The global event, currently held annually in the US and Spain, is expected to bring thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts to the Eurobodalla next year. Photo: Next Level KiPhotomedia.
The Eurobodalla will host the first mountain bike event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere when Sea Otter Australia brings racing and riding events, a tradeshow, business summit and live entertainment to Mogo next year.
With a history dating back 30 years, the original Sea Otter Classic event draws a massive 80,000 participants in California in April each year and, together with Rocky Trail Entertainment, Sea Otter Australia will shine an international spotlight on the new Mogo Trails.
Sea Otter Australia promises to be more than just a mountain biking (MTB) festival, but a celebration of cycling in all its forms.
With a diverse range of racing and riding events, including gravity enduro, downhill, cross-country, and free ride, the event will cater to racers of all levels and riding styles.
Attendees can also expect a bustling tradeshow showcasing the latest bikes, gear, and industry trends. The event extends beyond the tracks with the Australian Sea Otter Summit, fostering crucial dialogues about trail-based tourism and industry growth.
Sea Otter Australia CEO and one of the Rocky Trail founders Juliane Wisata said the event was not just about “pinning on numbers and chasing podiums”.
“We’re about igniting a passion for cycling in every heart that rolls through our gates,” she said.
“From adrenaline-pumping races to leisurely cruises on the trails, from industry insights at the summit to community celebrations in the town, we’re creating an immersive experience that celebrates the entire cycling ecosystem.
“It’s about shredding, racing and riding the awesome Mogo Trails, discovering the latest gear, and connecting with fellow riders on and off the tracks – all while leaving a positive legacy for the Mogo region.”
To be held at the Bay Pavilions and its state-of-the-art conference centre in Batemans Bay, the summit will bring together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable development and collaboration that Julie said would leave a “lasting positive impact on the region”.
The event will provide an opportunity to showcase the Eurobodalla region, and participants will discover the region’s natural beauty through curated itineraries and destination guides, exploring nearby towns, pristine beaches, and diverse landscapes.
Sea Otter Australia COO and Rocky Trail Entertainment managing director Martin Wisata said the event was only possible on the Mogo Trails because of the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s “commitment to restoring the region after the fires”.
The opening of stage one is expected to take place in mid-2024, and the full network of trails is scheduled to be live by early 2025 – right in time for Sea Otter Australia in October next year.
“Our work has always been about building a community, and Sea Otter Australia aligns perfectly with the region’s vision, becoming part of a resilient community,” Martin said.
“We are inspired by the resilience of the people of Mogo who have been rebuilding the landscape, the town, and lives after the 2020 fires ravaged through the region.”
Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said Sea Otter coming to Mogo Trails was a “dream come true for the Eurobodalla”.
“When the planning for Mogo Trails began, we knew we wanted to build an international standard MTB destination,” he said.
“That was always the aim and we’ve been fortunate to have Rocky Trails Entertainment and Forestry NSW as brilliant partners in this project, always supporting our vision.”
An MTB fanatic himself, Cr Hatcher said the strategy behind Mogo Trails was to support tourism and economic growth in Eurobodalla and the broader region.
“Southeast NSW is fast becoming the premier MTB destination in the country,” he said.
“We’ve got stage one of Mogo Trails to open in a few months promising world-class riding.
“Narooma Trails are pumping visitors since they opened in December, and further south there’s brilliant trails at Tathra and Eden, plus all the Snowy Mountains riding just a few hours inland.
“I can’t think of a better way to launch Mogo Trails on the world MTB stage.”
Sea Otter Classic founder and director Frank Yohannan said the global network “can’t wait to see the Sea Otter spirit Down Under”.
“We look forward to Sea Otter Australia reaching out to embrace Australian mountain bikers and the entire cycling community. Get ready for an awesome ride, Australia,” he added.
The Mogo Trails will provide more than 130 kilometres of mountain biking delight in the Mogo State Forest, areas surrounding Deep Creek Dam, and the Wandera State Forest. The event has offered to host the major global event at Mogo for at least the next 10 years and beyond.
The Eurobodalla extravaganza will be one of only three licensed Sea Otter events in the world outside of the United States, alongside Sea Otter Canada and Sea Otter Europe in Girona Spain.
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