EVENT PROGRAM
28 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH 2026 / FORREST, OTWAY RANGES
This year marks a truly special moment in the story of the Otway Odyssey and GOGG — two decades of riding, racing and coming together on the trails and roads of Forrest and the Otways.
For the 20th year, we return to Forrest to take on the flowing singletrack beneath towering eucalypts as part of the Otway Odyssey. And for the 10th year, we once again head deep into the Otways on the gravel roads of GOGG — long, relentless climbs and fast, remote descents that have become every bit as iconic as the trails themselves.
Over two decades, thousands of riders have faced these courses. World Cup racers and Olympians, weekend warriors, first-timers, kids, families and lifelong friends have all lined up knowing that nothing here comes easily. The bikes, routes and formats may have evolved, but the challenge has never softened — and the heart of the event has always remained the same: committing, rewarding, welcoming, and deeply connected to this place.
The riding is exceptional, but it’s the shared struggle that defines the Otway Odyssey and GOGG. The quiet tension on the start line, the grit required on the climbs, and the stories told at the finish — these are the moments that have built the event’s reputation over twenty years.
Whether this is your first attempt or you’ve been here since the early days, welcome. Thank you for being part of this milestone year — and for taking on the Otways once again.
The Rapid Ascent Team
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday 27 February:
3:30pm - 7:30pm Competitor Registration for all races
4:00pm - 7:00pm Retro bike 'Show and Shine' display
4:30pm T-shirt ride - social ride for MTB and Gravel riders
5:30pm - 6:30pm Odyssey Angels welcome the Ladies Lounge - women only
6:00pm Elite MTB athlete Q&A session
Saturday 28 February:
6:00am – 8:15am Late registration open in the event expo.
7:00am 100km MTB RACE START - Elite Female only
7:28am 100km e-bike race start - competitive riders only
7:30am 100km MTB RACE START - for all riders (except Elite Females)
7:43am 75km e-bike race start - competitive riders only
7:45am 75km MTB RACE START
8:15am 49km Gravel RACE START
9:30am – 5:00pm Otway Odyssey sponsors expo open with sponsor stands, food, kid’s activities
10:00am - 5:00pm Registration open for Saturday afternoon and Sunday's races
11:30am Presentations: 49km Gravel
1:30pm Otway Groms ride activities START
1:30pm Presentations: 75km MTB
2:20pm Presentations: 100km MTB
2:40pm 17km MTB Adaptive RACE START
2:45pm 10km MTB RACE START
4:00pm Presentations: 10km MTB and 17km aMTB
Sunday 1 March:
7:00am – 10:30am Competitor Registration open
8:00am 106km Gravel RACE START
8:28am 50km e-bike race start - competitive riders only
8:30am 50km MTB RACE START
8:30am – 3:30pm Otway Odyssey sponsors expo open with sponsor stands, food
10:43am 30km e-bike race start - competitive riders only
10:45am 30km MTB RACE START – mixed gender
10:50am 30km MTB RACE START – females only
12:30pm Presentations: 50km MTB
2:00pm Presentations: 106km Gravel and 30km MTB
4:00pm Courses close
We acknowledge that the Otway Odyssey and GOGG are being held on the land of the first peoples and traditional custodians of Gadubanud, of the Eastern Maar nation. We encourage all event attendees to pause and admire the beauty of this land and pay respect and appreciation to the traditional owners past, present and emerging.
EVENT LOCATIONS
Forrest Football Ground – EVENT CENTRE, start & finish line for all races
Forrest Football Ground is the event hub and all races start and finish from here. The Ground is located on Yaugher Road, 1.5km north of the township of Forrest. Forrest is a 40minute drive from Apollo Bay and 25 minutes from Colac.
CAR PARKING
IMPORTANT PARKING POINTS:
• Recommended parking in the Forrest Horse Riding Club (right next to the Football Ground), charged at $5 per car CASH ONLY. Cars without $5 change will not be able to park (the money goes to the Forrest Primary School). Please HAVE EXACT CHANGE READY to speed up the parking process - credit cards not accepted.
• CARS CANNOT BE PARKED OVERNIGHT in the Forrest Horse Riding Club, this includes campers.
• Camping is not permitted (other than event sponsors providing security over their items) in the Football ground or in the horse club parking area on Friday or Saturday night.
• Riders who paid for VIP Parking and all adaptive cyclists are eligible to park inside the Forrest Football Ground. We will e-mail a VIP parking pass to you - please ensure it is displayed on your dashboard.
COMPETITOR REGISTRATION
All riders must COLLECT THEIR NUMBER PLATE before the start of your race (unless you paid for your number plate to be posted to you). A friend can collect a plate for you.
See the competitor registration times listed in the schedule on page 2.
