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LOCAL LIFE
Convict 100 – an arresting assignment!
by Greg Martin
Spectators and cyclists are in for a wheelie good time out at stunning St Albans on May 3 with the 18th running of the popular mountain bike event, The Convict 100.
No folks, NSW prisons will not be releasing 100 of their guests to throw their legs over a bike and compete in the event!
The Convict 100 offers riders a choice of pedalling a selection of courses- 48km, 67km, or the full 100km route.
Riders over the three distances will traverse the historic Convict Trail through the heart of the picturesque and in many places tortuous, Hawkesbury Valley
Starting and finishing in the quaint township of St Albans, the Convict 100 embodies the untamed spirit of mountain biking, offering a rugged and remote adventure that challenges riders of all skill and fitness levels.
“ The Convict 100 is a longestablished favourite on Australians’ mountain biking calendar,” said race director, Mark Roberts.
“ There’ s a distance to suit everyone, from beginners right through to seasoned riders.
“ It’ s an epic adventure, taking riders from valley floor to ridgetop and back again, following trails that date back to the early 19th century.”
They’ re off! The Convict 100 race has attracted around 1000 cyclists who will compete across three arduous courses – 48km, 67km and 100km. It’ ll be a no holds-barred event in the 100km, with closing in on 400 riders facing the starter – and four hours or so in the saddle!
The event is sponsored by Hawkesbury City Council, whose support has been crucial to the ongoing success of the Convict 100. The unique history and breathtaking scenery of the Hawkesbury Valley makes the Convict 100 a must-do event for any mountain biking enthusiast.
“ It’ s an incredible way to push personal limits while enjoying one of the most scenic and historic parts of New South Wales,” Mark said.
“ Every year, we see riders returning for the challenge and camaraderie that the Convict 100 offers.”
Two riders certain to handle the course and perhaps fight out the finish of the arduous 100km event, are last year’ s winner, Tamworth’ s Mick Sherwood, and the remarkable Jon Odams who hails from out Liverpool way.
Odams has twice won the 100km event, being first to greet the judge in 2021 and 2018 and finishing the closest of seconds in 2019.
There’ s little doubt those contesting the 100km event will earn a beverage or 20 on completion of the race – they’ ll be pedalling for around four hours over terrain which will fully test riders and machines alike.
On yer bikes!
4 ISSUE 179 // APRIL 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT