Tiger Tracks Gravel (TTG) was a celebration of community-based bush gravel, attracting novice and experienced gravel riders alike to Jalbarragup on 6-7 April 2024. The capacity field reflected the growing popularity of gravel riding in WA: rider numbers increased by almost 60% from the inaugural 2023 event, and it was exciting to see another strong contingent of female riders enjoying opportunities to race, ride and learn.

The first edition of TTG was a leap of faith for 4Five+ AC. It was bigger than any event the club had previously hosted, and a different type of gravel event for WA. After successfully negotiating the steep learning curve in 2023, the logistics for 2024 were expected to be easier. But Mother Nature had other ideas.

In January fires sparked by a lightning strike swept through Jalbarragup, engulfing 80% of the proposed TTG route. Heavy firefighting traffic damaged roads and bridges, and scorched bushland continued to smolder and shift in the following months. A compromise course was devised after extensive mapping and engagement with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, regrettably taking in more of Jalbarragup Road than was originally planned.

The event hub at the Darradup Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade shed hummed with activity as the capacity field of riders registered on Saturday morning. This year additional categories were on offer for the gravel road events, with the choice of racing or riding over three distances: Big Tiger 93km, Little Tiger 43km, and Tiny Tiger 33km. A distance for everyone, from elite racers through to novice and junior riders.

The course and conditions were challenging. Jalbarragup Road was showing the effects of a long dry summer, and grading in the weeks prior had not been enough to subdue the extensive corrugations. A capacity field of 115 racers and 37 challengers set off under a fierce blue sky, heading north along Jalbarragup Road to complete a loop taking in the picturesque Junction Road, the sandy Hidden Dragon, and the champagne gravel of McAtee Road. The Big Tigers would complete 3 circuits of the northern loop, with the Little and Tiny Tigers completing one loop before heading south to finish on Jalbarragup Road.

The racing was hot, and so was the weather. Volunteers were kept busy shuttling extra water out to the feed zones and battling swarms of thirsty bees as the temperature climbed to 32 degrees. The battle was on for the racers too. Annabel Kidd finished on the top step in the female Big Tiger, with new gravel racer Ann Brinkamp and veteran off-roader Stef van Amerongen finishing second and third respectively. In the men’s category the Giant crew had come to play hard but defending champ Mark Chong floated across the corrugations to hold off challenges from Ricky Andrews and Hayden James. Top finishers in the Little Tiger were Rebecca Kelly and Michael Bowles, while junior riders Ruby Gallagher and Danny Barton took out honours in the Tiny Tiger.

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Unfortunately, the tough racing on Saturday saw a reduced start list for Sunday’s 16km trial, but the hardiest gravel riders were rewarded with a kinder course and kinder weather. This time the top step went to Stef Van Amerongen and Ricky Andrews. Meanwhile the Come and Try Gravel participants had a great time under the guidance of instructors Nilss Johnstone and Jodi Earnshaw. For all the racing and riding, the highlight of Sunday for many was the wonderful presentation lunch hosted by the Friends to the Darradup Community at the fire shed!!

The Tiger Tracks Gravel event wouldn’t happen without the Tiger Tracks Community. 4Five+ is a small not-for-profit, and we are deeply appreciative of the support of the residents of Jalbarragup, the crack crew of volunteers, and the funding support provided by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries through an Active Regional Communities Grant.