If you were amongst the first 1,000 to enter you are eligible for a FREE multitoolcollect at the registration marquee. (Excludes riders entered into the Groms and 10km events).
MTB riders: attach your number plate to the front of your handlebars so it can be clearly seen from the front. Do not alter the plate in any way.
GOGG riders: attach your number plate to your seat post with the zip ties provided so the plate trails behind you. ALSO fix the helmet sticker to the front of your helmet so it can be seen from the front.
FINISH LINE AND EVENT EXPO
The Otway Odyssey and GOGG weekend is far more than ‘just another bike race’ and includes the Event Expo as a massive extra feature on race day and is the ideal place to park the family and your friends while you flog yourself around the course!
Expo: Saturday 9:30am – 5:00pm and Sunday 8:30am - 3:30pm
All sponsors of the Otway Odyssey, as well as several other biking and tourism related companies will have stands at the Forrest Football Ground including:
• Shimano - with an extensive display of their latest components and more
• Fox - showcasing their incredible suspension and offering great advice
• Skratch - selling and sampling a range of hydration and nutrition products
• Free Time - providing free samples and sales of their popular 0% alcohol beers
• Rubber Side Down - selling a range of bike apparel and accessories
NO DOGS - the Forrest Football Ground is a dog free zone. Thank you.
Retro bike show & shine
Bring your clunkers, your classics and your old bikes from the past for us all to enjoy. We'll be coordinating a show-and-shine static display of these old bikes during registration on Friday afternoon. This will be a great way to remember the bikes we used to all ride and love.
Riders' sign-on board
Sign on for the 20th anniversary race in the huge sign-on board with all entrant's names and race numbers. One board. Thousands of stories.
Avenue of honour
Check out the signs highlighting all the previous winners of the Otway Odyssey. Every year, male and female champions of the iconic 100km MTB.
Kids entertainment and activities: Sat 11– 2pm & Sun 11– 2pm
Kids will have plenty of things to keep them busy with the Krazy Koala kids entertainer and activity station set up between 11am - 2pm on both days.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES...
Forrest Brewery event bar
The award winning local business - The Forrest Brewing Company - will be operating a thriving event bar right next to the finish line all weekend. Enjoy their locally brewed beers from the pop up bar on the football ground or visit their brewery in Forrest for plenty more beers, food and entertainment all weekend.
Free Time 0% alc - FREE BEER!
The Free Time crew will be offering a FREE can of Free Time to all competitors of the Odyssey & GOGG on race weekend. Simply come and say g'day at their marquee next to the finish line.
Food stalls: Saturday 9:30am – 5pm and Sunday 8:30am - 3:30pm
There will be a wide range of stalls selling food and drinks to riders and the public. Coffee is available nice and early before the races start!
SOCIAL RIDES
4:30PM FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY
We will conduct a social ride / warm up ride on Friday to allow riders to spin your legs over, check your bikes are working OK and connect with a few others. We'll host MTB and Gravel rides, each lasting for approx 30-45mins under the coordination of a ride leader. Meet at the footy goals nearest the gate at the time listed above.
ELITE ATHLETE Q&A
6:00PM FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY
The Otway Odyssey and GOGG attracts the best MTB and gravel riders in the country (world?) all of whom have considerable experience and fascinating tales to share. We’ll have a chat to 3 riders at the forefront of these events to learn about their preparations and plans for race day. All Q&A sessions will be streamed onto Rapid Ascent Events’ Facebook Live. Guests ride names tbc.
OTWAY GROMS EVENT
This is a great event for kids to encourage them to get out on their bikes and HAVE SOME FUN!! The riding is suited to kids on balance bikes and pedal bikes aged between approx. 3yrs and 7yrs. We will conduct a number of fun activities like obstacle courses, limbo riding, relay events, slow riding and more. 100% based around fun (not competition) and will take approx. 30mins. All Groms riders must register before the event and will get a number plate and a whole lot of fun.
MULTIPLE EVENT RECOGNITION
The format of the 2026 Otway Odyssey weekend makes it easier to do multiple races on the weekend – so we’ve created special recognition for those who do the double. These are the strongest of the strong.
King / Queen of the Otways – premier category
Race the 100km MTB on Saturday and back up with the 106km GRAVEL on Sunday. The premier King and Queen of the Otways awards will go to the overall male and female who has the fastest combined time for both events.
Gravel God / Goddess
Race the 49km GRAVEL on Saturday and back up with the 106km GRAVEL on Sunday. This is designed for those who love their gravel roads and/or only want to bring one bike to the event. Fastest combined time wins.
Titans of the Trails
Race the 100km MTB on Saturday and back up with the 50km MTB on Sunday to illustrate your skill on the trails. MTB all the way!
