We caught up with the organiser of Australia’s most boutique (and rad) annual gravity festival, Block Party at Greenvalleys MTB park on October 5-7 so you know all you need to know!
[R]: From what we’ve been hearing Block Party sounds like it is going to be absolutely epic! Give us a run-down of what we’ve look forward it? We really want to bring riders an event that focuses on the fun, social and competitive aspects of racing for a rider to try out, as the sport of mountain biking is just exploding; nowhere else can you compete in 4 events of this calibre in the one place. The Block Party is set to be a massive 3-day event over the long weekend in October here at Greenvalleys. Featuring Australia’s first Ride100Percent Dual Slalom, the KrushOz North Shore Challenge and the legendary DHaRCO Super D; we will also be showcasing the talent of the industry’s film makers with our Tales from the Trails film competition.
[R]: Sounds sweet. Tell us a bit more about the ‘Tales From The Trails’ film contest? Sponsored by the legends at Magura brakes, this is one special evening that will be the highlight of the weekend. We have a massive 8 x 7m outdoor cinema coming in, complete with a professional stadium grade sound system. This will really bring the night alive and provide some super creative and inspiring content for everyone. Entrants for the film competition are required to submit a 2 minute short film based on mountain biking with reference to the keyword “Unchained”, to go in the running for some very special prizes, which have been generously backed by Magura.
[R]: Last year the DHaRCO Super-D weekend went off with an amazing vibe right across the weekend; endless shuttles, the bike expo village, on site camping, awesome food and drinks… How the hell are you going to better it this year? The event last year was incredible with some pretty extraordinary feedback from sponsors, riders and spectators. This year we are working the site layout in the bottom paddock to really focus on the village and community feel for the event when you’re not out on the trails. Interaction between event goers in all capacities is what really brings an event together. Connecting people through their love of riding. The NSW government has come on board to help improve the visitor experience with a massive outdoor cinema and some large marquees that are central to the event zone.
[R]: Have you guys been busy cutting in fresh trail and building new jumps since last year’s event? Last year we made a bunch of changes and copped a massive dry spell before the event so the trails just didn’t have time to settle and blew out in certain sections – the elements of mountain biking! This year the trails are solid; we have a few surprises for those who haven’t attended the park since the last event, sculpted new features, added some tactical vantage points for those keen to read and study the trails, plus a brand new, mind blowing dual slalom course.
With the Dual Slalom, we are also running a “Race your Mates” – any bike category to encourage more riders to have a go and not feel they need to bring a full spectrum of bikes to be able to compete. Our Dual Slalom course with deviating and converging sections as well as a massive A line gap jump for the pros will be a crowd favourite for sure.
[R]: What sort of bike is going to be perfect to get the most out of the weekend, a DH rig or a trail bike? A trail or enduro bike for sure. One bike to do it all!
[R]: It’s an all-inclusive weekend so what is included in the ticket price? Quite simply put – more than you can poke a stick at! Entry to the DHaRCO Super-D gives you unlimited shuttles over 2 days to set your time on 4 trails, as well as a gourmet breakfast, separate entry for the Ride 100% dual slalom, free entry to the Krush Oz North Shore Challenge, camping, premium showers, hydration/drinks station, bonfire, race plate, SportIdent live timing and tag, shenanigans, Saturday night movies on the big screen, pumping village atmosphere, first look at the world’s first MTB Straight Rhythm, and a MASSIVE raffle with more goodies than your last 10 Christmas’ and birthdays combined,
[R]: Are numbers strictly limited again this year? They sure are, entries are strictly limited to 200 tickets for a world class event right here on the south coast of NSW. Spectator entry is free, and we invite people to come hang out and enjoy the event, check out our awesome sponsors and some seriously epic riding at Australia’s Boutique Bike Park.
You can watch last years action to get stoked below.
For more information hit up: www.greenvalleysmountainbikepark.com/gvblockparty
