The Dirty Docker Festival > COBAWsome!
COBAWsome!
Whether you're taking on the POT (65KM), SCHOONER (110KM), PINT (140KM), or keeping it chill with the Lanny Loop (15KM), you’ll be marshalled, fuelled, and cheered all the way to the finish.
THE COBAWSOME FEATURES ALL OF MY FAVOURITE RIDING FROM THE REGION.
The Cobaw Ridge is one of Victoria’s hidden gems! Not only for cycling (where you can do both MTB and gravel) but also trail running, hiking, and camping; it’s the best!
Once heading beyond the Cobaw Ridge, you head into an exquisite region of rolling pea gravel roads littered with the most wonderful rock features that make up Tooborac and the edges of Heathcote.
Sometimes I find it hard to believe people have not had the chance to experience what I am describing and that is partly why I have created the Dirty Docker, to share my piece of the world, and the amazing country for riding that you need to experience yourself.
DISTANCE: 15km | UNPAVED: 75% | PAVED: 25% | CLIMBING: 125m
This relaxed 15km loop is made for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a taste of the Dirty Docker adventure.
THE LANNY LOOP
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If you’re keen to dip your toe into gravel, bring the kids along, or just spin the legs without biting off too much, the Lanny Loop is a great place to start. This relaxed 15km loop is made for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a taste of the Dirty Docker adventure.
Rolling out of the Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park, you’ll hit the dirt straight away. The route winds past the award-winning Curly Flat Winery before cutting through the quiet backroads of Rochford. These are some of my favourite little tracks that I use often for a run or a quick spin on the bike.
There are a few cheeky lumps along the way to keep things interesting, but nothing too savage. It is all very achievable and a great little challenge if you are new to gravel or riding with younger adventurers.
Don’t worry because as you turn right onto Monument Road towards Edgar’s Mission the majority of the climbing is done! From here you then turn onto Oakleys Lane which can be a little rough and tumble in places so keep your eyes up and enjoy the ride.
On the way back you will start crossing paths with riders from the longer routes, which adds a bit of buzz as everyone rolls through the back lanes of Lancefield and back towards the Fiesta Village.
Short, scenic and just the right amount of challenge, the Lanny Loop is the perfect way to get your first taste of Dirty Docker.
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Course marshalling
Feed stations, hydration and food
Sponsor merch and goodies bag
Free beer or non-alcoholic drink upon finishing
Official Dirty Docker race plate
Free post event photos
THE POT
DISTANCE: 65km | UNPAVED: 90% | PAVED: 10% | CLIMBING: 950m
A POT is a great starting point. Not too sure if you want more just yet… but still keen to wet the whistle a little bit
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Featuring the best riding of the day through the Cobaw Forest.
From the start, heading out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park, you’re directly onto the dirt. Push on up past the award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way.
Just like last year, we have an early surprise for you: the BIG TREE DISTILLERY KOM! But this time it will be a short RUGGED climb up through the BIG TREE paddocks. Now to go for gold, because the Kings and Queens of the Hill will receive a prize from our friends at Big Tree. Upon reaching the top, be sure to stop, grab a scone and take a look over your shoulder to the Cobaw Forest... sitting there waiting for you, it will be well worth it.
Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my home for all riding disciplines. I bloody love this forest. You will be taking a new route up into the Cobaw Forest this year. A tough climb up to Ridge Rd, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the Forest to arrive at the main aid station CLUB SHIMANO, grab a brew from our friends from NICCOLO as you listen to the tunes from our DJ at the famous Burke and Wills Track.
After a quick stop to refresh at CLUB SHIMANO, it’s time to get going; from here, not all the tough parts are done. Breath a sign of relief, NO SINGLE TRACK for Pot riders this year. Instead, you will be treated to more Cobaw Forest as you cut and wind your way around and eventually descend down and back along the lower roads of Newham and Rochford.
Don’t worry, because as you turn left onto Monument Road towards Edgar’s Mission, all the tough riding is done! One more rough and tumble section down Oakleys Ln, be sure to keep your eye out on the way back, as you will start crossing paths with riders from the longer routes, which adds a bit of buzz as everyone rolls through the back lanes of Lancefield and back towards the Fiesta Village.
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Course marshalling
Feed stations, hydration and food
Sponsor merch and goodies bag
Free beer or non-alcoholic drink upon finishing
Official Dirty Docker race plate
Free post event photos
Course Map released week before
Course Map released week before
THE SCHOONER
DISTANCE: 110km | UNPAVED: 90% | PAVED: 10% | CLIMBING: 1800m
Everyone’s size, not too big and not too small. The perfect mix of everything.
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There will be hard moments, long enough to challenge you, but so many that it won’t destroy you. Tapping into both magic regions, Cobaw Ridge and Tooborac.
From the start, heading out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park and you’re directly onto the dirt. Push on up past the award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way.
Just like last year, we have an early surprise for you: the BIG TREE DISTILLERY KOM! But this time it will be a short RUGGED climb up through the BIG TREE paddocks. Upon reaching the top, be sure to stop, grab a scone from our friends at BIG TREE and take a look over your shoulder to the Cobaw Forest… sitting there waiting for you, it will be well worth it. But remember to go for gold, the Kings and Queens of the Hill will receive a prize from our friends at Big Tree.
Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my home for all riding disciplines. I bloody love this forest. I have taken a new route up into the Cobaw Forest this year. Tough climb up to Ridge Rd, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the Forest to arrive at the main aid station CLUB SHIMANO, grab a brew from our friends from NICCOLO as you listen to the tunes from our DJ at the famous Burke and Wills Track.
