Welcome to Rapid Ascent

Regarded as Australia’s leading Adventure Sports Event Management company, Rapid Ascent organises off-road, adventure and niche sports events across Australia ranging from mass participation adventure races (the world’s largest!) to boutique mountain bike festivals.

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1 day ago
Rapid Ascent

We're LIVE baby!

Entries for the Surf Coast Century are now open!

ALL DETAILS HERE: bit.ly/4crN1AH

Whether you want to experience the highs, lows and euphoria of running 100KM solo; test yourself in the 50KM – OR – gather a team and share the good vibes... the SCC will give you the stunning setting, varied terrain and feel-good community to make it a day to remember.

A word of warning though: If you're planning on joining us this year – lock it in asap.

We're humbled to say, it looks like this will be a big one.

The phones are already ringing with inquiries and there's literal "talk in the streets" about this 13th edition of the event (just getting a coffee in Torquay this morning, we had a someone rush up and reminded us "century is opening today!").

THANK YOU for your continued enthusiasm and shared love for this event. It's an honour and privilege to be able to present the Century to such a passionate and positive group of runners each year.

We can't wait to share another day of trails, ales and "yeehas" with you legends in September 🤙

ENTER HERE: bit.ly/4crN1AH
... See MoreSee Less

Were LIVE baby!

Entries for the Surf Coast Century are now open!

ALL DETAILS HERE: https://bit.ly/4crN1AH

Whether you want to experience the highs, lows and euphoria of running 100KM solo; test yourself in the 50KM – OR – gather a team and share the good vibes... the SCC will give you the stunning setting, varied terrain and feel-good community to make it a day to remember. 

A word of warning though: If youre planning on joining us this year – lock it in asap. 

Were humbled to say, it looks like this will be a big one.

The phones are already ringing with inquiries and theres literal talk in the streets about this 13th edition of the event (just getting a coffee in Torquay this morning, we had a someone rush up and reminded us century is opening today!). 

THANK YOU for your continued enthusiasm and shared love for this event. Its an honour and privilege to be able to present the Century to such a passionate and positive group of runners each year. 

We cant wait to share another day of trails, ales and yeehas with you legends in September 🤙 

ENTER HERE: https://bit.ly/4crN1AH

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Tamara Spargo here we go 😳😵‍💫🤩

1 week ago
Rapid Ascent

TRUE STORY: How the Shimano Gravel Muster Stage Race was born...

Last year, during our RedBack MTB stage race in Alice Springs, we decided to take our gravel bikes and do some exploring.

We thought, “hey, there’s good mountain biking out here, maybe there’s some decent gravel too".

Little did we know, we were about to stumble upon an untouched gravel riding paradise!

We were met by endless stretches of car-less roads snaking through surreal landscapes, with shimmering horizons, “champagne gravel” surfaces and perfect 20-25 degree weather. Even better, speckled throughout this landscape were oasis-like cattle stations – many with swimming pools, shade and cold beer on tap.

What more could a couple of lycra-clad explorers want?

After the very first day riding, we looked at each other and said:

“Why the hell is this place a secret?!”

We knew immediately that we had to make a gravel race…

We knew it had to be multi-day (there’s too much good riding out here for one day!)...

And we knew we had to make it appealing to ALL riders from elites, to weekend warriors to explorers who might not feel comfortable venturing into the desert alone.

When we shared our vision with Shimano they saw the appeal straight away (which was good validation of our crazy idea!).

Hence the fully-supported Gravel Muster Stage Race was born.

Learn more about the race here: bit.ly/3waZ3h4
... See MoreSee Less

TRUE STORY: How the Shimano Gravel Muster Stage Race was born...

Last year, during our RedBack MTB stage race in Alice Springs, we decided to take our gravel bikes and do some exploring.

We thought, “hey, there’s good mountain biking out here, maybe there’s some decent gravel too.

Little did we know, we were about to stumble upon an untouched gravel riding paradise! 

We were met by endless stretches of car-less roads snaking through surreal landscapes, with shimmering horizons, “champagne gravel” surfaces and perfect 20-25 degree weather. Even better, speckled throughout this landscape were oasis-like cattle stations – many with swimming pools, shade and cold beer on tap. 

What more could a couple of lycra-clad explorers want?

After the very first day riding, we looked at each other and said:

“Why the hell is this place a secret?!”

We knew immediately that we had to make a gravel race…

We knew it had to be multi-day (there’s too much good riding out here for one day!)...

And we knew we had to make it appealing to ALL riders from elites, to weekend warriors to explorers who might not feel comfortable venturing into the desert alone. 

When we shared our vision with Shimano they saw the appeal straight away (which was good validation of our crazy idea!). 
 
