“The ride itself sold out this year and about two months ahead of the event, so it’s popularity has grown not only because last year worked out really well and the conditions were great but there have been a few closures of similar rides,” Lonergan said.

“More and more riding areas close so more and more people come here, which is good for us in some ways but it’s bad in that it implies there’s not enough other big rides and events going on. There is a big demand for it but there’s not enough places to go.”

The untimed and non-competitive event is based on a narrow, tight trail that winds through the picturesque woods of Kowen Forest, just outside of Queanbeyan. The terrain poses a safe challenge to the hundreds of riders that navigate its path, and Lonergan cited the secure nature of the track as a major drawcard for local and interstate riders.

“From a dirt bike riders perspective, there’s a number of benefits because it’s largely fenced off and you don’t have to be as worried about other vehicles, although there is always the risk of mountain bikers and crazy bushwalkers jumping over fences,” he said.

“But generally it’s one of those rides that is exceptionally close to town while also being enclosed in a huge area, so it’s beneficial to Canberra and Queanbeyan by being ten minutes from town but remaining remote in it’s style and nature,” he said.  

“Some of the pines out there are now 30 years old, so there’s tall trees and there’s literally all environments from steep hills, gullies, creeks, all the things you kind of want, all ten minutes away in an enclosed area.”