Collie to host Mountain Biking Marathon on August 7 and 8

Over two days, bikers will enjoy a two-day mountain biking adventure through Collie's Arklow Forrest and the Wellington National Park.

The Synergy Collie River Ramble will kick off in Collie at 8am on August 7 with trails consisting of 35, 50 and 70 kilometres.

Riders can then partake in the Collie River Ramble at the National Park on August 8 for 60 kilometres of trails.

Cross-Country Marathon Ambassador Brooke Scott said she had been riding for five years since beginning the sport as a hobby activity to enjoy with her family.

2021 marks the third year Scott will compete in the Marathon, in the 70 kilometre, Elite A-grade division.

"Mountain biking is getting really big in the South West. It's a different level of exercise and a great way to be social. I love it," Scott said.

Scott is the current top three in the 2021 Women Western Australia Cross-Country Marathon State Series.

She said she begun racing both for the social aspect and for the adrenaline rush.

"The adrenaline on a mountain bike track is nothing else. It's just being able to ride out in mother nature. You see things that you'll never see in a car or when you're walking and it's just amazing. The adrenaline of going fast down hill through the bush is really cool also."

Collie Mountain Bike Club member and Crank'n Cycles owner Erik Mellegers said the Collie River Valley Mountain Biking Marathon was one for the whole family to enjoy.

"We've been working on building the profile of mountain biking in Collie for the past 10 years. In the last couple of years, the state government and the Parks and Wildlife service has committed over $10 million to mountain biking and walking trails in the region."

The event on Saturday, August 7 will include the three races, as well as various social rides, community markets, live entertainment, food vans and attractions for the whole family.

With over 500 riders, Mellegers said riders on the 35 and 50 kilometre trails will ride to challenge themselves, whilst the 70 kilometre trail is part of the State Mountain Bike Marathon Series.

"Points will be up for grabs in the State Series as well as trophies and prizes for different age groups."

Rider registers are still open and will close the week prior to the event.

Mellegers said if a rider was keen to challenge themselves, they should come to the Marathon in what was going to be a great day.

"If people haven't been to Collie for a couple of years, then this is a great opportunity to come and have a look at the mountain bikers and enjoy the events on the day. It is open for the whole family to enjoy."

For more information and to register, visit the event Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/collierivermtb/.