MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST HEADED TO CRESCENT HEAD JUNE 2021

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Crescent Head, located on the Macleay Valley Coast, has been announced as the official start and finish location for the 2021 edition of the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race. 

Over 500 competitors along with their support crews, family and friends from around the country will attend the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race from 11 to 14th June 2021. 

The race is held annually on the weekend of the Queen’s Birthday in June. The location of the course is moved each year to a different area to pose exciting new challenges for competitors. 

This year’s location of choice, Crescent Head, is a 4.5hr drive from Sydney and located just 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie. 

Located just off the beaten path of the Pacific Highway, Crescent Head is a village characterised by the rich surfing culture that runs deep in its veins. The entire Macleay Valley Coast in which it sits features rugged coastlines, pristine waterways and a stunning hinterland, making it the perfect backdrop for a spectacular 48hr adventure. 

Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Liz Campbell, said she is thrilled that Crescent Head has been selected as the start and finish location for this event. 

“It’s just wonderful the Macleay Valley Coast has been recognised for the sporting playground it is. With the terrain in this area, the event is sure to be challenging but hopefully the beautiful views from the course will help time pass quickly,” said Cr Campbell. Gayleen Burley, the Manager of Commercial Business is also pleased with the location selected for this year’s event due to the potential boost for the local economy. 

“We love hosting events of this size during winter as they help to stimulate the local economy during what is normally a slower time for local businesses,” said Mrs Burley. 

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Mountain Designs GeoQuest involves 48+hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major sporting disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. Mixed gender, 

Male and Female teams of four must navigate their way through an arduous 220+km course that is only revealed to them the evening before the race. 

The Geo-Half adventure race runs simultaneously with the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. The Geo-Half covers only half the distance but teams have the full 48hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line before time is up. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, race entries have been limited. The window for registration closes 6 June 2021. 

Accommodation can be booked through the Macleay Valley Coast website at macleayvalleycoast.com.au/places-to-stay

For the latest information on the race please visit www.geoquest.com.au

The event is made possible thanks to major sponsor, Mountain Designs and additional support this year by Kempsey Shire Council. 

More information or with media enquiries, please contact Chris Dixon on 0497 4417 195 or hello@wldnco.com 

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POSTPONED: SHOAL BAY IN PORT STEPHENS, NSW TO HOST MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST IN OCTOBER 2020

Shoal Bay NSW

SHOAL BAY IN PORT STEPHENS WILL BE THE START AND FINISH LOCATION FOR THE 2020 EDITION OF MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST.

Famous for its vast sand dunes, expansive bay area brimming with marine life and whale and dolphin watching, Shoal Bay and the Port Stephens area are the perfect backdrop for a long weekend of epic adventure. Add to this high quality wineries inland, famously fresh seafood, wonderfully scenic outlooks and you've got a spot that is just begging to be experienced before its popularity explodes.

Shoal Bay is located 2.5 hours drive north of Sydney. The closest major centre is Port Stephens.

Australia’s Adventure Racing community, including many new comers, support crew, family and friends from around the country will attend the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race over the 23-26th October 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Event organiser Wild & Co is aware of the evolving situation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has resulted in the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health emergency. We are monitoring the situation very closely and continuing to work with the local authorities to follow and implement measures dictated by national and international health agencies and governments. This includes the advisory against non-essential organised gatherings of any sort over the next 6 months.

As we are faced with such uncertainty, we believe that the best course of action is to postpone Mountain Designs GeoQuest 2020 to a later date in October. As our competitor numbers are relatively low (usually between 180 and 250) and Adventure Racing is a non-contact sport conducted in remote outdoor areas we also believe that with a few minor, but important changes, that the the event can be conducted in a manner that minimises risks to a reasonable level for competitors. 

In particular this year we will:

  • Cap the number of teams entering the event

  • Extend race registration over a full day

  • Conduct a ‘live stream’ broadcast of the welcome, race briefing and final presentation

  • Ensure teams are spread out appropriately at the start line 

  • Utilise electronic timing systems to save contact with CP punches and card

There are limited team entries available in 2020 and due to delays in announcing the race HQ due to the 2019/20 bushfires, and uncertainty over the current situation we have extended early bird tickets right through to August 31 with final entries closing on 17 October 20.

Race HQ will be the Shoal Bay Holiday Park https://www.beachsideholidays.com.au/our-holiday-parks/beachside-holidays/shoal-bay-holiday-park

Accommodation can be booked through the website above or the Visit NSW website at https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area

Mountain Designs GeoQuest involves 48+hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking.

