EVENTS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR IN 2017

2017 is already here, so it’s time to start planning what events you’ll be attending throughout the year. There are many events already planned for the start of the year, ranging from participant events to festivals where you can simply relax and enjoy the sporting culture.

We found 20 events held throughout Australia and New Zealand that we think you should add to your calendar in 2017:

1. THE OTWAY ODYSSEY - OTWAY NATIONAL PARK, VICTORIA

The Otway Odyssey is one of Australia’s most respected mountain bike marathons, which sees riders enjoy single track rides through Otway National Park in Victoria. 2017 is the 11th year of the event and will see the introduction of The Great Otway Gravel Grind, 97km and 49km courses that follow 2WD and 2WD dirt roads through the Otway rainforest. This is open to all cyclists, road, mountain bike and gravel and cyclocross riders. Other events include the Odyssey 100km, Shorty 50km, Rookie 30km, Pioneer 10km and Grommets ride for kids 3 to 8 years old.

Date: Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 February 2017

2. AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING - MANLY, NEW SOUTH WALES

The Australian Open of Surfing will see the top action-sports athletes converge on Manly Beach in Sydney for the biggest surf, skate and music event. The nine-day event sees athletes compete in the AS6000 men and women’s surf content, world junior star events and world-class skateboarding. There will also be two days of live music. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Date: Saturday 25 February - Sunday 5 March 2017

3. MANLY WHARF BRIDGE TO BEACH - MANLY, NEW SOUTH WALES

The Manly Wharf Bridge to Beach is one of the biggest open water paddling events in Australia. Participants start at Sydney Harbour Bridge, paddle past sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, before finishing at Manly Wharf. A must-do event for any paddler.

Date: Sunday 26 February 2017

4. NOOSA FESTIVAL OF SURFING - NOOSA, QUEENSLAND

This is one of the leading surf cultural events and one that is not to be missed. In fact, the Noosa Festival of Surfing is the biggest festival in the world by competitor numbers, with 800 entries from 16 countries in 2016. There is fierce competition, but there is also lots of free entertainment, with several bands set to perform. This is a must-do event for any surfer.

Date: Saturday 4 - Saturday 11 March 2017

5. PORT HILLS CLASSIC - PORT HILLS, NEW ZEALAND

Just south of Christchurch you’ll find Port Hills, where the 30th Annual Port Hills Classic is being held. To celebrate how far they’ve come since they first started back in 1987, they’re holding a whole weekend full of mountain bike riding for the whole family. There are many events including warm up races on the Friday night, classic cross country, sprints, kids races, a movie night on Saturday before downhill, cyclocross and hill climb on Sunday.

Date: Friday 10 March - Sunday 12 March 2017

6. TRIPLE PEAKS CHALLENGE - HAWKES BAY, NEW ZEALAND

The Triple Peaks Challenge sees participants run, walk or bike the 47km across Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki and Te Mata Peaks. If that sounds like too much, there’s also a 12km fun run, or you can get a bunch of mates together and complete a relay.

Date: Saturday 11 March 2017

7. GT BIKE BULLER FESTIVAL - MOUNT BULLER, VICTORIA

The GT Bike Buller Festival is a celebration of all things mountain biking. This is a three-day mountain bike festival located at Mount Buller, just over 200km north east of Melbourne. Not only will you be able to take in the beautiful scenery of the Victorian Alps, but there will be endless entertainment available across the weekend. You’ll be able to see various events, mountain bike movies, and check out some bike expos. There will even be kids rides, making it the perfect event for the whole family.

The event coincides with the ‘Picnic in the Park’ food, wine and music festival, so there will be something there for everyone. So why not spend your Labour Day weekend on the mountain at the GT Bike Buller Festival.

Date: Saturday 11 - Monday 13 March 2017

8. AUSTRALIAN LONGBOARD SURFING OPEN - KINGSCLIFF, NEW SOUTH WALES

This is the only World Surf League sanctioned longboard event on Australia’s east coast. The Australian Longboard Surfing Open features live specialty surfing, amateur divisions, live music, surf vehicle display, and surf movies, to name a few. The festival is a four-day celebration of longboard surfing and the surfing lifestyle. The event is less than 20 minutes drive from the Gold Coast airport, so why not head to Kingscliffe to appreciate longboarding and enjoy four days of entertainment.

Date:  Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 March 2017

9. TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND - NEW ZEALAND

This is the ultimate way to see what New Zealand has to offer. The Tour of New Zealand is a competitive/social event that covers 700kms over 7 days. There are two courses, one starting at the Cape Reinga lighthouse on the North Island, with the other starting at Five Rivers on the South Island. It’s up to you which tour you want to do. You can ride as an individual, or in a 3, 4 or 5 person team. Entry numbers are limited so make sure you enter early to secure your spot.

Date:  Saturday 1 - Saturday 8 April 2017

10. SOVEREIGN SEA 2 SKY CHALLENGE - CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

The Sovereign Sea 2 Sky Challenge comprises of an ocean swim, a bike ride up the highest roads in Christchurch and a run along a scenic coastal trail. There are individual, team and kid events, with a run/bike/run or swim/bike/run option. There is also “have a go” event for novice athletes, a junior race, and a short splash and dash for kids ages 5 - 9 years old.

