#rockytraildestination Newcastle: Glenrock State Conservation Area

Event: SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix, 3 February 2018

Rocky Trail Links:

> Event website

> Race track map and how to get to the event centre

 

Introduction

Glenrock State Conservation Area is part of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and one of the most popular mountain bike and bush walking trail networks right in the heart of Newcastle. Rocky Trail Entertainment has been running mountain bike events like the Shimano MTB Grand Prix at Glenrock since 2015, the only private promoter to have access to the trails.

With one of the prettiest views of any mountain bike event centre right out onto the ocean this is also an ideal race to bring the family and partners along to.

Jason English on the top of the iconic “Snakes and Ladders” section at Glenrock.

 

Accommodation near Glenrock

The event centre will be at the Glenrock trailhead on Gun Club Road off Fernleigh Loop in Newcastle. The surrounding suburbs are Adamstown Heights, Merewether and Kahibah as well as Kotara.

Unfortunately camping won’t be available at the this track.

> Lake Macquarie Visitor Information

> Newcastle Visitor Information

 

What the local #rockytrailracers say

There is so much to do and so much to see – we’ve chatted to some of our local #rockytrailracers for their insider tips on this #rockytraildestination and hope we can tempt you to a weekend away!

 

Jason English, multiple 24 Hour World Champion

Jason English on track at Glenrock.

About Glenrock

“Glenrock is the most popular mountain bike park around Newcastle. It’s popularity extends to runners, hikers, surfers and horse riders! There are 100’s of people using the park on any given day with a range of trails to suit all abilities and interests. While there is a range fire road sections, there is also a decent network of xc trails, free ride and more technical / advanced options that I won’t ride without 6 inches of travel.”

About the race track

Glenrock is Jason’s home track and as such he and his family are regularly exploring the trails – he says, as every year he is looking forward to racing there with Rocky Trail:

“Double Barrel and 6 Shooter are my 6 year olds favourite trails. My daughter has been punishing these same sections on her run bike since she was 3!
Luckily the race coveres Double Barrel. I’ll also be looking forward to Kenny, Seismic and the new and improved Pump Action.”

Before and after the race

Jason also said that especially being on school holidays he has been really appreciating how good Newcastle is! Here are his top 3 play days and tips for exploring this ever-changing city with the fam!

 

Fernleigh Track
Take the Fernleigh Track down to Redhead Beach or park where the kids can play on the beach, go for a swim, climb the rocks, hit the playground all before sucking down an ice cream for the journey home.

> More information via City of Newcastle website

Speers Point Park
Speers point park is the best in the area. Huge slides, swings, learn to ride / skate / scoot sections, water play, bbq and Café on the side.

> More information via Lake Macquarie website

Yuelarbah Walking Track
If you have time, the Yuelarbah walking track is a surprise hidden in Glenrock. It is part of the Great North Walk and has a few waterfalls to play in on the way down to beach. From there it is a couple of kilometres to Mereweather Baths via a large rock pool wonderland. Mereweather Beach has just been crowned as ‘Best Australian Beach 2018”!

> More information about the Yuelarbah Walking Track via NPWS website

Suspension Café
Suspension Café is one of the best however, you will normally need to wait as it is popular. It’s worth grabbing a coffee and heading into Islington Park with the kids. This is also a great playground for the kids with a cycle way that then extends all the way to Newcastle Beach.

> More information about the Suspension Cafe

 

Paula Gresham, Rocky Trail racer since 2009

About Glenrock

“One of my favourite parts of Glenrock is the ‘table’. A wonderful view of the beach and lagoon. Many wonderful conversations and snacks consumed there before heading off exploring Glenrock. My favourite part of Glenrock to take visitors is up ‘Snakes and Ladders’ the view 1/2 way up is amazing. “

Paula (2nd from the right) is an active women’s advocate in Newcastle and for the Hunter MTB Association and has been a supporter of Rocky Trail pretty much from the beginning.

Before and after the race

Our family loves to get out on the weekend. We enjoy all Newcastle has to offer.

Redhead Beach
One of our favourite things to do is meet friends down on the beach at ‘Third Creek’ on Redhead Beach. I love to take the car on the beach, it’s so much fun.

> More information about Redhead Beach on the Visit Lake Macquarie website

Munibung Hill
Our favourite family walk is up ‘Munibung Hill’ which is in Warner’s Bay. The view is amazing over our beautiful Lake Macquarie. When I’m not on the MTB you can find me out on my SUP out on the lake.

> More information about Munibung Hill

Mr Schnitzel
After all this activity we like to grad a wrap from ‘Mr Schnitzel’ and picnic on the water front.

> More information about Mr Schnitzel

 

About the SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix

The SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix Series is in its tenth year in 2018!

Every race is a stand-alone event and you collect points for a series ranking. This is your classic cross-country lap event – race solo or in teams for four or seven hours! We will deliver a set of events that is less of an elite- and winners-only-focused competition, but a positive and inclusive experience for all participants – on awesome trails at fun and exciting destinations that will make it worthwhile for your whole group of riding mates and for taking the family to!

Race on Saturday, explore on Sunday!

> Visit our website for all destinations and race dates!

 

Daniel Beresford.

Briony Mattocks.

Daniel Beresford at Glenrock.

Shimano racer Briony Mattocks in the zone.

Here is Claudia Fiess among the ferns at Glenrock.

 

Glenrock Video by our Pedal4Pierce crew

Pedal 4 Pierce is Rocky Trail’s charity of choice and these guys are riding and racing their bikes for kids who can’t and raising money and awareness to cure Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. You can help out by donating at our events – projects funded by Pedal 4 Pierce support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

> Link to Vimeo video from the crew at Glenrock at the SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix event in 2015

> Donate to Pedal 4 Pierce

> Rocky Trail & Pedal 4 Pierce

 

About Rocky Trail Destination:

Rocky Trail Destination is part of Rocky Trail Entertainment Pty Ltd and specialises in the establishment, marketing and promotion of cycling destinations.

Do you know a region, a venue or an active council that could benefit from our services? Give us a shout!

 

All photos by OuterImage.com.au 


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