Hence the fully-supported Gravel Muster Stage Race was born.

Learn more about the race here: https://bit.ly/3waZ3h4

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

I'm glad you did! Really looking forward to it!!

Get Koach'd crew are keen as well 🤙

A pitty it’s so expensive

1 week ago
Rapid Ascent

What an epic week!

We should be exhausted after 6 days, ~500km and ~10,000 meters exploring the Otways in the inaugural Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour…

But instead, the Rapid Ascent office (and trip Whatsapp chat) is buzzing with stories and memories of an incredible journey.

It all started on Tuesday, as 11 guests and 4 guides hit the dirt and headed over the foothills, into the heart of the Great Otway National Park.

We could write an entire book on the 6 days that followed, but here is a little summary:

THE ROUTE:

The route was tough but tickled all the senses. We were treated to a traffic free riding on the pristine gravel roads that weave through the Otways, ocean views, lighthouses, the Redwood Forest, water falls, remote accommodation on the beach (surrounded by Alpacas and highland cows!) and even short sections of single track snaking through untouched fern-forests.

THE WILDLIFE:

The wildlife was… well, wild (we saw plenty of feathered, furred and scaled creatures and were treated to a few private Koala sightings – without bus loads of tourists gathered around!).

THE BANTER:

The banter was top shelf (ask Mick why he’s now nicknamed “Fabian Hulkellara”).

THE ACCOMMODATION:

We stayed in some extremely unique places – including a seaside monastery surrounded by nothing but ocean, rolling hills and a herd of friendly Alpaca; a modern farmhouse basically ON Johanna beach (with huge indoor pool & private vistas from most bedrooms); and glamping in style under a star-studded sky in Forrest.

THE FOOD:

The food was nourishing and plentiful – ranging from hot breakfasts to family-style lunches to cheese boards and local sensations cooked up by Wildlife Wonders. (We’ve had a few guests comment that they’ll be coming back heavier than when they left even after riding 500km - sorry about that!)

So, yes, all the “details” of the trip were great.

But, truth be told, it was the PEOPLE who really made this inaugural trip something we’ll think back on fondly forever.

We had 11 legends from WA, QLD, NSW and VIC – ranging from 42-72 years of age. Every one of them brought a unique flavour to the trip – whether it was their impressive riding, their quick wit or their deep thought and engaging conversation. Some rode ~100km a day whilst others picked and pursued the easier options and rode 40-50km a day – either way everyone enjoyed the journey.

THANK YOU all for being so positive, adventurous and fun throughout this “hardship holiday”. After 6 days living, riding and dining in close quarters we can genuinely say we consider you all good friends.

We cannot wait to share another trip with you soon.

Speaking of…

We are already excitedly planning a similar trip through the Otways this November. If you’re interested, please get in touch and we’ll put your name on the list to be notified once we have all the details.

Here’s to many more adventures to come 🥂

Skratch Labs
Simpatico Bikes
Blackman's Brewery
Bikecorp
Schwalbe Australia
... See MoreSee Less

What an epic week!

We should be exhausted after 6 days, ~500km and ~10,000 meters exploring the Otways in the inaugural Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour…
 
But instead, the Rapid Ascent office (and trip Whatsapp chat) is buzzing with stories and memories of an incredible journey. 
 
It all started on Tuesday, as 11 guests and 4 guides hit the dirt and headed over the foothills, into the heart of the Great Otway National Park. 
 
We could write an entire book on the 6 days that followed, but here is a little summary: 
 
THE ROUTE:

The route was tough but tickled all the senses. We were treated to a traffic free riding on the pristine gravel roads that weave through the Otways, ocean views, lighthouses, the Redwood Forest, water falls, remote accommodation on the beach (surrounded by Alpacas and highland cows!) and even short sections of single track snaking through untouched fern-forests. 
 
THE WILDLIFE: 
 
The wildlife was… well, wild (we saw plenty of feathered, furred and scaled creatures and were treated to a few private Koala sightings – without bus loads of tourists gathered around!). 
 
THE BANTER:

The banter was top shelf (ask Mick why he’s now nicknamed “Fabian Hulkellara”).
 
THE ACCOMMODATION: 
 
We stayed in some extremely unique places – including a seaside monastery surrounded by nothing but ocean, rolling hills and a herd of friendly Alpaca; a modern farmhouse basically ON Johanna beach (with huge indoor pool & private vistas from most bedrooms); and glamping in style under a star-studded sky in Forrest. 

THE FOOD: 
 
The food was nourishing and plentiful – ranging from hot breakfasts to family-style lunches to cheese boards and local sensations cooked up by Wildlife Wonders. (We’ve had a few guests comment that they’ll be coming back heavier than when they left even after riding 500km - sorry about that!)
 
