information on the Port to Port MTB withdrawal and refund policy, please read the Rider Terms and Conditions.
Can riders of all levels participate?
Port to Port MTB welcomes riders of all abilities. Our motto is ‘it’s a ride, not a race’. While there are elite riders participating each year, inexperienced entrants who are new to the sport of mountain biking also enter.
Are there age restrictions on the event?
Riders must be 15 years or older on the day of the event. Riders under the age of 18 must submit a minor registration waiver form with their application and must be accompanied on the ride by a nominated adult.
Support crew under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
I am disabled. May I participate?
All reasonable efforts will be made to facilitate the access and inclusion of any persons with disabilities. Please contact us directly if you have related enquiries.
How can I volunteer and help out with the event?
Email info@porttoportmtb.com with your details and availability and we will get back to you!
What is the approximate distance of each Day?
Stage 1 - 35km.
Stage 2 - 50km.
Stage 3 - 62km.
Stage 4 - 40km.
Is the ride timed?
Yes, the ride is timed. Rider times will be made available upon completion of each stage and will be uploaded to the Port to Port MTB website shortly thereafter. Please be patient with our timers and do not approach them at the finish line until everyone has completed the day’s stage.
Eligible for Elite grading?
Simply email your MTB credentials to info@porttoportmtb.com and be added to the list.
Can I start the race with my friends? Even we are in different categories (eg masters 1 and masters 2)?
Yes! You can definately start with your friends. Port to Port MTB is fun for all! The exception - The elite category is strictly for elites only. The first day is self seeded, the following days are based on your ride time, however if you want to hang back with your mates - go for it!
How many litres of water would you recommend we carry?
There will be water stations at the half way point but do not rely on them. Riders will need a 2 or 3L hydration pack, like a Camelbak, for water. We also suggest riders carry a bottle of electrolytes.
Depending on your speed you will be riding for 3-5 hours each day. It is each rider’s responsibility to carry enough water and nutrition.
What was the approximate temperature we will be riding in?
The weather in the area ranges daily, but for the past few years the temperature has consistently been between 18°C and 22°C.
Is accommodation included in the any of the packages?
No, you must book your accommodation separately! Enjoy exclusive Port to Port rates at Crowne Plaza including complimentary Bike Storage and discounted breakfast. For bookings please click on the links below
For Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
I am interested in sponsoring the event. How do I go about doing this?
A number of sponsorship opportunities exist for organisations keen to become involved with the Port to Port MTB. Please contact us with your sponsorship enquiries by phoning us on free number 1300 550 675 or using the online enquiry form provided on our contact page.
What road closures will be in place?
Port Stephens – Stage 1
On Thursday 25th May some changes to road conditions will occur between the hours of 11.00am – 2.00pm
Victoria Parade will be closed from the intersection of Victoria Parade and Beach Road, Nelson Bay from 11.15am – 11.45am approx.
Nelson Bay Road and Gan Gan Road will see managed traffic and will not disrupt road users
Please be aware of cyclists.
Hunter Valley – Stage 2
On Friday 26th May some changes to road conditions will occur between the hours of 7.30am – 10.00pm
To access Bistro Mollines please use Wollombi Road and turn right Mount View Road just past the Cessnock Aldi
Mount View Rd closed to northerly bound traffic at Mount Bright road between 9.30am and 1.00pm - please use Wollombi Rd to access Mount View Rd in Cessnock (just before Aldi)
Bimbadeen Road closed at the intersection with Mount View Rd between 9.30am and 1.00pmNo access to Mount View Road from Wollombi Road from 8.30am to 12 noon
Lake Macquarie – Stage 3
On Saturday 27th May some changes to road conditions will occur between the hours of 7.30am – 1.00pm
Please avoid Freemans Drive along the Cooranbong Park stretch toward Awaba MTB Park from 7.30am – 8.30am. The road will be closed for a short period of time, riders will be travelling along this area and ask that you are safe and aware of riders. From 8.00am to 2.00pm road closures will be in place at the intersection of Cut Rock Rd and Burnt Bridge Rd, and Plank Hill Rd heading north at the intersection with Burnt Bridge Rd - Users will be directed easterly along Plank Hill Rd to the intersection with Prickly Ridge Rd to reach accessible use areas.
Newcastle – Lake Macquarie – Stage 4
On Sunday 28th May some changes to road conditions will occur between the hours of 7.30am – 1.00pm
Ungala Road, between the Gomera Street Roundabout and Awabakal Ave, will be closed between the hours of 7.30am – 9.00am. Local traffic will be permitted at intervals.
Closure of the Fernleigh Track from Kalaroo Road to Colishaw Street between 8am and 10am (or until last rider passes) Police and Traffic Control will be managing the Ocean Street, Kalaroo Rd and Oakdale Rd - please be aware of riders
Changed traffic conditions through Merewether Heights and encourage motorists to use City Road to the Junction
We encourage all local traffic on Scenic Drive to utilize Sun Hill Drive and Hatfield Street to get to Morgan Street and through to Charlestown where access is needed
Traffic coming from Newcastle and onto Frederick Street will be detoured right into Berner Street to link with Morgan Street.
Scenic Drive will be closed EastBound from Yule Road. The above mentioned detours will be in place. Approx times 9.30am – 11.30am (or until the bulk of riders have passed)
No entry onto Frederick Street via Curry, Lloyd or Ridge Street. Please use alternate route as guided by signage.
John Parade will be closed at Frederick and Berner Streets. Approx times 9.30am – 11.30am (or until the bulk of riders have passed)
For further information on parking please contact Sally on 0447 836 125 or sally@porttoportmtb.com
