MTBA: Mountain Bike Australia: Trails

Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney today presented a $54,010 Lotterywest grant to the Albany Cycling Club to assist in the construction of a mountain bike trail on Mount Clarence, Albany.

The mountain bike trail is the first of its kind to be built in the Great Southern region for use by both the local mountain bike club and general public alike.

“Organising this first class bike trail has been a joint effort between the Albany Cycling Club Mountain Bike Chapter, City of Albany, Department of Sport and Recreation and Lotterywest and will be the first of its kind in Western Australia,” Mrs McSweeney said.

“I understand the cycling club is looking to actively promote and increase awareness of the sport of mountain bike cycling in the Great Southern region and with the support of Lotterywest this will now become a reality.

Construction of the 700 metre trail on the northern side of Mount Clarence would begin in April with the expected date of completion later in July. It would be suitable for all users with the intention to promote it for State-level races.

“As a keen bike rider myself, I look forward to hearing all about the upcoming events planned for the new trail including State downhill races and club competitions,” the Minister said.

Minister's office: 9222 8950

Interview with Gillian Duncan - podcast
April 23, 2009

Check out a 17 minute podcast by Travis Deane speaking with Gillian Duncan about Brisbane City Council's work on the provision of MTB access opportunities.

http://podcast.crankin.com.au/TMTBS_Ep40.mp3

Right click and "save as" to download it.

2009 World Mountain Bike Conference Rescheduled to 2010
April 9, 2009

The current global economic crisis has resulted in the 2009 World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability to be rescheduled to next year.

The event, targeted at business delegates, was to be held in Dumfries between May 12-15 but the Board of Directors of the Scottish Company formed to stage the event has had to take the decision to postpone the conference to 2010 when economic conditions might be more favourable.

Spokesman for the conference, Dan London said:

“Unfortunately the international financial crises which attracted the leaders of the “G-20” nations to the United Kingdom last week has also impacted our attempts to stage the 2009 World Mountain Bike Conference.“

This global situation has caused many organizations to reduce budgets and curtail travel, which has resulted in an unanticipated low level of confirmed delegates such that the staging of the WMBC this year is not financially viable,” he added.

The feedback to the Board from prospective delegates has continued to be positive with a real wish to participate in the event when circumstances allow. The Board of Directors and organising committee, while extremely disappointed at this necessary change, are dedicated to ensuring that the conference in 2010 will include the same level of content, inspiration and networking opportunities as were planned for this year.

The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability is the event for discussion and sharing of best practice, but participation is key. Listening to our market (land, trail and resort managers and tourism businesses, primarily) has shown that, with many unable to attend the conference this year, the benefits to everyone would be diluted.

The Original Bicycle Festival, offering a range of exciting and high profile events for local peopleand visitors, between 9-24th May across Dumfries and Galloway, will continue as planned.

Yours sincerely

Dan London
On Behalf of the WMBC Board of Directors

For further information, please contact;
Email; dan@worldmountainbikeconference.com
Skype; dan.london

World Trail to Host a Volunteer Trail Day at Glenrock State Conservation Area, Newcastle
March 11, 2009

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking works to improve the mountain bike trails in the Glenrock State Conservation Area in Newcastle. They have engaged well known Australian trail builders World Trail to provide sustainable design and construction expertise and techniques.

The Glenrock trails have been a popular but unofficial mountain bike destination for local enthusiasts for many years. The trails are a legacy of a colourful historical past and many parts of the trail network are subsequently in poor condition. In recent years NPWS has started to take the necessary steps to formalise some of these trails, culminating in the current works being undertaken and the upcoming volunteer trail day.

In the weeks leading up to the volunteer trail day, Glen Jacobs and the World Trail crew will be working with the local NPWS staff to teach them the specifics of trail design and construction. On the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of March, Glen will be on site at Glenrock demonstrating the principles of sustainable trail construction, which will then be put into practise by repairing some sections of trail. Participants will get the opportunity to learn and ask questions, while actually designing and constructing more sustainable trails.

Meet at the Gun Club road entrance off Fernleigh Loop in Adamstown Heights at 8:45am for a 9am start each day

- Bring your bike, sunscreen, water to drink and insect repellent.

- Wear a hat, trousers, a long sleeved shirt and enclosed footwear.

MTBA offers awards to attend World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability
March 3, 2009

MTBA announces five (5) grants worth $500 each to attend the World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability in Dumfries, south west Scotland, from 12-15 May 2009.

The criteria for the awarding of the grant are:

Brisbane City Council MTB user survey - UPDATE1
February 11, 2009

Brisbane residents are being asked to respond to a survey about their use of Council's bushland reserves, particularly targeting mountain bikers.