Mixed, Male or Female teams of four must navigate their way through an arduous 200+km course that is only revealed to them the evening before the race. The Mountain Designs GeoQuest is held annually on the Queens Birthday long weekend in June, for 2020 the event will be held in October. The race is moved each year to a different location with exciting new challenges for the teams.

The Geo-Half adventure race is run at the same time as the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. It covers only half the distance but teams have the full 48hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line.

The event receives enormous support from its major sponsor Mountain Designs, and this year from the Port Stephens Council.

The website has been updated with the latest information www.geoquest.com.au

More information contact Chris Dixon on 0497 4417 195 or hello@wldnco.com

GEOQUEST IS BACK FOR 2019!

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We’re excited to announce that GeoQuest will be back for 2019 and the original race format will be maintained, well almost. Following the transition of the event from GeoCentric to Wild & Co and the success of the 2018 Special Edition event we’re looking forward to a big 2019 event. And while we want to keep the race as close to the established format as possible, there are a few key areas we that we have updated for the 2019 event.

WHAT WILL STAY THE SAME

  • Half Course and Full Course Options

  • 120km, 240km approximate course distances

  • Kayak, Mountain Bike, Trail Run with mystery adventure activities (abseil, rock climbing, caving)

  • Teams of 4

  • Kayaks supplied for Half Course

  • Event Program (Friday Registration, Saturday Race Start, Monday Presentation)

  • Full Course teams racing a ‘supported’ race to supply own kayaks

  • Course based on the NSW north coast

WHAT WILL CHANGE

  • Geo-Half and Full Course teams now have the option of racing ‘un-supported’, with a small additional cost

  • A1 Full Course teams required to be ‘un-supported’

  • All A1 and ‘un-supported’ teams required to hire Spirit Double Kayaks in order to ensure ease of logistics

  • Bike Boxes will be required for all ‘un-supported’ teams

We believe that these changes, particularly to the possibility of competing in GeoQuest without bringing a support crew, will mean that more teams can compete, and that we will guarantee a level playing field for A1 teams in terms of support crews and quality of kayaks.

It’s important to note that these format changes do raise the possibility of a GeoQuest winner in 2019 that races the full course with a support crew and a fast kayak. We’re ok with this.

These changes haven’t been made lightly, we love the history and the rite of passage that the GeoQuest 48hr is for the Adventure Racing community in Australia, and we want to honour that. At the same time, we also want to make it as easy as possible for more teams to compete each year without the pressure of finding double kayaks for hire if they are flying in or finding a support crew. We hope that we have found a good balance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ONE OF THE ICONIC FEATURES OF MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST IS THE SUPPORT TEAM, IF WE RACE UN-SUPPORTED WILL WE LOSE THIS COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE?

While the race itself offers an un-supported option, many teams will continue to choose the supported option, we are also happy for un-supported teams and A1 teams to bring along a ‘cheer’ squad. These supporters can be part of the support team briefing and will be allowed at transition areas to offer moral support, as long as they don’t help with any transition activity or team logistics.

I’M RACING IN THE A1 SERIES, CAN I BRING MY OWN KAYAK?

No, all A1 teams must use the Spirit Double CTR kayaks available for teams to hire on the day.

I’M NOT RACING IN THE A1 SERIES, BUT WANT TO RACE UN-SUPPORTED, CAN I BRING MY OWN KAYAK?

No, all teams racing un-supported must use the Spirit Double CTR kayaks available for teams to hire.

HOW DO I HIRE THE SPIRIT DOUBLE CTR KAYAKS?

These will be available for hire on race day for $110 per kayak, more information about this will follow closer to the event. The GeoQuest team will book in these boats directly with the kayak supplier so you don’t need to do anything. 

I WANT TO RACE UN-SUPPORTED, DO I NEED A BIKE BOX?

Yes, all un-supported teams will be required to use bike boxes, this will make logistics easier and keep the bikes safer.

Will there be an ocean paddle?

It’s an adventure race, teams should come prepared for anything. It’s important to note, in the case of an ocean paddle, we will carefully assess conditions in light of the weather, swell size and types of water craft competitors are using – water safety will be our highest priority.

WHAT SORT OF WATER CRAFT ARE SUITABLE?

Competitors bringing their own kayaks should choose water craft that match their paddling experience. There are amazing paddle options in the Clarence Valley region including the ocean, lakes and rivers. Every effort will be made to ensure there are safe paddle options for competitors using kayaks with under body rudders. Racing is always a risky activity, if you are concerned about the safety of expensive kayaks, consider alternative options.

WHO WILL MOVE KAYAKS FOR THE UN-SUPPORTED FULL COURSE TEAMS?

