The ultimate challenge for road cycling and mountain bike enthusiasts.
XC Mountain Biking
Mountain biking around Hotham is one of the best ways to see it. There are a lot of trails, 4WD tracks and fire trails that wind through the Alpine flora and forests. The winter cross country ski trails are a great place to start, including the Hotham to Dinner Plain trail. You can pick up a cross country trail map from Mt Hotham Resort Management Board office during office hours. You can hire bikes and helmets from Adventures with Altitude in Dinner Plain by calling (03) 5159 6608 or in the valley at Bright Cyclepath.
Road Cycling
Hotham to Dinner Plain
Distance - 16.1km
Information - Elevation drop from Hotham Heights to Dinner Plain is approx. 263m some undulating hills, easy to moderate riding.
Hotham to Harrietville
Distance - 28.0km
Information – Elevation drop from Hotham to Harrietville is approx. 1273m. There are steep downhills and difficult sections, which become long, tough climbs in the other direction. Excellent for advanced riders.
Hotham to Bright
Distance - 52.2km
Information – same as above, with an extra 25km from Harrietville to Bright, a couple of easy hills and enjoyable riding along the Great Alpine Road.
Hotham to Omeo
Distance - 54.2km
Information – The elevation from Hotham to Omeo drops approx. 1098m mostly downhill from Dinner Plain onwards. On the return journey the steep hill ‘Mountain Maid’ is difficult but rewarding.
The Hotham Challenge Ride Weekend (formerly the DP Festival of Cycling)
This three day cycling event, held over the Labour Day Weekend in March each year, offers a unique opportunity for road cyclists to challenge themselves to descend and climb the Great Alpine Road, including the renowned Mt Hotham Summit, in a fully supported environment. All aspects of the weekend are personalised to ensure you can achieve your personal best on your bike.
During the Challenge Weekend you will learn how to tackle alpine riding with a Ridewiser coaching clinic, gain tips at the mechanical workshop, and push your personal limits on the Hotham Challenge Ride (various legs available including Harrietville Return and Bright Return). Topped off with great socialising and a leisurely ride to a location past Omeo on the Sunday, this is the perfect long weekend of challenging cycling routes, food, wine and friends. For more information click here.
Please remember that riding along the Great Alpine Road can be dangerous through summer with cattle & logging trucks, caravans, boats etc using the road. Always keep to the left and be aware what is around you at all times.
