ABOUT THE TRANSMOTO 8-HOUR @ MACKAY

This year sees the Transmoto 8-Hour make its first ever visit to Central Queensland. Situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns in what is often referred to as “sugar country”, the region is also well known for its white sandy beaches and as a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and idyllic Whitsunday Islands; not to mention its incredibly varied riding terrain.

The 8-Hour itself is held on a large private property 70km south of Mackay near the township of Koumala, known fondly in dirt bike circles because it’s home to the infamous Gum Valley motocross track, which will serve as the pit area and admin hub for the 2018 Transmoto 8-Hour. New also for the 8-Hour at Mackay is a non-competitive Fun/Junior trail loop on Saturday, May 26, for riders aged between nine and 15.

So, race or ride the Mackay 8-Hour; run a motocross weapon or trail sled; fly in and fly out; make a weekend’s roadtrip out of it with your mates; or use it a convenient excuse for a week-long family holiday in warm weather … take your pick. But be sure to be part of what will surely establish itself as a must-do annual moto pilgrimage for racers and riders alike.

WIN A 2018-MODEL KTM!

Simply by entering the inaugural Transmoto 8-Hour – to be held at Mackay, Queensland, on May 26-27 – you’ll automatically go in the draw to win a 2018-model KTM.

Yep, thanks to our naming-right partners from KTM Motorcycles Australia, the winning entrant will roll out of Mackay’s pit paddock with their choice of any enduro or cross-country model from KTM’s 2018 model-range.

With Mackay’s entries strictly capped at 500, that means you’ve got a one-in-500 chance of winning yourself an off-road weapon that’s dripping in premium componentry. To our way of thinking, they’re damn good odds. And somebody’s got to win! Terms and Conditions apply.

THE COURSE

If you’ve visited or ridden Gum Valley motocross track – which will be used for the pit area for the Transmoto 8-Hour – then you’ll know that it’s one of Australia’s most picturesque and iconic motocross circuits. Think America’s much-loved Red Bud track, except with towering gums instead of pine trees.

What a lot of people don’t know is that Gum Valley’s moto track is surrounded by vast tracts of sugar cane fields, wooded hillsides, undulating grass paddocks, scrub country, creek crossings and even rainforest, all of which have been nattily incorporated into the event’s custom-made 15km loop for the inaugural 8-Hour. No wonder the 2011 Australian 4-Day Enduro (A4DE) – which was staged on this private property, owned by former enduro racing legend, John Hand – will go down as one of the best ever.

JUNIOR TRAIL LOOP INCLUDED!

We’ve opened up a limited number of spots for kids aged between nine and 15 to ride a non-competitive trail loop at the Mackay 8-Hour on Saturday, May 26. This Fun/Junior ride will be staged in two age groups (9-11 and 12-15), with each having access to the Fun/Junior trail loop between 11am and 3pm.
The entry fee for the Fun/Junior loop is $25 through the online entry system. If Junior riders do not have a current annual Junior MA Licence, they will need to purchase a One Event Recreational Licence for $30, also through the event’s online entry system.

THE ‘VIBE OF THE THING’

Rider etiquette has always been a big part of Transmoto’s events. We encourage good sportsmanship, care and courtesy towards other riders because we want everyone to have a good, positive experience – whether that’s on the track, in the camping area, or on the access roads leading to and from the event venue.