Date: Sunday 2 April 2017

11. QUANTUM ADVANTAGE WHITEHORSE BIG EASY - WAIMATE, NEW ZEALAND

Don’t let the name fool you, this challenge isn’t necessarily easy! The Quantum Advantage Whitehorse Big Easyincludes three separate events: bike, walk/run and the Whitehorse Challenge. The bike option has a 25km and 10km course, which includes private forestry tracks and farm tracks with challenging climbs, downhill slopes and spectacular views. Runners can choose between an 18km run, or 12km and 5km walks or runs. The big event is the Whitehorse Challenge, which sees friends and businesses get together to raise money for charity and pitch themselves against each other in teams to race to the finish line. The teams consist of two people, one completing the 25km bike and the other doing the 18km run.

Date: Sunday 9 April 2017

12. WORLD MASTERS GAMES 2017 - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

This is a 10 day festival of activity that celebrates the lifelong connection people have to competitive and social sport. The World Masters Games is held every four years and is the world’s largest multi-sport event. For 2017, there have been 28 sports and 45 disciplines confirmed into the official programme. As the name suggests, the events are for masters, with an average minimum age of 30 years. Anyone can compete, whether to win or just to have fun. Come and join 25,000 participants from 100 countries at the World Masters Games.

Date: Friday 21 - Sunday 30 April 2017

13. AMB 100 MARATHON - STROMLO FOREST PARK, ACT

The AMB 100 Marathon is one of the most demanding bike marathons, with sweeping climbs and rocky descents. Participants will complete three laps of the 30km race course, with one and two lap options also available. There’s also the option of the 5-lap 100 miler, where racers start at 5AM and get to see the sunrise while riding. There will also be kids races and activities with lots of food and drinks available on the day. Camping at Stromlo Forest Park is available on Saturday night and will be free of charge.

Date: Sunday 30 April 2017

14. CONVICT 100 - ST ALBANS, NEW SOUTH WALES

This is one of Australia’s most challenging mountain bike marathon races and one that is not to be missed. Convict 100 is back for its “lucky” 13th year. The course has three different lengths, 44km, 68km and of course 100kms, so there’s a length for any fitness and skill level.

The event follows the historic Convict Trail which winds through Dharug and Yengo National Parks, in the lower Hunter region of New South Wales. Host town St Albans is only two hours north of Sydney, so there’s no excuse not to go for a drive and take part.

The course will see you face a mix of fire trail, rock gardens, rocky descents, with ridgeline views. This is one epic adventure you don’t want to miss.

Date: Saturday 6 May 2017

15. STRADDIE SALUTE TRIATHLON FESTIVAL - NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Named as a nod to the migrating humpback whales in the water off North Stradbroke Island, the Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival sees participants undertake a 750-metre ocean swim, a 20km cycle from Point Lookout to Amity, and an 8.5km run along a stunning scenic trail. This year there StraddieKidz has been introduced, a duathlon for 7 to 12-year-olds. There will also be the “Champion of Champions”, where past winners are invited to come back and battle it out for the event’s 10th birthday. There is also a fun run for kids, and free group yoga on the beach on Sunday morning.

Date: Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 May 2017

16. PORT TO PORT MTB - NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES

Port to Port is a mountain bike race which takes place annually and is designed to be fun and challenging for riders of all levels, whether recreational or competitive. This is the sister event of the Cape to Cape mountain bike ride.

The ride takes place across four days and starts in idyllic Nelsons Bay Marina, before going through the Hunter Valley and Newcastle region.

The open event is open to anyone between 15 to 39 years old, with a masters event open to anyone over 40. There is also an elite category for experienced and professional mountain bike riders.

Date: 25-28 May 2017.

17. KALBARRI ADVENTURETHON - KALBARRI, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Kalbarri Adventurethon will take you over some of the most scenic areas in Australia. Kalbarri is a small town at the mouth of the Murchison River in Western Australia and features Kalbarri National Park, which is surrounded by rock formations and coastal cliffs with amazing views.

The Adventurethon has various events, with something for everyone. Saturday will feature the Great Trail Run, as well as kayak and mountain bike riding events. Sunday features the 16.5km Murchison River Dash, with participants paddling down the Murchison River. Families can also get involved in the Canoe N Cray Carnival. There’s something for everyone of any skill level. Head to Kalbarri to test your endurance.

Date: Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th June 2017

18. CAPE TO CAPE MTB - WESTERN AUSTRALIA

2017 is the 10 year anniversary of the Cape to Cape mountain bike ride, so there are four days of festivities planned. This year, all events will be starting within a 5km radius of the Margaret River town centre. This reduces travel time and helps to make the event more family friendly. The Four Special Stages have been designed to incorporate the best trails used throughout the previous 10 years of events. Every rider who registers will receive a 10 Year Cape to Cape MTB Commemorative Feature Jersey.

Date: 19 - 22 October 2017

19. MS SYDNEY TO THE GONG - NEW SOUTH WALES

The MS Sydney to the Gong is a 98km or 58km ride that cycles from Sydney to Wollongong. All proceeds raised go towards supporting people living with multiple sclerosis. They have currently raised over $2.7 million. Places are capped at 10,000, with the event frequently selling out. You can register your interest now so you don’t miss out on a spot.

Date: Sunday 5 November 2017

20. L’ETAPE AUSTRALIA BY LE TOUR DE FRANCE - NEW SOUTH WALES

The L’Etape Australia by Le tour de France allows riders to feel like they’re in the Tour de France, without even leaving Australia. This is a one day race held under professional conditions in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. There are two routes to choose from, one covering 157km and the other covering 126km. Fortunately, the event isn’t until December, so there’s plenty of time to train.

Date: Saturday 2 December 2017

Think we missed something? Know about another event? Let us know on Facebook.

Yakima has all the gear you’ll need to get ready for your sporting events throughout the year and to travel to all the destinations. We have roof racks, bike racks and racks for surfboards and kayaks.