GRAND FONDO WORLD TOUR – GRAVEL
The 2026 Great Otway Gravel Grind is once again part of the Grand Fondo World Tour – Gravel Series which is a collection of different gravel cycling events across 5 continents. CLICK HERE for details. We are excited to have Dani Buyo CEO and Founder with us in 2026.
EVENT PHOTOS
BOSSFOTOS capturing you at your best Professional photographers from BossFotos will capture all riders in action and looking great as you conquer the Otway Odyssey and GOGG courses. High Res photos will be uploaded to their website during and immediately after the event and available for a very reasonable $4.90 each. CHECK YOUR PHOTOS HERE – simply upload a selfie* to identify all your photos (so easy!).
*Bossfotos protects your privacy by not storing selfies and not linking names to faces. For tech support contact info@bossfotos.com
FREE PHOTO thanks to SHIMANO XTR
Shimano are giving all 100km and 75km MTB riders a free photo of you racing hard and fast on the trails on Saturday. Simply visit the BossFotos website to find and download your photo(s).
Gran Fondo World Tour
ODYSSEY MTB RACES SPECIFIC INFO
The following pages with an orange square in the corner relate to the MTB races on Saturday and Sunday
THE MTB COURSES
The Otway Odyssey MTB courses provide plenty of rewarding riding through some spectacular terrain. General notes about the courses
• All courses intersect with each other so all riders need to be careful to follow the colours for your course
• Rider etiquette - faster riders will come up on slower riders at various points. Please show respect and be courteous to one another, the faster rider should only pass when the slower rider is comfortable.
• Do not ride with headphones - so others can communicate with you and you're aware of your surroundings.
Course marking IMPORTANT!:
All courses will be marked with red arrows and pink surveyors tape (except the 10km and 17km races are marked with blue). NOTE:
• different race courses comes together and seperates at different points (eg. the 75km joins and seperates from the 100km course)
• these junctions will be CLEARED MARKED with signs saying WHAT COURSE GOES WHERE
• it is up to you to slow down and read these signs to ensure you follow the correct route
Additional points about course marking:
• RED and WHITE barrier tape across a track / road marks the wrong way. Do NOT cross red and white tape.
• There will be occasional markings (up to 1km apart) between intersections to confirm you are on the right track
Clif Bar nutrition + Skratch Labs hydration stations
Each course has a number of water points along their length (locations explained below). The following items are provided at each water point:
• Skratch sports drink sachets – one sachet mixes with 500ml of water
• Water - available from either drums or taps (BYO water bottle...)
• There will NOT be Clif Bars at all water pts (we give these to you at registration instead)
BEFORE
ENERGY TO KEEP MOVING
Give your body what is needs to perform at its best.
DURING
What you eat during exercise can impact performance.
AFTER
When muscles are hungry for nutrients.
Forrest Football Ground water point:
The 100km, 75km, 50km and 30km MTB courses all come through the water point on the Forest Football ground. Riders can pre-place your own hydration / nutrition in the race chute ready to collect during the race. Items must be:
• placed in number order according to the numbered signs
• limited to water bottles and some food in a small bag only – no deck chairs, eskies or umbrellas!
• items can be dropped off on Friday evening and on each race morning
Riders cannot receive any assistance from non-riders or supporters anywhere along the course or at any of the remote water points - other than on the playing surface of the Forrest Football Ground.
Pit Tents
We openly encourage riders and clubs to set up your own track-side ‘pit tents’ on the Forrest Football Ground. Please set them up beside the race track on the far side (northern side) of the feed zone near the footy goals.
E-Bikes
Pedal assisted e-bikes are welcome at the event but will be competing only against other e-bikes and will not be ranked against traditional analogue bikes and will not be eligible for age group or overall prizes or prize money. Other points to note:
• e-bikes must not have a power output greater than 250watts or a powered speed faster than 25km/hr. The winners' bikes will be checked and additional spot checks will be conducted with any offending bikes + riders disqualified
• e-bikes are only permitted to swap battery on the playing surface of the Forrest Football Ground
• e-bikes will have a bright yellow E sticker on their number plate to denote them as racing in their own category
Start process - e-bikes and analogue bikes
• Competitive e-bike riders start 2 minutes before the main field
• Recreational / casual e-bike riders may start with the main field
• Riders must self-seed yourselves in the start chute - faster riders towards the front!
• Elite female riders contesting the 100km Odyssey must start 30 minutes ahead of the main field. This start is only for women aiming to be in contention for overall placings. Female riders hoping to win the Queen of the Mountain Climb must also start in this elite women’s start.
E-bikes take note: If you are a competitive e-bike rider who is keen to ride hard and fast up and down the hills and on the single track then you should start in the e-bike only start 2mins before the main field. If you are more of a recreational e-bike rider who doesn't go super fast or who may be a bit slower on single track then you should start in the main start mixed in with all the analogue bike riders.
