VIPs swapped suits and ties for nobbly tyres and red dirt as they were treated to a tour of the newly created mountain bike trails in the heart of Port Macquarie on Tuesday. Port Macquarie’s own World Champion mountain biker Jason English and local club members led a morning ride for Local MP Peter Besseling and representatives of Conservation Volunteers, Landcare and Council .
Project co-ordinator Jai Cooper explained, “The trails are divided into two circuits… an easy course named The Cakewalk which gives an introduction to mountain biking and the more challenging Iron Oxide circuit for intermediate riders. Mountain biking is a family sport, so we’ve designed trails that provide challenges for riders of all abilities and ages.”
Trail construction has been to standards developed by the International Mountain Biking Association.
The trails needed to be well designed to survive heavy rainfall events.
The combination of Port’s red clay and artificial drainage of the site has resulted in a fun course – the track dries to a fast hard pack and rain water doesn’t pool in any locations. Solid bridges have been installed throughout the site and technical features are included to make the riding more challenging. More features, signage and a storage container are planned thanks to funding from NSW Communities.
Regeneration works are enhancing the park.
Trails have been located in cleared areas, where weeds have been removed or in areas that complement the existing canopy.
Now that the trail network is established, plantings can increase. Local school students and Conservation volunteers have already followed up with plantings to increase the shade and biodiversity of the site.
Over 500 trees and shrubs have been planted since the project began and more are expected in coming months.
Tubestock has been supplied by Port Macquarie Landcare and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
Trails at Port Macquarie’s Urban Mountain Bike Park are ready for racing and on Wednesday, March 9 the “WRP Shorty” race series commenced.
The four race series will be held every Wednesday evening for the rest of March.
The “WRP Shorty” starts at 5pm for Dirtmasters and 6pm for A, B and C Grades next Wednesday and will run for four weeks. New riders are welcome.
For more information, go to the club website: www.hvmtbr.com.au
Mountain biking is increasing in popularity and the race calendar is full of opportunities. The Port Macquarie 12hr Endurance race is the biggest race on the local calendar and will be held at Telegraph Point on the weekend of March 19-20. All races held include categories for juniors and women.