After a quick stop to refresh at CLUB SHIMANO, you’ll head across Burke and Wills to follow the road down out of the Cobaws and into the rolling rocks of Tooborac. This will blow your mind, that white winding gravel road disappearing into the distance, reminding you of a scene out of Tuscany, with some steep jags and fast descents, it is a mixture of everything.
We are back again for another cheeky inclusion at Johnson’s Paddock! Last year, this proved to be a real highlight of the route. With my new friends, we’re lucky enough again to be able to ride up and through Johnson’s Paddock. Just remember, don't forget to pause at the top and soak up the view!
The further out you go, the faster it gets, with Champagne rolling gravel roads on the edge of Heathcote. We have extended the Schooner this year a little further again to allow you to enjoy just a bit more of that Champagne gravel and a chance to tackle the Back Creek Wall with the Pint riders.
Soon after this you’ll meet a section of paved road to give you some respite as you roll into the Baynton Hall for some refreshments. Fuelled up again, it’s time to get back up into the Cobaws. I am not going to lie, it is tough work getting back up to the Cobaws, but worth it when you arrive again at the Burke and Will Track.
From here the tough part is done, you will cut your way back through the Cobaw Forest and descend down in the direction of Lancefield. The infamous single track will be better again this year, as it has had 3 years to be worn in. It keeps everyone on their toes and things interesting before you start to see the township on your horizon.
But leave some in the tank as you hit West Lanny! The WESTSIDE, a fun addition to the course and your final challenge. This two-wheel track takes you over the renowned 3-star sector, Pave du Lanny, a cheeky nod to my favourite race of all time.
The final kilometres, be sure to keep your eye out as you will start crossing paths with riders from the shorter routes, which adds a bit of buzz as everyone rolls through the back lanes of Lancefield and back towards the Fiesta Village.
-
Course marshalling
Feed stations, hydration and food
Sponsor merch and goodies bag
Free beer or non-alcoholic drink upon finishing
Official Dirty Docker race plate
Free post event photos
THE PINT
DISTANCE: 140km | UNPAVED: 90% | PAVED: 10% | CLIMBING: 2100m
You know you're keen on it when you order one. You know you will get through it, but it will take commitment.
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Here we go, it’s the big one! And of course, we have taken things up a notch again. This loop will be a challenge, no matter what speed you ride. A combination of distance, climbing and technical ability is required. But don’t worry, it’s great riding out there.
We have again made a few changes to the course this year, and like all the other loops heading out from Fiesta Village at Lancefield Park, you’re directly onto the dirt. Push on up past the award-winning winery Curly Flat and cut across the backcountry of Rochford and Newham. Some of my favourite little tracks to get me out and on my way.
Just like last year, we have an early surprise for you: the BIG TREE DISTILLERY KOM! But this time it will be a short RUGGED climb up through the BIG TREE paddocks. Upon reaching the top, be sure to stop, grab a scone from our friends at BIG TREE and take a look over your shoulder to the Cobaw Forest…sitting there waiting for you, it will be well worth it. But remember to go for gold, the Kings and Queens of the Hill will receive a prize from our friends at Big Tree.
Next, we hit the Cobaws! This is my hub, my home for all riding disciplines. I bloody love this forest. I have taken a new route up into the Cobaw Forest this year. Tough climb up to Ridge Rd, before some rolling terrain through the middle of the forest to arrive at the main aid station CLUB SHIMANO, grab a brew from our friends from NICCOLO as you listen to the tunes from our DJ at the famous Burke and Wills Track.
After a quick stop to refresh at CLUB SHIMANO, you’ll head across Burke and Wills to follow the road down out of the Cobaws and into the rolling rocks of Tooborac. This will blow your mind, that white winding gravel road disappearing into the distance, reminding you of a scene out of Tuscany, with some steep jags and fast descents, it is a mixture of everything.
We are back again for another cheeky inclusion at Johnson’s Paddock! Last year, this proved to be a real highlight of the route. With my new friends, we’re lucky enough again to be able to ride up and through Johnson’s Paddock. Just remember, don't forget to pause at the top and soak up the view! Soon, it’s back into the forest for a chunky new section, brand new even to me! Carefully pick your way through this bone yard of obstacles and booby traps; it’s going to test your tyre choice.
The further out you go, the faster it gets, with rolling gravel roads on the edge of Heathcote. Soon, it’s back into the forest for a chunky section. Brand new last year, so this time we will be tackling it in the opposite direction.
At the furthest point, deep in the forest, you’ll arrive at the Haunted House. Don’t worry if the bone yard slowed you down; here you’ll find bike aid from MAXXIS, with drinks, food, and support. It’s a long ride back. The return includes some testing climbs, including the BACK CREEK WALL, but you asked for a challenge, and that’s exactly what you’ll get!
You’ll hit a nice flat paved road to give you some respite as you roll into the Baynton Hall for some refreshments. Fuelled up again, it’s time to get back up into the Cobaws. I am not going to lie, it is tough work getting back up to the Cobaws, especially after the day you have had, but worth it when you arrive again at the Burke and Will Track.
From here, the tough part is done; you will cut your way back through the Cobaw Forest and descend in the direction of Lancefield. The infamous single track will be better again this year, as it has had 3 years to be worn in. It keeps everyone on their toes and things interesting before you start to see the township on your horizon.
But leave some in the tank as you hit West Lanny! The WESTSIDE is a fun addition to the course and your final challenge. This two-wheel track takes you over the renowned 3-star sector, Pave du Lanny, a cheeky nod to my favourite race of all time.
The final kilometres will allow you to take it all in as you roll through the streets of Lancefield town and back to the Fiesta Village.
-
Course marshalling
Feed stations, hydration and food
Sponsor merch and goodies bag
Free beer or non-alcoholic drink upon finishing
Official Dirty Docker race plate
Free post event photos
Course Map released week before
Course Map released week before