Equipment
Compulsory equipment to carry for the MTB: 100km, 75km, 50km, 30km races:
• A First Aid kit comprising: 2 x crepe bandages, 2 x nonadhesive wound dressings, 6 x steri-strip wound closures, 1 x triangular bandage and 1 pr of surgical gloves. A limited number of these First Aid Kits will be available for sale at Registration at Forrest on Friday for $20 each.
IMPORTANT: Arrive clean - leave clean
In order to help prevent the spread of the deadly Phytophthora dieback disease we urge all riders to arrive with your wheels and shoes clean of soil or other substances from your home area. And just as importantly, to leave Forrest with clean wheels and shoes. Additionally, stay to made tracks and wash wheels at the designated points.
WHEEL WASH: All 100km, 75km, 50km and 30km riders must dismount and push your bikes through a shallow trough of Phyto-clean solution when you start and finish your loop through the Yaugher Forest.
100KM ODYSSEY MTB COURSE (SATURDAY)
Click here see the course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 100km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start times:
7:00am Saturday - Elite female race start
7:28am Saturday - Competitive E-bike riders race start
7:30am Saturday - Race Start
Length, total elevation gain / loss: ~99km with ~2,200m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 100km course goes compared to the other courses.
Course sections:
32km leg 1: The Hayden Track Loop
Leg 1 takes you to the top of the Otways on some lung busting climbs up Hayden Track before some eye watering descents down Newcombe Spur Track and back to the football ground. This is true Odyssey material.
38km leg 2: Yaugher Single Track (32km-70km)
Leg 2 hits up the best of the Yaugher single track network with a race down all the favourite tracks including the Super Loop, Marriners Run, J2 and the best sections of Vista. As a true blast from the past we’ll even revisit YoYo!
29km leg 3: West Forrest Trails (70km-100km)
Leg 3 heads south to the most popular trails in the network, featuring Red Carpet, Follow the Dog, Roller Coaster and more. These are not the biggest hills of the course but they may be the most painful – until you bask in the glory of the finish chute! (it’s all worth it in the end).
CLIF nutrition + Skratch hydration points:
• WP1: 32km pt at Football Ground
• WP2: 45km pt at Yaugher trailhead
• WP3: 51km pt at Yaugher trailhead
• WP4: 70km pt at Football Ground
• WP5: 85km pt at West Barwon Dam
• 100KM : THE FINISH!
Cut off times
• Cut off No.1 – 100km riders must have departed WP4 at the Footy Ground (the 2nd time i.e. at 70km pt) by 1430.
• Cut off No. 2 – 100km riders must have departed WP5 at the Skenes Ck Rd (approx 84km pt) by 1530.
100km MTB elevation profile
75KM OTWAY MTB COURSE (SATURDAY)
Click here to see the 75km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 75km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start times:
7:43am Saturday - Competitive E-bike riders race start
7:45am Saturday - Race Start
Length, total elevation gain / loss: 74.2km with 1,580m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 75km course goes compared to the other courses!!
Course sections:
34km leg 1: West Forrest Trails
Racing kicks off with a climb – but whatever goes up comes back down – so soon enough you’ll be racing down the iconic Red Carpet, hitting up the berms of Follow the Dog and railing the corners on Roller Coaster. A firm but fun way to start
39km Leg 2:
Yaugher Single Track (34km-74km)
Leg 2 takes in the best of the Yaugher single track network with a race down all the favourite tracks including the Super Loop, Marriners Run, J2 and the best sections of Vista. Manage your speed, stay off the brakes and let it flow all the way to the finish back at the Footy Ground.
CLIF nutrition + Skratch hydration
points:
• WP1: 20km pt at West Barwon Dam
• WP2: 34km pt at Football Ground
• WP2: 47km pt at Yaugher trailhead
• WP3: 53km pt at Yaugher trailhead
• Finish: 74km mark
75km MTB elevation profile
50KM OTWAY MTB COURSE (SUNDAY)
Click here to see the 50km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 50km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start times:
8:28am Sunday - Competitive E-bike riders race start
8:30am Sunday - Race Start
Length, total elevation gain / loss: 50.2km with 1,100m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 50km course goes compared to the other courses!!
Course sections:
32km leg 1: West Forrest Trails
Racing kicks off with a climb – but whatever goes up comes back down – so soon enough you’ll be racing down the iconic Red Carpet, hitting up the berms of Follow the Dog and railing the corners on Roller Coaster. This is the first time the 50km race has ridden these trails and it’s going to be fiery!
18km Leg 2: Yaugher Single Track
(32km-50km)
Leg 2 heads into Yaugher for an abbreviated race through the single track, racing the most popular trails with a hot lap around the crowd favourites like Mariners Run, Super Loop and Slap and Tickle. Manage your speed, stay off the brakes and let it flow all the way to the finish back at the Footy Ground.
