Dirtworks 100 Tire choice

Hey Interstater!

Dirtworks is probably the fastest of the enduro's with winners doing it in sub 4hrs. The first 10km or so are on smooth dirt road then up a slow granny climb till you hit the top of the mountain range then the next 15-20km are predominantly overgrown fire road which has a hard surface with lots of soft sand on the flat bits and bedrock on the short climbs and descents. Most of the sand is in small sections so no real prolonged leg sapping work. From there you basically roll along the ridge line on fast trails in the big ring with some sections of baby head rocks to navigate as well as some really cool fast sections down weathered rock with lots of steps so very grippy. At about 70km after descending the mountain range you do some more smooth dirt roads and a bit of tarmac before a climb up a long gradual smooth climb to the top of another mountain range where you blast along fast fire roads with a few small climbs on soft loose sandstone then a descent at about 90km before about 10km of smooth dirt and some tarmac roads.

I'll make a call on tyres depending on weather on the day but preference is for fast rolling. Unless wet you don't need too much grip. Even if wet, most of the track being along the top of a ridgeline drains well. You will spend a lot of time at good speed in the big dog.

Hope that helps.

All though many will probably disagree with me, I would go for a UST specific tyre on the rear if you're running tubeless. Thin side walls don't tend to last long around here due to the sharpe rocks.

As for tire choice. Top riders that have a high skill level will opt for fast rollers on the front and rear and people obsessed with weight! But most average riders will run a quick roller on the rear and something with a little more grip on the front. I've just recently put a Racing Ralph UST on the rear which seems to be going well and a None UST WTB Weir wolf on the front of my trail / race bike.

Other popular options are:

Rear: Crossmark, Larsen, Small Block 8 and Monorail's.

Front: Ignitor, Nevagal, Noby Nick and Advantage's.

My choice for the tyre's you have mentioned would be the RR on the rear and the Aspen on the front. Not seen the Aspen around, probably due to it being a new pattern, but will be considering it as an option once my Weir wolf needs replacing.

Hope this has helped

You're a mountain biker, and that's all that matters on these forums

FWIW I'm a Pom, and weirdly the nice folks don't appear to hold that against me

Hey bro, I didn’t realise you were from across the ditch or my advice would have been a little more comprehensive. Tyres are one thing but you need to be prepared for our unique wildlife or else your day could turn south real quick!

Firstly you may have heard of the Sydney Funnel Web spider? Deadliest spider on the planet. You are completely safe while riding as they are ground dwellers and can’t jump but walking around at the start you should keep your eyes on the ground.

Once out on track brown snakes are the enemy. They are only 3rd deadliest snake on the planet but by far the most agitated and will strike as you ride past. Carry a few compression bandages and preferably a vile of anti venom and a syringe as help will be too far away. Death Adders are about also but they are small and can really only get you on the foot as you walk past so don’t get off your bike and you’ll be safe.

If you see a pack of Dingo’s (wild dogs) then for God’s sake stop and freeze. They will hunt down a moving target but see a stationary one as submissive and will eventually walk off. Remember though while you are stopped to keep an eye on the ground for the aforementioned spiders and snakes.

Last of all at about the 70km mark there is a narrow bridge across the river cobbled together with kayaks. Trick here is to not let the wobbly bridge and tired legs lead to you falling into the river. It is full of Irukandji better known as the Box Jellyfish, the deadliest creature on the planet. Best to carry Vinegar in your backpack as it neutralises the venom quickly.

Get to the finish and you will understand why all of us Aussies will party on the way we do. Enjoy your race.

and the hoop snakes...

even the 29ers have to be weary of those buggers.

Crikey!