Overview
The following information is constantly being reviewed and updated in the lead up to the event.
Event Format
Smith Optics Enduro Format
10 Epic Stages Over 2 Days With Scheduled Starts & 1 Run Per Track
The Smith Optics Gravity Enduro promises to be Australia’s Biggest Gravity Enduro Event of 2025!
- 10 seperate stages on Mogo Trails most challenging, black and double black trails
- Racing starts at 8:00am in category waves
- Dedicated start times for each rider
- Racing is spread over Saturday & Sunday with 5 stages to complete on each day
- Course maps will only be published 24 hours prior to the event
- All 10 stages must be completed with one run on each track only
- Start and finish each day from the festival venue at Hanging Rock
- Penalties for riders that don’t make their allotted stage start times
All riders must wear suitable Australian Standards body protection including a full face helmet, knee & elbow pads.
Venue
Sea Otter Australia Festival & Expo
Hanging Rock Pl, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Parking
Please follow the directions of event staff upon arrival at the venue.
Schedule
Smith Optics Enduro
| Saturday 24th OCT | TIME |
|---|---|
| Registration Open | 7:30 AM |
| Category Wave Starts – Riders will be allocated a specific start time for each day from the event hub, and for each stage of the day | Starting 8:00 AM |
| Event Finish – Hanging Rock | 2:00 PM |
| Sunday 25th OCT | TIME |
|---|---|
| Category Wave Starts – Riders will be allocated a specific start time for each day from the event hub, and for each stage of the day | Starting 8:00 AM |
| Event Finish – Hanging Rock | 2:00 PM |
| Presentations Main Stage | 2:30 PM |
Entry Fees
Smith Optics Enduro
For a complete list of all of the age group categories click here
| Entry | Release 1 | Release 2 | Release 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior – U13-U19 | $199 | $219 | $239 |
| Adult – Expert, Elite & Masters | $219 | $239 | $259 |
| Ebike – Open & Masters | $219 | $239 | $259 |
| Hardtail – Open | $219 | $239 | $259 |
| Female & Male | 16 Mar – 31 May | 1 Jun – 30 Sep | 1 Oct |
Age groups are automatically assigned during the registration process based on your year of birth.
Event Categories
Smith Optics Enduro Categories
Your Age group will automatically be assigned during the registration process based on your Year of Birth.
| Age Group Categories – Female & Male | Age |
|---|---|
| Junior U17* | 15-16 |
| Junior U19 | 17-18 |
| Elite (19+) | 19+ |
| Expert (19+) | 19+ |
| Veteran (30+) | 30-39 |
| Master (40+) | 40-49 |
| Supermaster (50+) | 50-59 |
| Grandmaster (60+) | 60+ |
| Hardtail | 19+ |
*Riders must be 15 on or prior to 31st December 2026
Ebike Categories
| Age Group Categories – Female & Male | Age |
|---|---|
| Open | 19-39** |
| Master (40+) | 40-49 |
| Supermaster (50+) | 50+ |
**Juniors under the age of 19 are not permitted in the ebike category unless given special dispensation from the race director.
Course Signage
Detailed information on the course signage will be updated here shortly
Course Map
Smith Optics Gravity Enduro Course Map
Tracks Used:
The Smith Enduro is a challenging event, inspired by the European and North American Gravity Enduro races. The track map and stage names will be revealed in the Festival week for added thril.
Event Rules
Smith Optics Enduro rules
The following rules are specific to this event and are in addition to our General Event Rules which can be seen here
The Smith Optics Enduro, which is the 2-day format generally operates under the rules of AusCycling and UCI :
General Format and Structure
- Duration: 2 days of racing.
- Special Stages (Timed Stages): 5 special stages must be completed each day (a total of 10 stages over the two days for the full “10 Stage, 2 Day Epic” event).
- Total Time: The winner is the rider with the lowest cumulative time from all 10 Special Stages.
- Mandatory Order: Stages must be completed in sequential order as set out by the race organiser (as is standard for this competitive “Enduro” format, contrasting with “Superflow”).
Start Times and Timing
- Enforced Start Times: Riders will be allocated a specific start time for each day, and for each stage of the day. Riders must stick to the posted schedule for liaisons and stage starts to avoid penalties or disqualification.
- Stage Start: Riders should present to the race official at the start of each stage at least 1min prior to their posted start time. The rider must start the stage on the instruction of the start marshal who will provide a brief countdown (“5,4,3,2,1, Go”).
