The Willo Mountain Bike Marathon

• rockytrailentertainment.com/events/the-willo
• 29 Mar 2026
• 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

At a Glance: The Event Snapshot

The Willo Mountain Bike Marathon is the South Coast’s premier celebration of off-road cycling, blending adrenaline-pumping single-track racing with the laid-back coastal charm of the Shoalhaven region. It’s the ultimate excuse to swap the city grind for a weekend of thrilling dirt trails, towering eucalyptus forests, and post-race recovery in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay.

Introduction

There is a distinct, intoxicating magic that settles over the South Coast of New South Wales when autumn rolls in. The crisp, salty air drifting off the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea suddenly mingles with the earthy, sun-baked scent of the Australian bush. This is the sensory backdrop to one of the most anticipated sporting weekends on the regional calendar: The Willo Mountain Bike Marathon.

For a few thrilling days, the quiet hum of our coastal paradise is replaced by the vibrant energy of hundreds of mountain bikers, the satisfying crunch of thick tires on gravel, and the infectious buzz of community spirit. But this event is about so much more than what happens between the start and finish lines. It’s about the holistic South Coast experience. After conquering the morning race—navigating the rugged, flowing tracks under a canopy of ancient gum trees—imagine kicking off your cleats and cooling your tired muscles in the gentle waves of Hyams Beach, home to the world’s whitest sands.

Whether you are loading up the SUV in Sydney, racking your bikes for the scenic descent from Canberra, or road-tripping across regional NSW, The Willo represents the perfect fusion of high-octane sport and ultimate relaxation. It is an invitation to test your limits in the forest, and then completely surrender to the tranquility of the coast. For those looking to make the most of the weekend, securing the perfect local basecamp is the secret to an unforgettable race-cation.

The Deep Dive: The Willo Mountain Bike Marathon

History & Heart: Riding for a Legacy

The Willo isn’t just a race; it is a profoundly moving tribute. Founded in memory of James “Willo” Williamson, the late Australian National XCM Champion who tragically passed away over a decade ago, this event embodies the very best of the mountain biking community. James was a fiercely talented rider from the Southern Highlands, but more importantly, he was known for his warmth, camaraderie, and pure love for the sport. Today, managed by the passionate team at Rocky Trail Entertainment, the marathon is a living, breathing celebration of his legacy. Every rider who crosses the finish line keeps Willo’s spirit alive, surrounded by an atmosphere that is uniquely relaxed, supportive, and fiercely friendly.

What to Expect: A Sensory Walk-Through

If you’ve never stood at the start line of a Rocky Trail Entertainment event, you are in for an electrifying experience. The visual vibrancy alone is enough to get your heart rate up. Picture dozens of riders, lined up wheel-to-wheel on a wide dirt fire road, framed by towering, majestic eucalyptus trees that filter the golden morning light. The iconic Rocky Trail event tents flap gently in the breeze, serving as the beating heart of the race village.

The air is thick with anticipation, the smell of chain lube, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed espresso from local coffee vans. As the starting horn blasts, the pack surges forward, a kaleidoscope of bright jerseys disappearing into the lush, green embrace of the Coondoo, Superbowl, and Butterfly trail networks. Back at the race village, the vibe remains high all day. Local food trucks serve up hot, hearty meals, upbeat music keeps the spectators energized, and spontaneous cheers erupt as dust-covered riders cross the finish line, exhausted but wearing ear-to-ear grins.

Who It’s For

For Families: Rocky Trail Entertainment has gone out of its way to foster the next generation of riders. With dedicated 12km and 15km junior short-courses that safely divert away from major road crossings, kids can experience the thrill of racing in a fully supported environment. Meanwhile, the race village offers a safe, grassy area for toddlers and non-racing partners to picnic and cheer.

For Solo Adventurers & Elite Athletes: If you are here to test your mettle, the epic 80km (3-lap) and 60km (2-lap) classifications offer a brutal but beautiful test of endurance. You’ll be riding alongside national champions and seasoned endurance junkies, battling steep, technical climbs and lightning-fast descents.

For Couples: The 40km “Adventure” loop is the perfect distance for active couples. You can ride at a conversational pace, push each other on the climbs, and cross the finish line together before immediately pivoting to holiday mode—swapping sports drinks for local craft beers.

The Local Insider’s Edge

To truly conquer The Willo like a local, you need more than just strong legs and a well-tuned bike. Here are the insider secrets to elevate your race weekend:

• The Packet Pickup Party: Don’t wait until Sunday morning to grab your race plate. Registration is typically held on Saturday afternoon at the Jervis Bay Brewing Co. in Huskisson. It’s the perfect excuse to mingle with fellow riders, grab your gear early, and enjoy a discounted local craft beer and a burger from the 5 Little Pigs food truck.