So, yes, all the “details” of the trip were great. 
 
But, truth be told, it was the PEOPLE who really made this inaugural trip something we’ll think back on fondly forever. 
 
We had 11 legends from WA, QLD, NSW and VIC – ranging from 42-72 years of age. Every one of them brought a unique flavour to the trip – whether it was their impressive riding, their quick wit or their deep thought and engaging conversation. Some rode ~100km a day whilst others picked and pursued the easier options and rode 40-50km a day – either way everyone enjoyed the journey. 

THANK YOU all for being so positive, adventurous and fun throughout this “hardship holiday”. After 6 days living, riding and dining in close quarters we can genuinely say we consider you all good friends. 

We cannot wait to share another trip with you soon. 

Speaking of…

We are already excitedly planning a similar trip through the Otways this November. If you’re interested, please get in touch and we’ll put your name on the list to be notified once we have all the details.  
 
Here’s to many more adventures to come 🥂

Skratch Labs
Simpatico Bikes
Blackmans Brewery 
Bikecorp
Schwalbe AustraliaImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Pheooow! Looks at those photos, magnificent ⭐️

Looks awesome

Pleasantly exhausted yesterday!! A few post epic holiday blues days coming up this week I think 😞

2 weeks ago
Rapid Ascent

It’s not about the bike:

On Monday night, at the Anglesea hotel, 14 strangers from all over Aus met and shared a nervous beer ahead of the first ever Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour.

The next morning, we clipped in and hit the (gravel) road out through the Anglesea heathland and into the wild Otways.

It’s now 3 days later…

In that time we’ve puffed, we’ve sweated, we’ve seen some incredible sights and indulged in some incredible meals (we’ve even had a taste of “adventure” (mud!) on the infamous Mt Sabine)…

But, more importantly we’ve bonded over the joy of riding bikes.

Yes, we love bikes. But we’ve been reminded that it’s the experiences and friendships that bikes bring us are real prize.

Bring on the next three days of with these legends!

Skratch Labs
Blackmans Brewery, Torquay
SportsBeer
... See MoreSee Less

It’s not about the bike: 

On Monday night, at the Anglesea hotel, 14 strangers from all over Aus met and shared a nervous beer ahead of the first ever Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour.  

The next morning, we clipped in and hit the (gravel) road out through the Anglesea heathland and into the wild Otways. 

It’s now 3 days later…

In that time we’ve puffed, we’ve sweated, we’ve seen some incredible sights and indulged in some incredible meals (we’ve even had a taste of “adventure” (mud!) on the infamous Mt Sabine)…

But, more importantly we’ve bonded over the joy of riding bikes.  

Yes, we love bikes. But we’ve been reminded that it’s the experiences and friendships that bikes bring us are real prize. 

Bring on the next three days of with these legends!

Skratch Labs 
Blackmans Brewery, Torquay
SportsBeerImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
2 weeks ago
Rapid Ascent

**ANNOUNCEMENT: Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race to cease, but exciting news is brewing!!**

Rapid Ascent advises that the Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race scheduled for November 2024 will not take place.

Rapid Ascent acknowledge that the event has run its course due to the diminishing participant numbers and interest in the adventure race format. We debated long and hard about what to do with the event, and with much heartache, our formal decision for 2024 and beyond is to cease the event.

The decision was not made lightly due to the long heritage of the event having been one of the very first events Rapid Ascent conducted as a business 19 years ago! It was very successful for many years – first in Dunsborough, then in Augusta, and on to Eagle Bay for the last four years.

We are proud of the event and wholeheartedly express our appreciation and gratitude to the many thousands of people who participated and supported the event over the years; remembering it as a truly rewarding experience and adventure weekend.

Rapid Ascent would also like to formally thank our loyal sponsors, the City of Busselton, and Tourism Western Australia for their support in making it what it became – the biggest adventure race weekend in Australia!

We understand the disappointment this news may bring to the adventure racing community, our partners and supporters. However know that Rapid Ascent remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences and hope to resume additional off-road races and events held in Western Australia in the near future. So get excited and watch this space…!

The Team at Rapid Ascent

(PS, we hope you enjoy this highlights album from over the years)
... See MoreSee Less

**ANNOUNCEMENT: Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race to cease, but exciting news is brewing!!**

Rapid Ascent advises that the Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race scheduled for November 2024 will not take place.

Rapid Ascent acknowledge that the event has run its course due to the diminishing participant numbers and interest in the adventure race format. We debated long and hard about what to do with the event, and with much heartache, our formal decision for 2024 and beyond is to cease the event.

The decision was not made lightly due to the long heritage of the event having been one of the very first events Rapid Ascent conducted as a business 19 years ago! It was very successful for many years – first in Dunsborough, then in Augusta, and on to Eagle Bay for the last four years. 

