About

THE RACE

To be held at Clarence MTB park / Meehan Range Nature Recreation Area on Nov 19th 2023, the Meehan Monster has 3 length options, 25km (1 lap), 50km (2 laps) or 75km (3 laps).

Each lap has 800m of technical (but achievable) climbing in the stunning Meehan range in Tasmania. Flowing descents and views that will take your breath away will reward your efforts.

The course is an approximately 25km long loop that includes both Clarence Mountain Bike Park and Belbins Road/Meehan Range Nature Recreation Area. The race will start and finish in the Clarence MTB Park “Bowl” area. There will be a mix of single track (80%) and fire trail (20%).

A start loop of approximately 1km will give riders the chance to get into position before the trail narrows onto single track.

The Meehan Monster aims to take in the best trails in the Meehan Range plus a few new ones thrown in for good measure. There will be men’s and women’s categories in each distance and a teams category in the 3 lap distance only.

For those who prefer to ride electric and not acoustic, don’t worry Bob Dylan, we’ve got you covered with an e-bike category.

Taming the full 75km monster will take guts and determination. If you are going to take on the full 3 lap race make sure you are fit and ready. Choose the shorter and team options if you would rather not totally “destroy yer legs”. We’ve got heaps in spot prizes and podium prizes to give away. This race is as challenging as it is fun.

CHECKPOINTS & RACE MARSHALS

As this course will be 25 km loops, there will be three check points located out on the course. These checkpoints will be staffed by volunteers who will have radio/mobile phone contact with the other checkpoints and the event centre. The three check points will be:

• Check Point 1 – Start of Kays Choice
• Check Point 2 – Belbins Road carpark (also a feed station)
• Check Point 3 – Top of Stringybark

EMERGENCY ACCESS

Emergency access can be obtained through the Belbins Road entrance into The Meehan Range Nature Recreation Area. Should any rider require emergency assistance/evacuation a 4 wheel drive will be in attendance at the event centre.

EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT

Emergency assembly point for the event village will in the Main Race carpark (Muster Point 1). Should an entire course evacuation be required riders will be directed to Belbins Road Internal carpark (Muster Point 2) or stopped as they cross the finish line and directed to the Main Race Car Park (Muster Point 1).

GETTING THERE

The course is 10 minutes drive from the Hobart CBD and about the same from the Hobart Airport. entry is via the the Clarence MTB park (From Hobart, Head North on the A3 and turn left off the highway on the B33 Flagstaff Gully Link Road – turn right after the cloverleaf and the next immediate right into the carpark. See the FAQ below for parking directions).

SPECTATORS

Spectators at the Meehan Monster are more than welcome. The best spot to view the race from will be the Clarence Mountain Bike Park Bowl. There will be some sections where you will need to cross the race track. Please exercise caution at these crossings. Please try to avoid climbing up or down sections of single track. A more detailed spectator map will be posted before the event.

FAQ

Q. Will there be any of the really tricky sections in Clarence or Belbins – eg. Gully Surf, Death Log or the tight up/down hill switchbacks?
A. We have done our best to make the trail achievable to riders who have a moderate skill level. There will be no Gully Surf or Death Log, but there will need to be switchback climbs and descents in order to connect enough trail together to make the loop.

Q. Where can I a park my car?
A. Car parking will be available at the race in the regular Clarence car park and in the DIER Road reserve along the Tasman Highway. This area will be marshalled so please follow the directions of the marshals.

Q. How fit do I need to be to complete the 75km?
A. Without pulling any punches – the 75 km race is going to be demanding physically and mentally. If you do not think you will be able to complete 3 laps of the course, then please consider the 25 or 50km race.

Q. If I get 1 lap into the 75km race and cannot continue will I get a refund?
A. Sorry no refunds during the race. Your first lap will be recorded, but your overall result will be DNF.

Q. When can I pull out and still get a refund?
A. If you pull out 2 weeks before you will get a full refund. Within two weeks unfortunately there will be no refunds.

Q. Will there be cut off time limits?
A. Yes there will be a cut off for the 75km race we are aiming for everyone to be finished within 7 hours. If you are not on your last lap by 12:30pm, you will not be allowed to continue. (The race organisers reserve the right to use their discretion to over ride/enforce this ruling where applicable)

PARKING

Parking – Parking at Clarence MTB Park will be open from 6:30am. Only competitors who are planning to stay for the entire day or at least until 11am are to use the internal carpark. If you are just being dropped off please use the normal Clarence Carpark.

Car Pooling is a great idea for the day. There is limited space in the internal carpark so the more people who come in one car, the better (and the merrier!).

No parking next to the highway or road side. This is very very important. There is absolutely no parking on the road side next to the Tasman Highway or Flagstaff Gully Road.

IN ONLY from 6:30am – The access road into the internal car park will be one way (in only) from 6:30am until 8:30am. After this time, cars will be able to exit from the Clarence Car Park, but only upon request from the marshal stationed at the exit.

Follow all directions of marshals: There will be marshals stationed in the Clarence Car Park directing traffic to either the internal car park or the drop off area. Once inside the Clarence gates, please follow the directions of marshals on where to park. The ground in the car park is not all level and some areas will be better suited to 4 wheel drive vehicles.

Race Day Schedule

6:30am to 8.30am: for collection of number plates and sign on. (All Riders must sign on)

Belbins Road Feed Station – Approximately half way through the race course there will be a feed station. You must supply your own bottles and food. Bottles and food will be transported to Belbins Road from the Clarence Race Village.

6:30am to 8:30am: Feed bags for Belbins Road Feed Station collection

Race Start Time

9am start time (race briefing at 8:45am).

Cut off for 75km and Team Riders– 12:30pm

You must be on your final lap by 12:30pm

Finish time: approx. 3pm

Presentations: approx. 3:30pm

Number Plate Collection:

All number plates are to be collected on the day at the sign-on tent.