• Self-Seeding Strategy: The race utilizes a self-seeding start. Be honest with your pace! If you are aiming for a podium, get to the grid early to secure your spot near the front. If you are here for a good time, not a fast time, hang near the back to avoid the initial sprint chaos and enjoy the scenery.

• Weather & Packing: Autumn on the South Coast is famous for its “Goldilocks” weather—not too hot, not too cold. However, early mornings in the State Forest can be surprisingly crisp. Pack a lightweight, packable windbreaker for the start line, but expect to be in short sleeves by your second lap as the daytime temperatures climb into the pleasant low-to-mid 20s (°C). Don’t forget your boardshorts and a thick beach towel for post-race recovery.

• Photography Spots: Want that perfect Instagram shot? Have your support crew hike up to the “KOM/QOM” (King/Queen of the Mountain) climb segment. It’s where riders are working the hardest, making for spectacular, gritty action shots. Alternatively, the starting grid under the towering gums offers a breathtaking, wide-angle perspective of the event’s scale.

Stay with Experience Jervis Bay

When you are pushing your body to the limit on the trails, your accommodation shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be your sanctuary. Experience Jervis Bay is your local matchmaking expert, pairing race participants and spectators with the ultimate holiday rentals to ensure you recover in luxury.

Forget cramped hotel rooms where you have to sleep next to a muddy mountain bike. Our portfolio of private properties is designed to cater to the specific needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

The “Perfect Match” Recommendations

For the Racing Family:

Traveling with kids, bikes, and a mountain of gear requires space. We recommend our spacious, family-friendly homes featuring large, fully enclosed backyards. The kids can safely burn off any remaining energy, and many of these properties are proudly pet-friendly, meaning your four-legged cheerleader doesn’t have to stay home. Look for homes with expansive, fully equipped kitchens—perfect for cooking up a massive, carb-heavy pasta dinner on Saturday night to fuel the whole team.

For the Active Couple:

If this race is part of a romantic, active getaway, our intimate beachfront studios and coastal cottages in Huskisson or Vincentia are calling your name. Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean, enjoying a pre-race coffee on a sun-drenched, sunset-view balcony, and returning after the marathon to soak in a deep, hot bath before walking to a local waterfront restaurant for dinner.

For Groups and Elite Athletes:

Got a squad of mates coming down for the race? You need logistics handled. Experience Jervis Bay offers large-capacity properties specifically suited for athletes. We’re talking secure, lock-up garages to safely store thousands of dollars worth of mountain bikes overnight. We prioritize homes with outdoor hoses to easily wash down muddy gear, on-site laundry facilities to handle sweaty race kits, and multiple bathrooms so no one is left waiting for a hot shower when the post-race chills set in.

Beyond the Event: The “Long Weekend” Itinerary

Don’t make the mistake of driving down just for the race and rushing back. Turn The Willo into a true coastal escape by extending your stay to a 3-night long weekend. This not only allows you to fully experience the magic of the Shoalhaven, but it critically helps you beat the dreaded Sunday afternoon Princes Highway traffic back to Sydney or Canberra.

• Friday: Arrive mid-afternoon, check into your Experience Jervis Bay property, and drop your bags. Head straight to Huskisson for packet pickup at Jervis Bay Brewing Co. Grab a beer, soak up the pre-race atmosphere, and carb-load with a wood-fired pizza.

• Saturday (Rest & Prep Day): Keep the legs fresh! Take a gentle, flat stroll along the White Sands Walk, or book a morning Dolphin Cruise out on the calm waters of the bay. Spend the afternoon prepping your bike in the garage of your rental, followed by an early dinner at home.

• Sunday (Race Day): Hit the dirt! Spend the day tearing through the Coondoo State Forest. After the podium presentations, grab your finisher’s beer, head back to your rental for a hot shower, and treat yourself to a celebratory dinner at the Huskisson Hotel overlooking the water.

• Monday (Recovery): Sleep in. You’ve earned it. Head to 5 Little Pigs for a hearty recovery breakfast and a strong coffee before taking a final, restorative plunge in the ocean at Booderee National Park. Drive home relaxed and traffic-free.

Practical & Technical Info

• Getting There: The race village at Coondoo State Forest is highly accessible. It is approximately a 2.5-hour drive south of Sydney and a 2.5-hour drive east of Canberra.

• Parking & Accessibility: Ample dirt parking is available right at the race village in the State Forest. Follow the Rocky Trail signs off the main road. The main event village is generally flat and accessible for spectators, though navigating dirt paths is required.

• Race Facilities: Dedicated First Aid crews, roaming marshals, water stations (bring your own bottles to fill), and neutral technical assistance zones are available on-site.

• Registration & Ticket Links: Don’t miss out on your spot on the starting grid. Secure your entry directly through the event organizers. Register for The Willo Mountain Bike Marathon at Rocky Trail Entertainment here.