Race the Train FAQ

Where does the race start and finish?

The race will start at 11am at Camp Reserve in Castlemaine (next to the Castlemaine Train Station) and will finish at Maldon Train Station. 

Can I buy a ticket for the steam train?

If you wish to return to Castlemaine via the steam train or have family/friends that wish to race you to Maldon on the train you can purchase tickets at http://www.vgr.com.au/racethetrain.php. 

Can I park near the start venue?

Parking will be available at the north end of Camp Reserve and can be accessed from Gingell Rd. In the event that the carpark is full, overflow parking will be available in the Castlemaine Train Station carpark. 

Where do I get my registration and bike plate?

Registration and bike plates will be available for collection from the Camp Reserve Netball Clubrooms at the start area. Registration will open 2 hours prior to the race. Riders are encouraged to arrive early to ensure enough time to check in and collect their bike plates prior to the event.

Can I register on the day?

Yes, in person registrations open from 9am and will be accepted on the day up to 30 minutes before the start of the race. Just got to the start line at Camp Reserve at the finish line. Credit card payment is preferred.  

Can I have a bag transferred to the finish line?

A free bag transfer service will be offered from the start line to the finish line. Drop off at registration will close 15 minutes prior to the start to allow for the bags to be loaded onto the train. Bags will be able to be collected at the Maldon Train Station post finish. 

Participants are encouraged not to leave personal or valuable items in their bags and bags are dropped at owner’s risk.

What equipment do I need for the event?

Race the Train is an entry level MTB event and riders will only need entry level equipment to complete the course. Riders are expected to be self-sufficient during the event and have the following equipment to ensure that they are able to safely complete the event.

• Bike
• Helmet
• Water Bottle
• Basic repair Kit (including spare tubes)
• Mobile Phone

You can go as beginner or as pro as you like with any other equipment, however we will not guarantee it will make you faster.

Which bike should I use?

If you’re lucky enough to have the choice between bikes our resident gravel expert has some suggestions on which one to use. A gravel bike on 32-35mm tyres with minimal tread (it could even be done on as a little as 30mm tyres if conditions aren’t wet) is the pick if you’re trying to beat the train.

For those looking to challenge themselves, and mother nature, a road bike and 28mm tyres will test your bike handling ability. If you take on this option is it advised that you know how to change a flat, as the risk would be high, particularly in the rockier, rutted sections.

If you are looking to complete the course with some level of comfort, a 40mm tyres on a gravel bike or a hard tail MTB would be our suggestion. Being gravel paths and roads there are some washboard sections that either of these bikes would help smooth out for you and really allow you to soak up the scenery.

The Course

There are a couple of sections of the course that cross open roads. We have traffic management in place, but if a traffic controller is asking you to stop and wait briefly then please respect those instructions. Your safety is our priority. You’ll be back on your way shortly.

Other parts of the course travel on trails and paths that are open to the general public, including some tracks that, although unlikely, can be used by cars. Please take note of your surroundings, watch out for vehicles, walkers and other cyclists not participating in the race. Please warn your fellow competitors of any hazards you might come across.

The course is sign-posted, bunted and marshalled so you shouldn’t be able to get lost. In most places along the course you are within sight of the railway tracks.

Can I compete using an e-bike?

If e-bikes are your thing then they’re our thing too. We won’t stop you riding an e-bike along the course and encourage those that don’t think they will be able to complete the course under their own steam to use a little helping hand, however you won’t be considered as a winner if you beat the train and have had assistance.

How much water should I carry with me?

We recommend participants carry at least one 600ml bottle of water with them during the event. Water refill stations will be available in Muckleford and at the finish line. If you are not an experienced rider we encourage you to carry a second bottle to get you through the event. If you have a water carrier, free-ing up your hands for tackling the terrain, then even better!

Medical

There will be medical resources at the start and finish, and then able to respond along the course as necessary. 

We are not racing for sheep stations here (for Maldon station!). If you come across a fellow participant that has had a crash then we would ask you to lend a hand. 

If you are able to stop and assist, and then use your phone to call either 000 or the event team on 0400 076 093 , depending on how serious the injuries are, we would appreciate it, and so would your new friend.

How does seeding at the start line work?

We ask that riders self-seed at the start line to allow those who are hoping to beat the train the front positions and those who are looking for a more leisurely ride to filter towards the back of the pack.

The first section of the course is relatively narrow and overtaking is more difficult so please make a conscious effort to seed yourself based on your riding abilities.

Is the ride timed?

Yes, the ride is timed. Rider times will be made available upon completion of the event and a link to access the results will be sent to each participant. Please be patient with our timers and do not approach them at the finish line until everyone has completed the event.

What services are offered at the start and finish lines?

The start line will have everything you need to get you underway, including registration, first aid, toilets, and food and beverages for purchase (from the Castlemaine station cafe).

The finish line will have first aid, toilets, and there will be a BBQ.

Can I carry a music device?

We love a party at Race the Train, but to ensure the safety of all participants we ask that participants comply with a few simple rules to ensure we all party safely.

• Only external music devices may be used (no in-ear headphones may be used)
• Speakers must be securely fastened to the bike frame
• The volume must be low enough to allow the rider and other riders around them to hear the directions of event staff, marshals or traffic controllers
• Music is turned off during the start line rider safety briefing
• The music is family friendly and respectful of the fact that young children may be participating in the event.

If you comply with the above we encourage you to bring the party.

Can I explore Maldon after the race and return to Castlemaine on the train?

Yes you can. There will be two trains available for riders to return to Castlemaine. The first train will depart Maldon at 1pm and the second at 3pm for those that want to spend more time in Maldon post event. Train tickets can be purchased here.

Can riders of all abilities participate?

Race the Train welcomes riders of all abilities and is a family friendly event. With our motto being ‘race fast or slow…it’s your choice…just go!’ we encourage riders of all abilities to join in the event. Whether you’re king of the gravel or just looking to take part in a community event, Race the Train is for you.

Is there an age restriction on the event?

Riders must be 8 years or older on the day of the event to enter. 

Riders under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a supervising adult and should be within sight of their supervisor at all times.

Can I enter as part of a team?

Race the Train is an individual event and does not have a teams category. However we encourage you to invite your friends and family along and challenge them to beat the train, or you.

Do I need a licence to Race?

No MTBA licence or club membership is required to participate in Race the Train. Your for the day insurance is covered by your entry fee.

What happens if the event is rescheduled or cancelled?

In the unlikely event that Race the Train needs to be rescheduled or cancelled participants will be offered a full refund or a transfer of their registration to the new date.

For more information please visit the event’s Terms and Conditions

I registered for the event but now I cannot attend, what do I do?

For information on the Race the Train withdrawal and refund policy, please read the Rider Terms and Conditions

How can I register to volunteer and help out at the event?

We would not be able to run events if it weren’t for our amazing volunteers so we are always on the lookout for passionate volunteers to lend a hand. If you’re keen to be involved in Race the Train simply register your interest here or drop us a line at info@racethetrain.com.au

I am interested in sponsoring the event. How do I go about this?

Fantastic! We’d love to chat more about you joining the event as a sponsor. Simply contact us at info@racethetrain.com.au and we will be in touch.