The beautiful Hunter Valley wine country is on show this weekend with the return of the Port to Port MTB stage race.
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Over the past five years it has grown in popularity and reputation.
Riders from across Australia visit the east coast, covering four stages of trails through state forests, wine country, hinterland, national parks and mountain bike parks throughout Newcastle and the Hunter.
One team participating is the Tas and Russ Nankervis, brothers from Bendigo.
They were determined to give the track all they could, from the first starting point at Audrey Wilkinson Winery to the finish line four days later at Eats', Beats and Bikes festival at Dixon Park, Newcastle.
This is Tas' fourth Port to Port.
"Last year was my comeback race from a broken hand and the first time I was riding well again after that. I got second behind Trekky and it was quite close in the end and about 14 second apart after four days.," he said.
"That was the second time I have finished second, so I am definitely pumped up to go one better and get the win with Russ this year."
Race director Sally Hill said the riders voted Pokolbin as the "most beautiful place to start the race".
"This year we're tracking at almost 1500 riders, which is our best year yet," she said.
"That's a 35 per cent growth.
"Port to Port is aimed at every rider from elite to beginner.
"We often call it a mountain bike holiday because they race in morning and then they have the rest of afternoon to enjoy what the region has to offer."
Hill said every stage offered something different.
It also provides the opportunity for riders to go through otherwise closed off track, with owners opening their gates and allowing riders on their private property.
"We're really grateful to all of the local people who open their gates to give riders an opportunity they wouldn't get any other time," Hill said.
Port to Port is in the Hunter from May 23 to 26.