Winter warm-up for Mountain Biking on Sunny Coast

Following the successful first run of this four-event series in 2023, the Sunny 80 will again present a challenge to some of Australia’s best mountain bike riders, as well as a growing field of “Weekend Warriors” who are set to test themselves over the three stage, long weekend format.

Running from 7-9 June, The Sunny 80 is a chance to combine some great riding on beautiful trails, with a weekend away in a region you may not have visited before. Best of all it allows those already experiencing the cold of the southern states to head north and chase the sun at the start of Winter!

The weekend of riding will begin on Friday as riders arrive on the coast and start with a short 8km Prelude at Sugarbag MTB Trails in Caloundra. Stage 1 on Saturday at Parklands is a testing 30km ride in the area that is planned to host the 2032 Olympic MTB courses. The second and final stage on Sunday is split into two, with a 10km Special Stage at Ferny Forest followed by a 24km stage later in the morning around Ewen Maddock Dam.  

Registrations for Sunshine Coast start at just $120 for a single days’ ride (Saturday and Sunday only). A full weekend pass is a pocket friendly $250 + GST for all 3 stages.Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast was a magnificent destination for the Sunny 80, Quad Crown MTB Series.

Come to the Sunshine Coast for your Mountain Bike experience

“The Sunshine Coast is already a popular place for mountain bikers and the Sunny 80 will further grow our reputation as a major events region,” Mayor Natoli said.

“With the Sunshine Coast proposed to host mountain biking at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, we are attracting increased interest in events being held here.”

Mayor Natoli said the Sunny 80 events would be held across a number of areas including Caloundra at Sugarbag Road, Parklands, Ferny Forest, Mooloolah Valley and Ewen Maddock Dam.

“Competitors will experience challenging rides surrounded by our stunning nature across our wonderfully diverse region.

“We appreciate how event organisers have worked with so many local businesses to support this event.

“Competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to sample our amazing food and craft beer at the daily social functions at Moffat Beach Brewing Co, Your Mates Brew Club and Mooloolah Valley Country Club.

“This event is another example of celebrating local businesses in our Sunshine Coast Biosphere.”

Watch Out Riders About

CALOUNDRA WEST: From 7-9 June 2024 the ‘Sunny 80 Mountain Bike Stage Race’ will be in the local area. On Friday June 7, the event will start and finish at the Sugar Bag Trails, Please be aware that while there are no road closures there will be increased traffic in the area. The start time is 3pm and we expect all riders to be back by 5pm

MOOLOOLAH VALLEY: From 7-9 June 2024 the ‘Sunny 80 Mountain Bike Stage Race’ will be in the local area On Sunday June 9, the event will start and finish at the Mooloolah Valley Country Club, please be aware that Connection Road will see a roll out for the race meaning delays between 10:30am – 11am. Between 11am and 12pm there may also be 2-min delays along Tunnel Ridge Road (between Rose & Ford Roads). Please follow directions from any Traffic Controllers in place. If you do have plans for that morning, please allow time to get to your destination to avoid disappointment. The race will conclude at 12pm.

Visit www.quadcrownmtb.com.au for more event information and registration links.

The Sunny 80 is proudly supported jointly by the Sunshine Coast Council and Visit Sunshine Coast.

All photo credits: Element Photography