THE MYSTIC YAK

Location: VIC
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026

Following a wildly successful inaugural event, The Mystic Yak returns to Victoria's High Country for its second edition from March 6-8, 2026. This signature multi-stage mountain bike event combines the region's world-class trail networks with the breathtaking alpine scenery that makes this area a mountain biking mecca.

The event follows Quad Events' popular "mini-stage race" formula, featuring three distinct courses that showcase the best riding across Bright, Beechworth, and Yackandandah. With a perfect blend of flowy singletrack, manageable climbs, and spectacular scenery, The Mystic Yak delivers an unforgettable weekend that balances challenging riding with plenty of time to enjoy the region's renowned hospitality.

Riders can compete as Weekend Warriors under a unique handicap system that levels the playing field for all abilities, or test themselves against the elite field for prize money and bragging rights.

Date: March 6-8, 2026

Location: Bright, Beechworth, and Yackandandah, Victoria

Start Times: Vary by stage (Prelude: Friday afternoon; Stages 1 & 2: 9:00 AM)

Event Type: Multi-day mountain bike stage race

Distance Options:

  • Prelude: 10km (Beechworth)
  • Stage 1: 35km (Bright)
  • Stage 2: 35km (Yackandandah)

The three-day event takes riders through the best trail networks Victoria's High Country has to offer:

Friday Prelude (Beechworth): A 10km time trial featuring the western side of The Indigo Epic Trail. This flowy loop serves as both introduction to the weekend and seeding for the handicap system.

Stage 1 (Bright): Starting from the heart of Bright, Saturday's stage weaves through the legendary Mystic Mountain Bike Park with its perfect blend of climbing and sweet flowing singletrack. New trail development for 2025-26 promises even better riding, with the course finishing behind Bright Brewery.

Stage 2 (Yackandandah): Sunday delivers a grand finale on the eastern section of The Indigo Epic Trail network, widely regarded as one of Australia's best new riding destinations. Expect carefully crafted trails that maximize flow while showcasing the region's natural beauty.

Early Bird: $220 (until 3 weeks before event)
Standard: $250
Single Stage: $95 per stage

Registration includes: Event entry, number plate, license fees, insurance, traffic management, timing chip, event T-shirt, and a complimentary beer at Friday night's Welcome Function.

Elite Category: Top-level competition for prize money

Weekend Warrior: For recreational riders, featuring a unique handicap system that allows cyclists of all abilities to compete for the coveted Warrior King and Queen titles

Age Categories (Male/Female):

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

Water points at mid-course on Stages 1 & 2Personal bottle drop service

Course diversions for slower riders

Electronic timing system

Welcome function with free drink (Friday)

Daily presentations and social gatherings

Mechanical support

Event Organiser: Quad Crown MTB

Email: info@quadcrownmtb.com.au

Website: quadcrownmtb.com.au

Instagram: @quadcrownmtb

By Car

  • From Melbourne: 3.5 hours via M31 & Great Alpine Road (320km)
  • From Sydney: 6.5 hours via Hume Highway (550km)
  • From Canberra: 4.5 hours via Alpine Way (375km)

By Air

  • Albury Airport (1 hour from Beechworth)
    • Daily services from Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
    • Car hire available at terminal
  • Melbourne Airport (3.5 hours drive)

By Public Transport

  • V/Line train services to Wangaratta
  • Coach connections to Bright, Beechworth & Yackandandah

Make the most of your High Country adventure with these must-visit attractions between stages:

Bright

Beechworth

Yackandandah

Recovery Activities

  • Mount Buffalo National Park - Scenic drives and short walks
  • Ovens River swimming holes - Refreshing post-ride dips
  • Alpine Spa treatments - Massage and recovery sessions

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