Odyssey Overview

2024 EVENT PROGRAM

The official Event Program for the 2024 Otway Odyssey and Great Otway Gravel Grind is ready! It contains everything you need to know about the event weekend including a confirmed schedule, course details, parking, fun stuff and much more!

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE ODYSSEY…

  • epic single track – kilometre after kilometre of flowing trails
  • the whole event atmosphere as riders take over the little town of Forrest
  • the lung busting climbs
  • the blitzing descents
  • the vibe in the race chute on the Forrest Footy Ground
  • the sense of satisfaction as you cross the finish line
  • $8,300 cash prize pool for 100km

… it’s easy to see why the Otway Odyssey has a reputation as Australia’s most respected mountain bike marathon – one location, one weekend, there’s something for everyone!

Everything was spot on… I loved the hand built log climbs, the hilly climbs and of course my favourite, Red Carpet. Tough course, but that’s what we are there for! – STEVE, 2022 Odyssey rider.

“This really is a mountain biker’s marathon with all the sick single track!” – PETA MULLENS (5 x Odyssey winner | 2 x Great Ocean Gravel Grind winner | former Australian Road Cyclist Champion)

EVENT DETAILS OVERVIEW

Rapid Ascent is excited to see all MTB course distances ready for action in 2024 including the continuation of the Odyssey Angel’s program as we head into the events’ 18th year!

Date: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th February 2024
Location: Forrest, Otway National Park, Victoria
Race formats:

Start: All races: Forrest Football Ground, Forrest
Finish: Forrest Football Ground, Forrest, amidst a massive bike, food and entertainment expo
Cash prize pool
Entries Open: Click HERE to Enter
Entry Fees: Click Here

Note: The Great Otway Gravel Grind (GOGG) is also held in conjunction with the Odyssey, on Sunday 25 February 2024. View Details Here  

“This event was superb. The scenery and trails are first rate and the whole area is spectacular. Race organisation was excellent. It’s a very inclusive event. I’m a 56 year old grandma novice and I had so much fun.” – Angela Johnson, 2020 Odyssey rider

5 years I have completed and slowly improved each time… the tracks at Forrest are some of the best in Victoria; I never get tired of the view and scenery…esp after you wipe the sweat away! – WARREN HARDING, 2021 Odyssey rider.

RACE SUMMARIES

100KM OTWAY ODYSSEY

The 100km Otway Odyssey has a solid reputation… it is the ultimate mountain bike marathon – a heroic MTB journey through a range of wild landscapes and cranking single track in Forrest. THIS IS WHERE LEGENDS AER FORGED

Starting and finishing in Forrest, 2024 delivers another GREAT COURSE that laps up the sweet single track with long flow sections, pulverising climbs and awesome descents. A race not to be missed for die-hard mountain bikers!

The 100km Otway Odyssey is equally renowned for three things:

  1. as one of the toughest marathons in Australia – includes a number of lung busting hills as you climb to the very top of the Otway Ranges;
  2. for the quantity and quality of the single track included; and
  3. for the spirit and atmosphere at the Forrest Football Ground which competitors pass through during the race – great for spectators!

“This was a tough race and I loved every moment of it! There is something special about racing mountain bikes in this amazing location.” Stewart, M (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 100km Odyssey rider)

50KM SHORTY

Starts and finishes in Forrest and races over some of the best trails Forrest has in the area – a great hitout.

The 50km race is one of the most popular mid-distance races in Australia with a large field conquering this spectacular course each year. The 50km Shorty is designed to be enjoyable and achievable for riders of all abilities as it includes an incredible mix of single track, bite sized hills and superb race atmosphere in a half distance challenge.

30KM ROOKIE

The 30km Rookie is designed for novice mountain bikers, first time racers or capable junior riders who are looking for a race to match their skills and help them set up to bigger challenges. 

The event will once again be held on Sunday 25 February to reduce any congestion with other Odyssey races on that Saturday, and provide more of your OWN course, atmosphere and race experience.

This is a 30km race that’s designed for MTB newcomers and capable young riders who want to get into the sport but are not ready to commit to a full 50km. This event utilises much of the popular Forrest single track but cuts out the lung busting hills, and is designed to be more accessible for those who may be doing one of their first mountain bike races.

2024 will see the continued support and encouragement towards female MTB riders with the Odyssey Angels program which was introduced in 2018 to create a less intimidating environment for female riders with features such as separate men’s and women’s race starts.

“First ever MTB Race, what an amazing achievement! Amazing atmosphere and well organised! Don’t hesitate, just do it!” – Tyra Milgate, 2021 Odyssey rider and first time participant

Thanks to Gear up Cycling for their Support – Gear Up Cycling is a top tier mountain bike coaching business helping riders reach their full potential in a fun, positive and most importantly, safe learning environment.  A range of coaching programs are offered for all ages and skill levels, including: 1:1 coaching and custom group sessions. These are run across the Melbourne and Geelong regions. It’s time to start owning the trail! 

10KM PIONEER

A fun event designed for young mountain bikers, to give them a taste of the action.

The Otway Pioneer is designed for kids and junior riders and will provide you with a taste of the thrills and spills of this fantastic sport. The course includes a steady mix of 4WD tracks, swooping single track, rainforest, roads and country scenery. It’s a loop that gives kids the chance to develop their riding skills and non riders the chance to have a bit of fun.

GROMMETS

A fun ride and activities at the Forrest Footy Ground (Event Expo area) for little kids on pedal bikes and balance bikes – best for kids aged 3-8yrs.

We love seeing kids on bikes and want to encourage them to enjoy the sport and have fun on their bikes! The Grommets Ride will include a range of activities for kids like bike limbo, slow races, ride the plank and more; and is based around fun and not competition. 

Want to know more about riding at Forrest?

If you want to learn more about riding in and around Forrest visit www.visitotways.com – with details on the tracks, the township and region and what kind of riding you can expect in the area. 

2023 race highlights video