Fellowship of the bicycle

The Middle Earth Epic Orc Hunt returns next week, raising money for trail maintenance and bringing together more than 100 riders from across the South West.

Now in its fourth year, the event began in 2015 after the Karri Cup was cancelled because of the Northcliffe fires.

“The visitors’ centre really relies on the Karri Cup, so we hosted an event for them and raised $650,” organiser Rod Lakelin said.

The event has since gone on to raise money for the Cowaramup Bull Shed, the Margaret River Off-Road Cycling Association and the maintenance of local trails.

Riders come from as far as Perth to the north and Albany to the south.

They will start and finish at the Beer Farm on Saturday, April 7, kicking off at 8am and wrapping up about 3pm with presentations and a raffle.

There is a 50km and 75km option but the organisers have stressed this is not a competition.

“There are no winners but there are a few prizes, like the biggest crash,” Lakelin said.

“It’s just a fun day to remind people why they love riding, to socialise and promote the Act, Belong, Commit message.”

About 120 riders are so far expected to take part, but those numbers could yet rise. “It’s a great introduction to mountain biking and good for people of all abilities,” Lakelin said.

“We’ve had 12-year-olds up to people in their 70s.”

Lakelin said it was one of the only events involving all bike shops in Margaret River, Vasse, Busselton and Dunsborough, as well as one Bunbury store.

He thanked sponsors The Hairy Marron, Life Cycle Bikes Margaret River, Humble Bikes, Fat Duck Cycles, South West Cycles, Dunsborough Bike Shed, Mad Cycles Bunbury, Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association, Beer Farm and Metro Beverage Company.

Register at mrorca.org.au