Australian mountain bike clubs race for fire relief

Mountain bike clubs in the fire-ravaged Australian state of Victoria have banded together to run a fund-raising race day on Sunday, February 15 at the You Yangs Mountain Bike Park. All entry fees and donations from the six-hour enduro and Super D downhill will go to the Bush Fire Relief Fund.

In the last several days uncontrollable bushfires have destroyed entire towns in Victoria, leaving over 180 dead, 750 homes razed and causing thousands to be evacuated. The affected areas include some of Victoria's best riding and the Victorian mountain bike community has strong links with the people who live in the region.

A round of the Hard Day At The Office eight-hour series was scheduled for this weekend, but has been cancelled because of fire damage to the Eildon venue. The fund-raiser replaces that race and is a chance for riders to "give back to all the communities who have helped us run races," says Jodie Clausen of the Geelong Mountain bike Club.

As well as the Geelong club, the fund-raising race is being promoted by Victoria's Fat Tyre Flyers, Rocky Riders, Bendigo Mountain Bike Club, Team Mount Beauty, Beechworth Chain Gang, Dirt Riders and Club Mud.

For more information and entry details, see the Big Hill Events website.