We are proud of the event and wholeheartedly express our appreciation and gratitude to the many thousands of people who participated and supported the event over the years; remembering it as a truly rewarding experience and adventure weekend.

Rapid Ascent would also like to formally thank our loyal sponsors, the City of Busselton, and Tourism Western Australia for their support in making it what it became – the biggest adventure race weekend in Australia!

We understand the disappointment this news may bring to the adventure racing community, our partners and supporters. However know that Rapid Ascent remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences and hope to resume additional off-road races and events held in Western Australia in the near future. So get excited and watch this space…!

The Team at Rapid Ascent 

(PS, we hope you enjoy this highlights album from over the years)Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

39 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thank you for all of the events Rapid Ascent. 🤩 It has been an annual pilgrimage for my husband and I since the race first started in Dunsborough. Very very sad 😢 to see it come to an end, but the numbers have dwindled lately. Looking forward to seeing what’s coming in the future 😊

Let’s go back to Augusta. Better vibes and great location

Tania Marriott Nadine Neethling Simon Innes august memories, definitely changed my life and will always be one of my most joyful memories

Thank you to Rapid Ascent, Sam and John for a truly life changing event. Defining my sporting journey and all the people I have met along the way. What a way to live, race and explore through some epic terrain and a sport that just had me from the first painful tear in my first painful race in Dunsy! Thank you, this will be greatly missed. Looking forward to your next adventures 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Thanks to the RA crew for running the event over so many years so far from your home.

Oh no! 😲 I was all set for it this year as i finally managed to get my schedule sorted after having to miss 2023 . Had my leave, kennels for the 🐕 and accom all sorted. Bugger! It's one of the few of these events you could do as a solo. But, looking forward to what might come in its place?

Well there goes my goal for the year 😑. I've done this in a team multiple times and have always loved the race and the atmosphere. Was hoping to finally do the whole thing myself

Thanks for all the amazing races guys 🙏 i personally got so muchnout of the augusta races and then being able to take our swan christian college crew down to both augusta and eagle bay was huge for 100’s of kids. Its been an amazing ride! Cheers 🍻

Thank you so much Rapid Ascent for an amazing 12 years of racing. Your tireless efforts are greatly appreciated and the event will forever be special to us. Thank you again guys 🙏

Thanks for the memories team. What started as a way for me to get fit again after losing interest in triathlon reignited my passion for multisport and introduced me to ICF marathon canoe racing. I reckon I was overtaken by 2/3 of the field in my first year at Dunsborough. It then became a whole family affair when the race moved to Augusta with the wife and kids all racing. While I was an average adventure racer the introduction to canoe marathon was opened up a whole new chapter in my sporting life and has resulted in several masters world champion titles. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us.

Come back to Augusta it was my favourite for 12 years of racing pls

I wish we could somehow work out how to get this back to Augusta 🤩.

Well done Rapid Ascent for keeping the flame alive so long. Sad to see off road multisport racing almost cease to exist in Australia.

Sad! This was to be my first year after 4 years of not being able to attend 😭

Sad day but events must adapt and change to suit the what the athletes want. I loved the event many years ago but now love your other events that have come along. Look forward to seeing what the future holds guys.

Such sad news, and the end or an era. We jumped on board the first year you started in Augusta, and participated every year while you were in Augusta, then the first two in Dunsborough. My husband was the first to get involved as a team paddler, then I decided I wanted a piece of the action so I took up paddling just so I could compete! I formed my own team of mums and we conquered the long course in Augusta. The sense of achievement was incredible and we were hooked! Over the years I did combinations of the paddle, swim and bike legs, and when the mini was on the Saturday and full course on the Sunday I would compete on both days. At least one of my kids competed in every Junior Survivor, the eldest started when he was 4 and by the last year in Augusta my youngest was about 9. Our adventure race camping weekends in Augusta were always firmly marked in the calendar and are some of our favorite family memories. We drifted away after you moved to Dunsborough, but I look forward to seeing why you have in store!

Amazing memories!! Got engaged on course in the team run in 2011 when doing a team with the husband Michael Cain. Did 6 of the races in Augusta as a team, the run never got easier 😂

Jim Stancombe Noooo

So sad, it’s the reason I get up and train in the morning. No other event is like it, especially including the ski leg. It’s not too late to change your minds is it ?

Jared Stone

Kristie Tibbey Looks like the decision on what I need to train for has been made for me 😁.

Emma Leonard a

^this

Peter Smith Joseph Toon MaryRose S-idgwick sad news, maybe they will bring back Augusta 👍

Brad Shaun Gildersleeve Keith Bowron

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