All up-supported teams will be required to use the Spirit Double CTR Kayaks available for hire. GeoQuest will have a dedicated logistics team that will move these kayaks around the course as necessary.



YAMBA IN THE CLARENCE VALLEY REGION OF NSW TO HOST MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST 2019

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YAMBA WILL BE THE START AND FINISH LOCATION FOR THE 2019 EDITION OF MOUNTAIN DESIGNS GEOQUEST.

Famous for prawns and surfing, Yamba is a popular destination for a beach holiday and recreational fishing. Surfers chase the perfect wave at the world-famous Angourie Point, one of Australia’s iconic National Suring Reserves. A wonderful multi-day hike in the Yuraygir National Park begins here, too.

Yamba is located 6.5 hours drive north of Sydney. The closest major centre is Grafton.

Over 500 competitors, support crew, family and friends from around the country will attend the Mountain Designs GeoQuest 48hr Adventure Race over the 7-10th June 2019.

There are limited team entries in 2019 so teams should take advantage of the traditional early bird two week opening special closing 28 Feb 2019, with final entries closing on 26 May 19.
Accommodation can be booked through the Visit NSW website at www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/clarence-valley/yamba.

Mountain Designs GeoQuest involves 48+hrs of non-stop endurance racing in the major disciplines of trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. Mixed, Male or Female teams of four must navigate their way through an arduous 200+km course that is only revealed to them the evening before the race. The Mountain Designs GeoQuest is held annually on the Queens Birthday long weekend in June. The race is moved each year to a different location with exciting new challenges for the teams.

The Geo-Half adventure race is run at the same time as the Mountain Designs GeoQuest. It covers only half the distance but teams have the full 48hrs to complete it. The legs will be challenging, but with the additional time available to complete the half course, teams have a greater chance to reach the finish line.

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The event receives enormous support from its major sponsor Mountain Designs, and this year from the Clarence Valley Council.

The website has been updated with the latest information www.geoquest.com.au

More information contact Chris Dixon on 0497 4417 195 or hello@wldnco.com


GeoQuest is Back On for 2018!

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For Release – 1 Mar 2018

GeoQuest, Australia’s Premier Adventure Race, is back on from 8-11 June 2018, with Chris Dixon from Wild & Co organising the event in conjunction with Fully Rad Adventures ‘Wildside Special Edition’ event as part of the A1 Adventure Racing series.

Just two weeks ago Geocentric Outdoors, the event organisers, announced they were putting plans for the 2018 GeoQuest event on hold. This iconic event has been held on the June long weekend annually over the last 16 years, and has introduced thousands of athletes to adventure racing.

Chris Dixon said “I saw how disappointed the athletes around the country were that this incredible event was being postponed, and having been a competitor myself in this magnificent race, I know how important GeoQuest is to our AR community. So I reached out to Geocentric to see if there was anything I could do to keep the event going this year and beyond.”

Craig Bycroft said “There were many factors leading to our decision to postpone, including our increasing commitments to the AR World Series, and with the opportunity now for Chris to take over, we decided it was the right time to step away from running this race. We are super excited that Chris is going to continue the tradition of GeoQuest.”

The race is famous for it’s consistently high quality courses, which are well balanced for both experienced athletes and teams new to adventure racing. Louise Foulkes said “We had already developed a draft course outline for the 2018 event and will be passing this over to Chris to continue planning.”

Fully Rad Adventures have already planned a ‘Wildside Special Edition’ race for the weekend, so for 2018 GeoQuest will be run in conjunction with the Fully Rad Adventures event to bring together a truly historic race. Entries will open on the 4th March and include a special early bird period. The HQ location is approximately 4 hours drive North of Sydney and will also be announced on this date.

The GeoQuest event has been held annually since 2002 and hundreds of teams from around Australia and overseas have been part of this annual pilgrimage of adventure racing. Teams of four athletes race non-stop in the disciplines of mountain biking, trekking and kayaking for up to 52 hours. They choose to enter either the full course or the half course and their team composition can be Premier Mixed, All Female or All Male.

Wild & Co is also the event organiser of the Hells Bells 24hr Adventure Race in Queensland. “Like in a race itself, great team members are critical to successfully organising a race. To ensure GeoQuest maintains its top reputation we are putting together a capable and experienced team to organise the event into the future. David Schloss will continue to work with the team bringing a wealth of competitor and race director experience in the areas of course design, competition management and logistics. Running the 2018 event in conjunction with Richard Old and Fully Rad Adventures and as part of the A1 Adventure Racing Series will be an exciting opportunity to bring together the AR community and ensure that the GeoQuest legacy is maintained.”