FAQs
The Event
How do I get to each stage?
Each stage starts AND finishes at the same location! We don't want you riding any further than you have to! You will be required to get yourself to and from each stage, but there's plenty of parking available at all stages.
Day 1-Augusta
Day 2- Nannup
Day 3- Margaret River
Day 4- Dunsborough
How do I get there?
Margaret River is situated 272 kilometres south of Perth. Those travelling from overseas, interstate or northern Western Australia will need to board a flight into Perth Airport. The Perth International Airport has frequent services from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Abu Dahbi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesberg and Auckland making it accessible for wherever you are in the world!
There are two main highways that can be taken to arrive at Margaret River. The route is well sign posted and the journey will take approximately 3 hours. Visitors arriving via Perth airport can take a very quick route along Roe Highway which flows directly into Kwinana Freeway (National Route 1- State Route 2). People already residing in Perth should begin their journey by heading out of the city south along Kwinana Freeway.
What is the approximate temperature we will be riding in?
The weather in the area ranges daily, but for the past few years the temperature has consistently been between 22°C and 27°C.
Is accommodation included in the any of the packages?
No, you must book your own accommodation separately!
Can you give me some accommodation tips?
Generally riders choose to either base themselves in a central location for the duration of the event, or move along with the event as it progresses. For riders wishing to stay in a central location for the entire event and travel daily to and from the start/finish lines we recommend basing yourself at either Margaret River or Prevelly/Gnarabup (approximately a 5 minute drive west from Margaret River). Contact our accommodation partner Tanya Neilsen for more information.
I am interested in sponsoring the event. How do I go about doing this?
A number of sponsorship opportunities exist for organisations keen to become involved with the Cape to Cape. Please contact us with your sponsorship enquiries by emailing us at hello@capetocapemtb.com
Can my business have an exposition stall at the event?
Please contact us with your expo enquiries by emailing us at hello@capetocapemtb.com
How can I volunteer and help out with the event?
Check out our Volunteer Page, and fill out the JotForm. Our volunteer manager will contact you with availability.
What road closures will be in place?
Road Closures will be in place, please make yourself aware of all road closures via our website page Road Closures.
Gear
I don't have a support crew.... Can I still race?
We’d love you to bring a crew so we can all hang out, however if you can't the Cape to Cape family can look after you. We can arrange a bag drop for you at the start line for each day and with loop courses each day the you don’t have to worry about getting back to your car.
There will be water and aid stations at the half way point but do not rely on them!
Which bike do I bring?
It would have to be one of the most commonly asked questions we receive in the lead up to the event, what bike should I bring? For some people they only have one bike to choose from but for others they have the luxury of choosing between multiple different machines. The simplest question to ask when contemplating what bike to bring is how well you want to go in the race.
Q. Do you want to excel in your category?
A. Bring the lightest bike that you have. A hardtail is perfectly fine and so is a lightweight XC Dually.
Q. Do you want to have a bit of fun but also be fast?
A. Bring a bike that has 110 or 120mm of travel up front and 100 or 110mm of travel in the rear. A lot of our single trails suit this style of bike.
Q. Just in it for fun?
A. Bring whatever bike you would like! *Please note, bike must be classified as a MTB
Q. What wheel size?
A. A touchy subject but for this style of event a 29er is the ideal weapon of choice no matter what suspension style!
Q. Are e-bikes permitted?
A. Yes! In 2024 we introduced a eMTB category. For more information check out the eMTB rules here
How many litres of water would you recommend we carry?
There will be water stations at the half way point but do not rely on them. Riders will need a 2 or 3L hydration pack, like a Camelbak, for water. We also suggest riders carry a bottle of electrolytes.
What gear should I bring?
- Your bike! Checked and running soundly
- Sturdy, closed in shoes
- Riding clothes, helmet and optional gloves.
- Mobile phone
- Camelback / water bottle for hydration
- Nutrition
- Bike pump, either on you or in your car
- Spare tubes and puncture kit, either on you or in your car
- Bike multi-tool
- Small first aid kit in your car.
Entry
I need help with my registration
No worries! Check out our registration guide for a step-by-step process.
How does the manual seeding work?
Cape to Cape our aim is for all riders to get the most out of their ride experience, with the best possible time and maximum enjoyment. The MC will invite pre graded black dot riders, to the front grid on Stage 1, from here onward your awarded coloured dot will determine your zone. Your coloured dot is awarded based on your finish time for Stage 1.
I registered and now cannot race, what are my options?
For information on the Cape to Cape withdrawal and refund policy, please read the Cape to Cape Entry Terms and Conditions.
Eligible for Open grading?
Simply email your MTB credentials and at least two recent results to hello@capetocapemtb.com
Can I start the race with my friends? Even we are in different categories?
Yes! You can definitely start with your friends. Cape to Cape is fun for all! The exception - The Open category is strictly for Open riders only. The first day is self-seeded, the following days are based on your ride time, however if you want to hang back with your mates - go for it!
The Race
What time do the stages start?
Thursday 15 October: 9am
Friday 16 October: 9am
Saturday 17 October: 9am
Sunday 18 October: 9am
*Start times are subject to change.
Where is Rider Registration?
All riders must individually check in for Cape to Cape at Rider Registration in Margaret River. Registration is open 12pm-6pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
What services are at the Start/Finish Line?
Each Start and Finish line will have Information, Bag Drop, First Aid, Bike Wash, Bike Mechanics, Official Merchandise, Food and Drink for purchase
Can riders of all levels participate?
Cape to Cape welcomes riders of all abilities. Our motto is ‘it’s a ride, not a race’. We cater for everyone from the nation’s fastest elite racers to recreational mountain bikers. Don’t be intimidated, sign up and have a go.
Are there age restrictions on the event?
Riders must be 15 years or older on the day of the event. Riders under the age of 18 must have their online registration waiver electronically signed by a parent or guardian. The application must also be accompanied on the ride by a nominated adult.
Support crew under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
How can I volunteer and help out with the event?
Email hello@capetocapemtb.com with your details and availability and we will get back to you!
Is the ride timed?
Yes, the ride is timed. Rider times will be made available upon completion of each stage and will be uploaded to the website shortly thereafter. Please be patient with our timers and do not approach them at the finish line until everyone has completed the day’s stage. Preliminary results will also be emailed to you upon completion of the days racing.