CLIF nutrition + Skratch hydration points:
• WP1: 17.5km pt at West Barwon Dam
• WP2: 32km pt at Football Ground
• WP2: 42km Cemetery Rd
• Finish: 50km mark 50km MTB elevation profile
30KM OTWAY MTB COURSE (SUNDAY)
Click here to see the 30km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 30km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start times:
10:43am Sunday - Competitive E-bike riders race start
10:45am Sunday - Mixed gender main field race start
10:50am Sunday - Female only race start
Length, total elevation gain / loss: 30km with 585m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 30km course goes compared to the other courses!!
NOTE - 30km race starts: There are two main starts for the 30km race. The 10:45am start is for all male riders but is also open to faster, more experienced female riders who are happy to start with the guys. The 10:50am start is for females only and is designed to be a more inclusive, less intimidating. Female riders can choose which start they prefer.
Course sections:
12km leg 1: West Forrest Trails
Racing kicks off with a 4km climb on a dirt road to warm the body up and then it’s onto the popular Red Carpet for a flying descent down a trail that’s full of YAHOO corners and YIPPEE rollers that’ll put a smile on every dial. Loop though the new flow trails and you’re nearly half way done.
18km Leg 2: Yaugher Single Track
Refill at the footy ground and then it’s into Yaugher for plenty of single track fun, riding some of the most popular trails like Mariners Run and the Super Loop as you weave through the grass trees. There’s a few undulations but nothing to slow your momentum before you roll through the finish arch back at the footy ground. Well done. .
CLIF nutrition and Skratch hydration points:
• WP1: 12km pt at the Football Ground
• WP2: 22km Cemetery Rd
• Finish: 30km mark
30km
10KM OTWAY MTB COURSE (SATURDAY)
Click here to see the 10km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 10km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start times: 2:45pm Saturday race start Length, total elevation gain / loss: 10.6km with ~200m gain / loss
Course marking:
• blue arrows on a white background.
• bright blue plastic surveyors’ tape tied to trees.
The course starts uphill on Yaugher Rd and then turns onto the Red Carpet Single Track. Then it's along beside the river and uphill again as you ride some of the new Barwon Flow Trails before racing back to the Forrest Football Ground. The event is primarily designed for kids aged 7-14yrs who enjoy their riding and want a dose of the racing fun.
Course marking
• blue arrows on a white background.
• blue plastic surveyors’ tape tied to trees.
Water points:There are no water points on the 10km course other than the finish line.
17KM OTWAY ADAPTIVE RACE
We are very happy to welcome adaptive riders back to the Otway Odyssey and look forward to seeing you in action at the 17km Otway Adaptive race.
Click here to see the 17km course map on the Trailforks App and / or download GPX files or link to your Garmin.... A full description is available on the website.
Adaptive riders and their support riders start at 2:40pm, 5 minutes before the main field of the 10km race. The 17km course follows the same route as the 10km course as described above, but you do a second lap of the Red Carpet / Riverside / PBJ track loop before riding back to the Football Ground and the finish line in the middle of the expo.
Course marking
• blue arrows on a white background.
• blue plastic surveyors’ tape tied to trees.
Water points:There are no water points on the 17km course other than at the finish line.
Additional notes for adaptive riders:
• support riders must be registered and have a 'Support Rider' number plate displayed
• adaptive riders are welcome to park on the grass of the football ground surface - your names will be on the gate
• there is an accessible toilet located behind the 'ladies lounge', near registration for your usage
• we recommend getting to the start line early, before the kids in the 10km race swamp the road and block access
GREAT OTWAY GRAVEL GRIND (GOGG) SPECIFIC INFO
The following pages with a green square in the corner relate to the GOGG races on Saturday and Sunday
THE GOGG COURSES
The Great Otway Gravel Grind provides some magnificent riding on quiet dirt roads through tall timber forests. Notes:
• All roads remain open to the public. Whilst there are not many cars - there are still some other road users, so ride safely by sticking to your side of the road, being aware for cars and always riding in control.
• 106km riders go through Apollo Bay and along the Great Ocean Road (GOR) for 4.5km which is definitely still open to traffic and can be busy. This section of course involves riding through the Apollo Bay township and is all in a time out zone but it is up to the riders to to be aware of other vehicles and stay safe.
Course marking:
For all courses:
• all intersections will be clearly marked with large red or orange arrows. There will not be a marshal at junctions to direct you, so riders must keep an eye out for, and follow the markings as you see them.
• the course will also be marked with pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
Skratch Feed Zones and 'time out zones'
Both GOGG races have at least one time-out section(s) on the course where your race time is no longer ticking over! This allows you to stop and have a drink – order a coffee, regroup with friends, and then set off again. Points to note about the time out zones:
• Time out zones are limited to 1hr max each. Riders stopping for longer than 1hr will be given a time penalty
• Riders crossing any time point with less than 1 second apart will be given the time of the first rider to cross the point (as per the Tour de France).
