To our members and lovers of MTB events in Gippsland.

The organisers of the VES have decided not to run a series for 2020. This means no 6-hour event usually held around mid-year at Blores Hill. This decision was made prior to the current situation (Covid-19) due to the falling participant numbers and land access issues for other events.

Although it is disappointing news to lose a staple event for the GMTB calendar, the club has begun talks with a private event organiser, Rocky Trail Entertainment, to run an event like the VES 6 Hour with some minor changes later in the year or next year (depending on Covid-19 restrictions).

For GMTB, this partnership will be a trial with Rocky Trail Entertainment. Depending on its success and event turn out it may continue to other club events. This partnership will take the pressure off the club committee and in future they may be a part of a state series.

With the view to expand the rider base across Australia, Rocky Trail Entertainment already run some major events like the Shimano MTB Grand Prix, Fox Super Flow, AMB 100 and is looking to expand from NSW, ACT, QLD into Victoria. Their focus is not just mountain bike events; they provide Public Relations and Strategic Marketing Support through there in-house PR agency. GMTB has high hopes that their experience will help drive up participants and really put the Gippsland events on the map!

For this new model of event organisation, GMTB is to provide a great venue (tick) and trail maintenance (tick) prior to the race, they do the rest!

We are looking forward to working with them to progress (and grow) mountain bike events in our area.

Visit the web page to read about the many events they already run.
https://rockytrailentertainment.com/

Separately, while the restrictions around social gathering remains in place, the club has suspended all events and social rides at this point. But rest assured, we are closely watching Government Restrictions and the moment they lift we will get straight back into planning events and social rides.

Bainsey
GMTB President