Just 250km northeast of Melbourne sits the picturesque township of Wangaratta, based in a region that best known as the home of the Ned Kelly, spectacular scenery, cycling, historic cathedrals and gold mines, classic old pubs and world-class gourmet food, wine and craft beer. But if you’re into dirt bikes, Wangaratta is also a riding heaven; a town at the confluence of the Ovens and King rivers, which drain the northwestern slopes of the Victorian Alps and create prime riding conditions for much of the year. And that’s exactly why the Victorian stop on Transmoto’s seven-event 2019 calendar has been shifted to this legendary slice of well-watered terra firma in the northeast of Victoria.

This year’s inaugural Transmoto 8-Hour at Wangaratta will be staged on 3000-acre private property situated between Wangaratta and Bright; a property that boasts a mouthwatering combination of bush trails, technical hills and undulating grasstrack, with the Victorian High Country’s snow- capped Mount Beauty, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham peaks serving as an
eye-catching backdrop.

According to Trevor Genby, the course builder from the Alpine Motorcycle Club, “It’s going to be a great course for intermediate riders and up, with a good mix of flowing enduro riding and a few technical sections, with chicken routes to ensure no one gets stuck. We want everyone to enjoy the track, have fun, and leave this inaugural 8-Hour weekend at Wangaratta with big smiles on their faces.”

The Wangaratta region is rich in wine and hops and there’s a range of craft breweries, wineries and pubs all within a stone’s throw of the 8-Hour’s venue, so be sure to book a few days either side of the event to soak up the local flavours, sights and sounds.