From Couch to Cape

Mountain biking is fast becoming one of the South West’s most popular activities, and thanks to a growing network of purpose-built trails weaving through the region’s breathtaking backdrops, it’s not hard to see why. But you don’t have to be a serious athlete to give it a go. More and more people are discovering just how fun, social and rewarding riding can be.

One of the best ways to experience it all is the iconic Cape to Cape MTB (Mountain Bike). The event is a four-day adventure that starts at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta and courses through a network of trails along the coast, forest and bush, ending in Cape Naturaliste in Dunsborough. What started as a field race with about 100 riders, is now Australasia’s largest and longest-running multistage endurance race. But don’t get caught up in big words; the ride is much more about the experience than a time stopwatch.

Each stage finishes conveniently (and strategically) close to a brewery or winery, and the casual camaraderie with fellow riders offers a ride that is more about the journey than the destination.

Hero image by Daniela Tommasi.

Cape to Cape MTB takes riders through the region's forests. Image: Daniela Tommasi

Just ask Emily Hayes, a 19-year-old university student from Perth, who, with zero mountain bike riding experience, is getting on the bike for the first time to take part in the Cape to Cape MTB. Documenting her experience, dubbed ‘Couch to Cape’, from start to finish, Emily is proving just how much fun and accessible getting on the trails is.

I never realised how big the sport was, but I am absolutely loving it and so surprised by how quickly I am picking it up. My confidence on the bike has grown so much just between my first and second ride.

What was also surprising to Emily at first was just how inclusive the mountain biking community is. Participating in a training clinic as part of her preparation, she was blown away by just how many women of all ages were giving it a go – and succeeding.

But Emily’s biggest takeaway so far is just how enthusiastic her new mountain biking mates are. “Everyone is so encouraging and willing to help one another. There is no pressure from experienced riders; they’re more than happy to share the trails and their tips with you.”

With zero mountain bike riding experience, Emily will take part in this year's Cape to Cape MTB. Image: Supplied

Whether you’re a first-timer or just haven’t been on a bike in years, the mountain biking community proves that there’s a place for everyone on the trails. As Emily puts it, “Just get out of your comfort zone and give it a go. It’s so much fun to support each other and there are so many people out there, each at different levels.”

The Cape to Cape MTB takes place from 16 to 19 October. For more information and to register for future rides, head to capetocapemtb.com

Get on the trails

Ready for a piece of the Cape to Cape MTB action? The region is home to three distinctive trail areas, each catering to a different level of rider, with a mix of green for beginners, blue for intermediate, and a few black trails dedicated to the advanced.

The Margaret River Trails are generally grouped into three areas totalling nearly 65 kilometres of single-track trails. For any service, new or hire equipment or just a few friendly tips, the teams at The Hairy Marron, Burnside Bikes or Life Cycle Bikes are more than happy to help.

The Middle Earth Trail forms stage three of the Cape to Cape MTB. Image: Daniela Tommasi

The Return of the Jedi Trails are cruisy, beginner-friendly green trails through a brilliant natural bush setting. Best ridden in the Springtime to see wildflowers at their most abundant.

The Wooditjup Trails are professionally designed and curated trails that range from beginner-friendly green trails to dedicated black jump lines. These trails are all about flow, with each trail running smoothly into the next and more difficult track.

The Creek Trails are all blue trails and some of the more advanced of the lot. You might sometimes hear them referred to as the ‘old-school’ trails. These include technical rocky descents, log runs, and steep drops. There are plenty of beautiful nooks to stop along the river for a quick break or even a swim.

The Middle Earth Trail and stage three of the Cape to Cape MTB is a fan favourite and a rite of passage for any mountain biker headed to the region. It is a 24 kilometre cross-country style track designed to test a rider’s technical skills.

The Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park aka, Meelup Trails, features 25 kilometres of technical and rocky trails, with the majority a twisting single track and the rest fire access tracks. A $5 access fee at the Dunsborough & Districts Country Club will get you onto the trails, and if you’re in need of any equipment or hire, head to the Bike Shed Dunsborough.

Go with the pros

Not quite sure where to start? On Track Mountain Biking, Margaret River Adventure Co and Margaret River Mountain Bike Tours offer guided experiences from beginner-friendly bush rides to more technical trail adventures. They’ll provide the gear and guidance while showing you the best tracks and views.