• There will be Skratch hydration and nutrition, as well as lollies, fruit cake and other surprises from Skratch at the water points. Also a coffee van at each WP if things go according to plan (so it'll help if you have a little cash as well).
use science to inform what will help your body perform its best. We use nature to make it taste as good as possible so you’ll enjoy it. Nobody knows your body better than you. But nobody knows sports nutrition better than us. The human body is complex but the solutions to help it perform aren’t. We follow this rule when we create products that solve problems and simple ingredients that each have a purpose
106KM GOGG GRAVEL (SUNDAY)
Click here to see the 106km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 106km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start time: 8:00am Sunday - Race Start Length, total elevation gain / loss: 106km with 2,260m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 106km course goes compared to the other courses!!
Course sections:
27km
leg 1: Up Lardners Track
Climbing away from Forrest the course ascends Lardners Track (our favourite road in the Otways), weaving through a prehistoric forest of tree ferns, mountain ash and verdant green undergrowth all on fast rolling gravel. Enjoy a timeout zone at the water point at the top. SAFETY NOTE: take care on the steep descent at the 13km pt.
31km
leg 2: Down Old Coach Road (27km-58km)
Cross over the Otway Ranges on Seaview Track and then it’s a blitzing descent down the Old Coach Road on a sometimes technical section of gravel to the coast at Apollo Bay where you can enjoy another time out at a café, the beach (or the pub). Cruise 4km untimed along the Great Ocean Road before commencing the next climb.
19km leg 3: Up Wild Dog Road (62km-81km)
Wild Dog Road is an iconic gravel climb in the Otways - starting at sea level and ascending through farmland and then lush Otway rainforest to the top – it is a climb for the ages. Take care turning right on Skenes Ck Rd at the 80km pt, after which things get a bit spicy with a 1km section of ‘adventure gravel’ leading to the summit. This 'Otway Odeal' involves riding on steep and rutted 4WD tracks with three sections leading to the time-out at the Mt Sabine.
25km leg 4: Down Kaangalang Road (81km-106km)
Leaving the final time out zone, you’ll ride the Otway Ridge line on Mt Sabine road before turning for home with final, smile inducing descent down Kaangalang Rd to the finish line at the Football Ground. Epic circuit complete – well done.
Skratch Feed Zones and 'time out zones'
• WP1: 27km pt at the top of Lardners Road. Timeout zone starts / finishes 200m either side of the water point.
• WP2: 62km pt near Apollo Bay. Stop at any of the cafe's in Apollo Bay (between 58km or 62km pts) or stop at our water point at the 62km pt at the junction of the Great Ocean Road and Wild Dog Rd (at the base of the climb where race time recommences).
• WP3: 81km pt at the summit of Mt Sabine. Timeout zone starts / finishes 200m before the water pt. and 800m after the water pt.
CUT OFF TIMES
• Cut off no. 1 – riders must have departed WP1 by 1045
• Cut off no. 2 – riders must have departed Apollo Bay 1245.
106km GOGG elevation profile
49KM GOGG GRAVEL (SATURDAY)
This is the same course as previous years.
Click here to see the 49km course route on STRAVA.
Click here to download the 49km course GPX file.
Start / finish location: Yaugher Rd / Forrest Football Ground
Start time:
8:15am Saturday - Race Start
Length, total elevation gain / loss: 49km with 1,180m gain / loss
Course marking:
• red and/or orange arrows on a white background.
• fluro pink surveyors tape tied after a junction to confirm you are on the correct route.
• WATCH OUT for signs at junctions highlighting where the 49km course goes compared to the other courses!!
Course sections:
34km Leg 1: Up Delaney Road
The course commences with a flat / undulating 12km roll to Barwon Downs before a long and consistent climb through the rainforest on Delaney Road. Turn right and continue along Mt Sabine Road for some sublime riding through Otways to the water point and timeout zone.
15km leg 2: Down Kaangalang Road
(34km-49km)
From the water point to the finish is basically all downhill on a fast, wide and smooth gravel road through the forest – it’s a magnificent descent where hardly a pedal stroke is needed before returning to the finish line at the Football Ground.
Skratch Feed Zones and 'time out zones'
Water Points - see more details about the Time Out Zones above:
• 34.5km point at Mt Sabine Rd / Kaanglang Rd junction. Time stops 50m before the junction / Time restarts 50m after the junction.
49km GOGG elevation profile
UNTETHERED. UNSTOPPABLE.
Odyssey Angels
We are excited to continue our range of initiatives to support and encourage greater female participation in the Otway Odyssey (or any MTB event), and we offer a special welcome to any women who are lining up for their first bike event at this year's race. YOU GOT THIS! The following services are available for all women competing in any of this year’s events and are designed to help you feel at ease on the day.
