February 2009 brings an offering that’s a true once in a lifetime, the opportunity every mountain biker dreams about but rarely achieves. The unique chance to lay down the first angry laps on a brand new, virgin course.

The Vestal Virgin Classic (VVC) is the inaugural event of HMBA’s new Awaba XC course and Mountain Bike park in progress. Designed by famous Glen Jacob’s ‘World Trails’, the Awaba area is set to be the destination for mtbers, not only from the Hunter region but also from Sydney and further afield, with trails designed by one of the world’s best course designers and built to the international standard set by IMBA. The VVC, based on a unique 6 hour format, will offer something for every level of rider as well as for the young ones and partners in tow. In short, the VVC is an event for the whole family.

As part of a forming trail alliance partnership between HMBA, Lab-Gear and other like minded organisations, the VVC paves the way for a ‘by riders, for riders’ methodology, offering all riders the opportunity to be involved in the Awaba project at a greater level and create a true, and unrivalled, sense of ownership of the trails. Not only will a direct portion of entry fees go towards ongoing development of the Awaba trails but riders can register and partake in calendared trail building days. For each day attended, they receive a discount on the event entry fee.

More information as it comes but trail building is scheduled to start in late August and you’ll have to register to take part. You can do that by sending an email to: HQ-frontdesk [at] lab-gear.com.

And here’s a map of what you can be part of, showing stage 1 of the XC course: