THE BLACK PEARL

Location: NSW
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025

The Black Pearl returns to Newcastle for 2025, offering riders an unforgettable three-day mountain biking adventure across the region's legendary trail networks. Created by the original Port to Port MTB team, this mini-stage race showcases why Newcastle was named "NSW's Top Tourism Town" with a perfect blend of technical challenge and spectacular coastal scenery.

From the iconic Glenrock trails to Awaba's flowing singletrack and the stunning coastal routes connecting Whitebridge, Redhead, Fernleigh and Glenrock, The Black Pearl delivers a complete package in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Date: Friday-Sunday, March 7-9, 2025

Location: Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region, NSW

Event Type: Mountain bike mini-stage race

Course Options:

  • Prelude: 9km time trial (Friday)
  • Stage 1: 30km, 600m elevation (Saturday)
  • Stage 2: 35km, 700m elevation (Sunday)
  • Single-day entry options available

Prelude (9km) - A blast through Glenrock's classic trails including Twisties, Double Barrel, Seismic and Snakes & Ladders, forming a brilliant 9km loop where riders establish their weekend handicap.

Stage 1 (30km) - Beginning from the new start/finish at Mist In The Gum Trees, this improved course features the best of Awaba MTB Park including Polly Waffle, Skids for Kids, Tunnel of Love and Faulk Line, with testing climbs balanced by flowing descents.

Stage 2 (35km) - The crown jewel of the event returns with refinements to what many called "the best ever stage race course in the region." Starting and finishing at the Royal Crown Hotel in Dudley, this spectacular route connects the coastal trail networks of Whitebridge, Redhead, Fernleigh and Glenrock.

Early Bird Rate (until February 14): $220 for complete weekend

Standard Entry: $250 for complete weekend

Single Stage Options: Available for riders unable to commit to all three days

Registration Includes: Event entry, number plate, license fees, insurance, traffic management, timing chip, event T-shirt, and welcome drink at Friday function

Elite Category: Prize money available for top performers

Weekend Warrior: The main category for recreational riders of all levels

Age Group Sub-Categories:

  • Juniors (12-15)
  • Open (15-39)
  • Masters (40-49)
  • Super Masters (50-59)
  • Grand Masters (60+)
  • E-Bikes (all ages)

Event Format

Prelude (Friday): Individual time trial format on a 9-10km course of mostly fun singletrack with minimal climbing. Times establish your Weekend Warrior handicap.

Stages 1 & 2: Riders start in allocated waves based on Prelude seeding, with Elite riders in the first wave. Courses feature the region's best trails with an emphasis on enjoyable, flowing singletrack.

Weekend Warrior Handicap System: Like a golf handicap, this unique system lets riders "Race Your Own Race" by measuring consistency across stages rather than outright speed, giving everyone a chance at podium glory.

Water Points: Available at approximately halfway through Saturday and Sunday stages. Personal bottles can be dropped at Registration before each stage.

Diversions: Available for riders requiring a shorter option, implemented at set times by the Course Director reducing distance by 5-10km.

E-Bikes: Welcome with specific wave start arrangements. Must meet Australian manufacturing standards and manage battery life throughout each stage.

Event Organiser: Quad Events Australia

Email: info@quadcrownmtb.com.au

Website: quadcrownmtb.com.au

Instagram: @quadcrownmtb

Facebook: /QuadCrownMTB

By Car:

  • From Sydney: 2 hours via M1 Pacific Motorway (160 km)
  • From Brisbane: 8 hours via Pacific Highway (770 km)
  • From Canberra: 4.5 hours via M1/A43 (430 km)

By Air:

  • Newcastle Airport (30 minutes to event locations)
    • Regular services from Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Sydney
    • Rental cars available at terminal

By Train:

  • Regular NSW TrainLink services to Newcastle Station
  • Connections from Sydney Central Station (2.5 hours)

Newcastle Beaches

Recovery Activities

Cycling Specific

  • Fernleigh Track (former railway line, great for recovery rides)
  • Glenrock MTB Park (practice sessions on event trails)
  • Lake Macquarie Variety Foreshore cycle path

Food & Beverage

  • Newcastle's craft brewery scene
  • Darby Street cafe precinct
  • Honeysuckle waterfront dining

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