- Penalties: Riders who fail to report to the race official before their scheduled start time will receive a penalty time based on the below scale:
| Lateness | Penalty |
| Less than 5 minute | 60sec |
| 5 min to 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Greater than 15min | Disqualification |
- Riders who are late to a stage must make it to the next stage by their scheduled start time for that stage or receive another penalty
On-Course Regulations
- Self-Powered: The entire course, including liaison and special stages, must be completed under the rider’s and bike’s own power. No shuttling or towing is permitted during the event.
- Course Marking: The course will be clearly marked with arrows, bunting tape, flags, and signs.
- No Shortcutting: Riders must not take shortcuts or ride outside the marked course (bunting). If a rider leaves the track, they must re-enter at the same point before continuing. Penalties (time or disqualification) apply for shortcutting.
- Passing: Be courteous. A faster rider should politely call out, e.g., “rider when ready” or “passing on your [side].” The slower rider must move aside safely as soon as possible. Unsafe passing can lead to disqualification.
- Assistance:
- External Assistance is NOT permitted on race or liaison stages (e.g., getting a lift or having a mechanic outside of designated zones).
- Rider-to-Rider assistance is encouraged (e.g., help with mechanical issues or first aid).
- Helping Injured Riders: If a rider stops to help an injured competitor, they should stay with the injured rider until help arrives. Once the injured rider receives assistance the helping rider must pass the finish beacon of the current stage, notify the marshal, and they will be granted a re-run of the stage.
- Neutral Hydration Station: One Neutral Hydration Station will be provided on the course. This is the only official on-course resupply point. Riders must be self-sufficient otherwise and carry enough food and water for the full course.
Equipment and Safety (Mandatory)
- Helmet: A helmet (approved by Australian Standards or an international equivalent) must be worn at all times while riding a bicycle.
- Full-Face Helmet (fixed or detachable chin piece) is mandatory for all Special/Timed Stages.
- Other Protective Gear:
- Knee Pads must be worn on all Special Stages (knees must be covered).
- Gloves are recommended for all riders, and mandatory for U17 and younger categories.
- Elbow Pads are mandatory for U17 and younger categories.
- Bikes: Only one bike can be used for the entire event. The frame, fork, and wheel rims cannot be changed. The bike must be in perfect, safe working order. Repairs are allowed during the event, but no extra time is granted.
- Race Plate: Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars. Race plates contain the timing chip and must not be cut or folded to ensure the timing chip works.
General Rules
Rules applying to all events
- No garbage policy: please don’t litter out on the track. We will penalise you if we see you do it.
- No cheating policy: you must follow the track as set out by the event director, even if bunting has been removed, broken or you unintentionally leave the trail. The track will be clearly marked with arrows, bunting tape, flags and signs. If we see you cheating we will penalise you.
- Rider down procedure – probably the most important rule of all: if you come to an accident out on the track you MUST stop and make sure the rider is ok. If he/she is not, stay with him/her and send the next rider straight back to the event centre to let us know what happened. If you lose time while helping an injured rider we will adjust your lap time at the end of the race.
- If a race is deemed unsafe because of storm, rain, fire etc we will pause it, assess the situation and if possible restart it again later.
- Passing: being friendly out on the track goes a long way. Let the rider you are about to pass know when and on which side. E.g. “rider coming up, passing on your right when you are ready”. Then say thanks and keep on smashing it. If you are riding in a train let the rider in front know how many people will pass him/her. If you are being passed find the next best place to move to the side and let them pass.
- Race numbers must be displayed on the handlebars of the bicycle. The number plate must be readable, so it must be fastened as flat as possible. Altering, cutting or placing of unauthorised sponsors’ logos on numbers is not permitted. You can keep your number plate as a memento of your race.
- Riders must register before they will be allowed to practice.
- All riders must wear a bike helmet that has been authorised by Australian Standards (or approved international standard) at all times when riding and racing. You will be required to wear fully enclosed foot wear and gloves are recommended.
- You must be present or represented at the ceremony at the end of the race to claim your trophy.
- Minimum ages are indicated on each events category table – exceptions are possible but need to be approved by the race director.
- All riders must agree to a Race Waiver when they sign up online or at the race on-site
- Individual event rules may be updated prior to the commencement of that event. Changes will be communicated in rider briefings sent to athletes prior to starting.
- It is the athletes responsibility to read and understand all rules applicable to their events, prior to starting.