In recent years, seven Transmoto Enduro Events have been staged across three states of Australia’s eastern seaboard. Even though these events don’t constitute a series, you’re welcome to race all seven (which is what a couple of super-committed teams did in 2019). In reality, though, most riders will earmark one or two – or even three – events for the year.
So, how do you go about targeting the event(s) best suited to you? Well, there’s the obvious considerations: an event’s proximity to your home, feedback from entrants who’ve previously ridden the venue, and the background information about each location on the Transmoto Events website. But how do you get a sense of each event’s unique offering and flavour? Here’s a cheat sheet for each epic location…
8-HOUR @ COFFS HARBOUR (NSW)
Coffs Harbour and its hinterland townships of Ulong and Dorrigo have long been notorious riding destinations for off-road fanatics in Oz, and for damn good reason. The region’s fertile soil and generous rainfall virtually guarantees tacky forest trails and some of the most mouth-watering grasstrack this side of Augusta Golf Course! Speaking of grasstrack, it typically makes up about 70% of the race loop for the Coffs 8-Hour. Think Steve McQueen in The Great Escape, only more epic and with a bunch of your mates there to share the stoke. Yep, the stuff of loamy dreams!
For more info, click here.
8-HOUR @ CLARENCE VALLEY (NSW)
Imagine a pristine 3000-acre patch of prime private property with an abundance of rolling green grass hills and a solid mix of firetrail and singletrack. Well, that’s the tantalising reality on offer for anyone who signs up for the inaugural Transmoto 8-Hour to be held near the small farming community at Upper Fine Flower in the Clarence Valley. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Grafton and three-and-a-half hours from the Gold Coast, and promises to be one helluva addition to Transmoto’s Enduro Event calendar.
For more info, click here.
8-HOUR @ STROUD (NSW)
Not far out of Stroud, in a little valley called Gunns Gully, sits a picturesque 1300-acre parcel of prime countryside – a working cattle property that’s been home to the event since 2015. And ever since, its custom-built 15km loop has offered riders an intoxicating blend of gum-lined trails and undulating grasstrack, with 360-degree views that stretch for miles. It’s Transmoto’s second longest-running event and never fails to dish up challenging conditions and an epic atmosphere.
For more info, click here.
12-HOUR @ BATEMANS BAY (NSW)
Not only is the Transmoto 12-Hour the longest, toughest event on the calendar; it’s also the flagship. And that’s why it’s the most sought-after and traditionally sells out overnight. No doubt, the 2020 12-Hour – the 10th running of the event – will be no different. With a 12-16km loop that includes flowing singletrail, undulating grasstrack, tricky creek crossings and a few decent hills, the course is designed to offer something for everyone, without being overly technical. And with its huge grassy pit paddock just a short walk from a cleansing swim in the pristine Buckenbowra River, the camping experience is as good as it gets. So if you and your teammates are up for the ultimate challenge, then you’d better sign yourself up as a Transmoto Tribe member and guaranteed yourself a coveted entry.
For more info, click here.
6-HOUR @ NABIAC (NSW)
Taking advantage on the rich, dark, sandy soil of the Wallamba Valley, just three hours’ drive north of Sydney, Nabiac’s race loop develops plenty of sandy whoops and big rollers as it meanders through low-lying coastal bushland. It may ‘only’ be a 6-Hour, but it’s probably the most physically demanding track on the calendar, and one of the most rewarding to conquer (hence Nabiac’s “We’ll bring the sand, you bring the concrete” slogan). Plus it’s a novelty to set up your pit and campsite around what was an RAAF airstrip used during WWII. While you’re in town, check out the fascinating National Motorcycle Museum and/or grab a wave at the nearby quality breaks around Forster/Tuncurry.
For more info, click here.
6-HOUR @ CONONDALE (Qld)
Based out of the legendary Green Park in Queensland, the race loop incorporates sections of the world-famous natural terrain motocross track, coupled with a trail loop that includes a few creek crossings, lush rainforest, and flowing bush tracks cut into the surrounding hillsides. Nestled in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, with a pristine creek bordering the pit paddock, it’s arguably the most picturesque location on the calendar. So if you like the idea of ripping into the hallowed turf of an iconic venue you’ve long heard about, this one’s for you.
For more info, click here.
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8-HOUR @ WANGARATTA (Vic)
If you fancy the idea of big, fast, undulating, wide open riding terrain with expansive vistas of the Victorian High Country’s snow-capped mountains, then the Transmoto 8-Hour at Wangaratta is going to be right up your alley. Currently the only Transmoto Enduro Event held in Victoria, it’s just 250km northeast of Melbourne, and based in a region that’s best known as the home of Ned Kelly, and for its spectacular scenery, historic cathedrals and gold mines, classic old pubs, and world-class gourmet food, wine and craft beer.
For more info, click here.