Karri Cup
April was a big month for racing, with one marquee event after another. Karri Cup is a favourite among 4F members, and it’s always great to see familiar names on the results sheet. Many thanks to Sarah, Allie, Tanya and Jodi for sharing their experience - it sounded like a cracking day out - anyone for a 4F team of 4 in 2026??!
Beautiful pics by Stack Art Photography - full gallery here
Sarah McLachlan
Having been run for 32 years now, it was truly an honour to take home the win for fastest female overall - but that was not the highlight for me, just a lovely side effect of having an absolute blast deep in the trees.
For the first State XCM round this year, the wicked terrain (steep cheeky climbs), trail diversity (tight single track, bridges & vineyards) & absolutely beautiful splendour of the Karri forest, was just unparalleled.
It is truly a privilege to ride so many kilometres, without doubling or looping back across any tracks, and really being buried in brilliant Karri Forrest.
Having raced this event as one of my first MTB races ever back in 2016, I was reminded why I fell head over heels in love with MTBing; Fabulous green views, FAST paced fun, & filled with relentless banter.
Being surrounded by a variety of riders all day, so chatty and positive, it was a real joy despite the increasing rain, mud & chilly weather.
A huge congrats to Tori, Jim, Brooksy & the whole team for a flawless event catering for all, well done Northcliffe Karri Cup MTB Challenge. Cheers to all involved, 300 entries - let’s do that again!!
Allie Cormack
I always enjoy supporting the close knit community of Northcliffe at the Karri Cup, the oldest running mountain bike event in WA. There is a distance for everyone from 100km, 50km, 25km, an 18km enticer, as well as a kids race on the Sunday. You can compete solo, or as team of 2 or 4. It's a unique event as there are 4 timed 25km stages and you clock in and out of each stage so your time at each zone is not calculated towards your overall time.
Although not a very technical course, 100km is a long way on a mountain bike and I knew it was going to be tough day out. The course is spectacular as you ride amongst the towering karri forests, with each twist and turn revealing breathtaking scenery, making the challenge as rewarding visually as it is mentally and physically.
I was very happy to come away with the win in Super Masters and 3rd female overall! Well Done to all the ladies that took part and finished, a massive achievement!
Some Interesting Statistical Facts: Out of the 15 female competitors in the 100km event, there were: 5 Masters (40-49), 7 Super Masters (50-59) & 3 Grand Masters (60-69)... some inspiration for more 4FIVE ladies to get amongst it next year!!!
Tanya Birkbeck
Every year, I make the same mistake—I enter the Karri Cup despite the undeniable fact that I am not a mountain biker. And every year, fuelled by peer pressure, blind optimism, and way too much enthusiasm, I somehow convince myself it’s a good idea.
My entire mountain biking career consists of exactly one ride per year—for this event. Hardly a recipe for success, but it’s a familiar recipe 😊
Long story short—I finished. It was tough, really, really tough. I spent the day well out of my comfort zone, my confidence abandoned in some places, and I found myself inveting new swear words along the way. I bargained with myself just to keep pedalling and reach the finish line.
Was it my best time? Not even close. But after a forced break from training and racing last year due to health reasons, just crossing both the start and finish lines felt more like a victory than any gold medal could give me!
Jodi Earnshaw
Karri Cup is one of the highlight events on the XC calender. As it is not a technical ride, it appeals to a mass audience - from those racing for sheep stations or training for SeVen, to those like me who are just out to enjoy the day with good friends. Don't get me wrong, the race has its challenges as 100km on a MTB is never an easy thing, but at least you are slowly dying surrounded by good people and lovely scenery! And that is the heart of the Karri Cup - it has a great chilled vibe, great camaraderie, and you are immersed in some of the most beautiful forest the south has to offer.
As it is run over the ANZAC day weekend every year, many riders make a full weekend out of it and camp on the oval (where the start and finish line is) with friends and family, taking advantage of Northcliffe's wonderful hospitality (the event is actually run by the community). Distances include an 8km, 25km, 50 km and 100km race, as well as a run the day before - so there is something for everyone.
As a rider, my fitness has dropped off quite a lot over the last couple of years (fat and happy, and by the end my legs knew it!) but I still love getting out and competing in many of these XC races, particularly the Karri Cup, as it is just plain old fun! I no longer get stressed in the lead up to the event or worry about how I will perform, but instead enjoy too much vino and food at the Northcliffe pub (their fish burgers are surprisingly good) and ride with a smile the whole time.
Well done to everyone that rode. Bring on Karri Cup 2026.