30km Otway Rookie Women’s only race start. All women tackling this event (whether first time or not) are welcome to join the less intimidating women's only start at 10:50am Sunday. NOTE: faster or more experienced women are able to join the 30km 'mixed gender' start at 10:45am.
Ladies Lounge – we will have set up within the expo area on the Forrest Footy Ground a women’s only ‘Ladies Lounge’ where you can meet other female riders and congregate before, during and after the race. There will be a women’s only toilet, chairs, bag storage area as well.
Pre-race Skratcharitas and info session
(FREE!)
– between 5:30pm and 6:30pm on Friday night we’ll pour all female racers a glass of Skratch Lab's famous Skratch Margaritas (with and without alcohol) or a soft drink in the Ladies Lounge and have a bit a chat about race day and answer any last minute questions you may have.
Odyssey Angels Facebook Group – keep tabs with all the pre-race chatter on the female only Odyssey Angels Facebook Group and ask questions, receive advice and all the encouragement you need to make it to the start AND the finish line!
We really do wish the very best to all our (first time) female riders and hope you fall in love with riding (and racing) as much as we have. Let us know your feedback post race so we can get even more females on bikes in the future!
RACE RULES
The following race rules apply to all competitors in either the 100km, 75km, 50km, 30km MTB races and the GOGG 106km and 49km races:
• Competitors must start and finish the full course on a non-motorised bicycle (e-bikes exempt).
• Competitors must ride the complete course as marked and directed, passing through all checkpoints on your course. Taking shortcuts or using any unfair means of obtaining an advantage over other competitors will result in disqualification. It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that the correct course is followed.
• All competitors must wear a certified bike helmet at ALL times.
• MTB races only: Individual competitors must use only one bike frame for the entire ride, although wheel changes are permissible in the designated support area inside the Forrest Football Ground.
• GOGG races only: Individual competitors must use only one bike frame for the entire ride, although wheel changes are permissible in the designated time out zones.
• If female competitors in the 100km race wish to be eligible for prize money they MUST start in the elite women's’ field start at 7:00am.
• All competitors in the 100km, 75km, 50km and 30km MTB races must carry a first aid kit for the entire race. First Aid kit must comprise no less than: 2 x crepe bandages, 2 x nonadhesive wound dressings, 6 x steri-strip wound closures, 1 x triangular bandage and 1 pr of surgical gloves.
• Failure to carry the required First Aid Kit will result in a 20 minute time penalty.
• Riders who withdraw at any time after the start must advise a marshal of their withdrawal immediately.
• Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars for mountain bike riders and seat posts for GOGG riders at all times and cannot be modified or cut down in size in any way.
• Riders may accept mechanical assistance on the course only by other registered racers and designated race officials as long as it does not result in assisted forward progression. Outside assistance from anyone else may only be provided on the playing surface of the Forrest Football Ground.
• One competitor cannot provide assistance in forward progression (pushing / pulling / towing) or food or drinks to another competitor in another category except in emergency circumstances.
• For the 100km MTB race and GOGG 106km race, cut-off times will be strictly enforced as outlined in the course details page of the event program.
• Australian Road Rules apply at all times on all roads, tracks and trails.
• Only registered riders, marshals or officials may ride on the course.
• Pedal assisted e-bikes may be used provided they do not have a power output greater than 250watts or a powered speed faster than 25km/hr. E-bikes will have their own category and will not be eligible for age group or overall prizes or prize money.
• Failure to abide by these rules may result in a time penalty or disqualification.
• Rapid Ascent has sole discretion to alter or amend the race format or the rules in order to increase the safety of participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate.
• All protests must be lodged with the Race Director within 15 minutes of the official results being posted. A judging panel of three Rapid Ascent staff (including the Race Director) will adjudicate on all protests and other contentious matters, and their decision will be final.
• If the race is cancelled or called off after it has started, it is each rider’s responsibility to get themselves back to either the Start or Finish areas as soon as you have been notified of the cancellation.
From the Tour de France to Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine Peninsula, Simon Gerrans continues his cycling journey at the home of Hendry’s
Celebrating 50 years of supporting the Geelong and Ocean Grove cycling communities, Hendry’s entered an exciting new chapter under Simon’s leadership in 2024
Offering expert servicing through their Shimano Service Centres along with custom builds, Hendry’s is a true destination for cyclists and welcoming spaces to browse, connect, and chat all things bikes, bringing together riders, fans, and the broader cycling community
ride starts at hendrys.com.au
100KM PREVIOUS WINNERS
HONOUR BOARD
The champions listed below are absolute heroes - for they have completed all 100km Otway Odyssey races since it started 20 years ago and are lining up for their 20th race in 2026!!! That means that have stayed fit, avoided injury, mechanicals or any family anniversaries on this date for 20 years! They are our Odyssey Gods!
• David Rusden
• Dave Scarlett
PREVIOUS WINNERS
50km Otway Shorty
Unfortunately we have misplaced the records for earlier victoriesplease let us know if you won!
2011
Josh Carlson 2:16:23
Jo King-Hudson 2:57:03
2012
Jack Haig 2:15:57
Terri Rhodes 2:41:34
2013
Chris Hamilton 2:17:24
Katie Chancellor 2:51:45
2014
Harrison Ernst 2:28:58
April McDonough 2:56:09
2015
David Sagnol 2:15:51
Louise Betts 2:43:32
2015
• Brian John
• Craig Sullivan
Jack Lamshed 2:13:38
Karen Hill 2:27:41 2017
Jack Lamshed 2:15:26
Kim Willocks 2:56:13
2018
Adam Blazevic 2:19:04
Maria Plyashechko 3:00:33
2019
Adam Blazevic 2:12:29
Jess Egan 2:54:43
2020
Joshua Sek 2:18:32
Kim Willocks 2:42.04
2021
Liam Johnson 2:06.05 Phoebe Thompson 2:39:32 2022
Angus Neaves 2:23.48
Jenny King 2:57:06 2023
Eddie Worrall 2:23.12
Elizabeth Nuspan 2:46:18 2024
Ryan Gilchrist 2:18.40 Katrina Dower 2:33.37
YOUR NEXT RACE?
Then check out these other Rapid Ascent races taking place all around the country in 2026.
XTERRA Asia Pacific Championships
Dunsborough WA. 28 - 29 March, 2026 www.XTERRAAustralia.com.au
The prestigious Asia Pacific Championships for off-road triathlon and trail running! Racing through stunning scenery around Dunsborough and Meelup in South West WA. With long / short triathlons and 10km, 21km and 38km trail runs, this is off-road racing in adventure paradise.
Margaret River Ultra Marathon SOLD OUT
Margaret River, WA. 9 - 10 May, 2026. www.MRultraMarathon.com.au
Providing a spectacular 42km and 80km journeys for solo runners and relay teams (with up to 5 runners), the Margaret River Ultra Marathon provides runners with an incredible race in Western Australia’s Cape to Cape coastline.
The Trail Running Series
3 locations 1hr from Melbourne, Jun - Aug 2026. www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au
Trail running races for everyone... The Trail Running Series includes 3 different race venues all within one hour’s drive of Melbourne with short (~7km) / medium (~15km) / and long (~22km) course runs through spectacular wilderness. Make sure you are part of this revolutionary series in 2026.
Run Larapinta SOLD OUT
Alice Springs, NT. 14 - 17 August 2026. www.RunLarapinta.com.au
A four day, four stage trail running race along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in Central Australia. Race either the Malbunka with 20km - 45km stages or the Namatjira with 10km - 30km stages for an incredible event experience.
Shimano Gravel Muster
Alice Springs, NT. 20 - 23 August, 2026 www.GravelMuster.com.au
A must do event for any gravel rider. Limited to 100 riders.
Australians most iconic gravel stage race. Riding 380km through the outback in a coordinated event environment over 4 spectacular days. With a mix of timed and untimed stages, staying in cabins and camping at remote cattle statrions, this will be an incredible experience for all riders.
Surf Coast Century
Anglesea, VIC. 12 September, 2026 www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
Spectacular 100km and 50km trail runs along Victoria’s surf coast and wildflower hinterland with the promise that no two steps will be the same. Do it either as an individual and click over the whole 100km or 50km solo or unite with friends in a relay team of up to 4 and run 25km each.
Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race
Denmark, WA. 23 - 25 October, 2026 www.RunBibbulmun.com.au
A 3 day stage race for solo runners along the most spectacular sections of the famed Bibbulmun Track in Great Southern WA. Featuring short course and long course options, each day runners explore rugged coastlines, remote beaches and sheer granite cliffs and return to picturesque Denmark each night.
Run Tasmania Stage Race NEW ONLY 10 SPOTS REMAIN
Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula, WA. 25 - 28 November, 2026 www.RunTasmania.com.au
A new 4 day stage race through Tasmania's wild heart. Racing through a spectacular mix of coastal, alpine, rainforest and clifftop terrain then returning to the comforts of civilisation each night. Two course options with the Devil running ~22km a day and the Quoll running ~17km a day.
Rapid Ascent Journeys www.rapidascentjourneys.com.au
A new venture we’re conducting alongside our events – Rapid Ascent Journeys offers genuine adventure holidays and guided tours for those who want to use their fitness to explore more. We organise set trips in popular disciplines (like gravel riding and trail running) or we'll organise your own custom trip if you want a real adventure wherever / whatever / whenever you want. These are the ultimate adventure holidays.