The survey is here
www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228S95ERET2

And live results are here
www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsSurveyResultsPage.aspx?ID=L23PXTCF9L5A

Gap Creek Trails Alliance have lobbied BCC since 2001 for MTB access to Council bushland reserves and have had a very successful Trail care Program at Mt Coot-tha Forest for four years. Access to all other Reserves has been denied.

Please have your say. GCTA President, Gillian Duncan said, "An important outcome would be a city-wide policy regarding MTB access, so we don't have to spend many more years campaigning for one forest at a time".

Have your say!

Brisbane City Council survey on mountain bike riding
February 6, 2009

Brisbane City Council is currently seeking feedback from community members on how best to manage outdoor recreation within Council managed bushland reserves.

Of particular interest to Council are issues pertaining to mountain bike riding in Council bushland reserves.
By completing this survey you can assist Council in understanding many of the issues surrounding outdoor recreation and mountain bike riding.

The purpose of this survey is to obtain ideas which will inform future outdoor recreation planning.

Consultation will close on Friday the 24th April 2009. The results of this survey will be released in May 2009.

This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The link to the survey is on the Brisbane City Council homepage or by following the link below.

www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228S95ERET2

Christopher Maierhofer B.Eng (Env)
Trail Care Coordinator
Local Asset Services - West
Brisbane City Council

How about the IMBA World Summit in Australia?
October 28, 2008

22/10/2008
Contact: Patti Bonnet, IMBA Events Coordinator
patti@imba.com

IMBA is currently requesting proposals for hosting the 2010 IMBA World Summit. IMBA's biennial summits have a proven track record of attracting mountain bike enthusiasts, bike companies and land managing agencies from North America and around the globe.

Hosting the IMBA World Summit will establish your locale as a mountain bike tourism destination. Previous locations include Moab, Utah; Whistler, British Columbia; and Park City, Utah. The ideal location will offer these qualities:

- A major airport within 1.5 hours of driving time.
- Mountain bike trail access within a short distance of conference facilities and lodging.
- A main conference center, capable of handling at least 500 people in one room for keynotes and plenary sessions, as well as seven concurrent sessions of 100 people or more.
- A variety of conveniently located lodging options, such as hotels, rental houses and dormitories.
- Access to an "outdoor classroom" appropriate for teaching trailbuilding techniques (e.g. local trails with the potential for workshops, to be held in partnership with a local land management agency).
- A strong local organization that would be willing to act as a local host and fundraising partner.

Dates are flexible and will be set to maximize good weather in the locale selected. IMBA plans on hosting more than 500 attendees at the 2010 gathering.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for the 2010 IMBA World Summit, please complete our online survey by December 1, 2008.

For additional background information, send a message to Events Manager Patti Bonnet at patti@imba.com

For local advice please contact MTBA.

Trailmix opens at Lysterfield Park
October 27, 2008

Parks Victoria: Immediate Release 27 October 2008

An exciting new concept in outdoor recreation is now open at Lysterfield Park. ‘Trailmix’, based at the former visitor centre by Lysterfield Lake encompasses a cafe, bike store, information centre and recreational services facility.

The concept of the store is to provide a service to all park users, offering outdoor sport products, food and drinks, event management and recreational services.

Current visitors to Lysterfield Park include local running groups, school groups, triathletes, hikers, sailing club members, kayakers, day picnic users and mountain bikers.

Parks Victoria’s Ranger in Charge John Goodman, is thrilled to see the store open, “Trailmix will be a fantastic facility for all park users and is a great addition to the park”.

The Trailmix cafe offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks all day, which can be enjoyed in the picturesque setting overlooking the lake. Resident kangaroos can be spotted as you fill up on some toasted sandwiches or a post walk/run coffee or cold drink.

Maps of the trails, park information, mountain biking tours and skills clinics are all available, as are kayaks and bikes for rent.

The retail side of the business offers a full outlet of parts and accessories for hikers, triathletes, swimmers, and cyclists with highly trained bike mechanics for all levels of bike servicing. Demo bikes are also be available for test rides.

Trailmix is accessible from the Horswood Rd entrance to Lysterfield Park and is open daily.

For more information call (03) 8790 4402 or go to www.trailmix.com.au

Have your say on MTB trails in Hornsby Shire
October 11, 2008

NPWS leads MTB tour - Morong Falls
October 10, 2008

In what is possibly the sign of great things to come for cycling access in the NSW National Park estate the NSW Park Service has organised a bike tour of the Morong Falls on Sat 18th Oct, 11am – 2pm. You have to book via the NPWS Blackheath Office ph: 47878877. Cost is $10 pp or $35 per family.

Full details
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkTours.aspx?ID=N0016

The local ranger is doing her best to get MTB accepted in her neck of NPWS so any support we can offer to these type of activities will be great

You Yangs wins award
October 7, 2008

Last night the You Yangs Regional Park Mountain Bike Areas won the Community Facility Design Award in the 12 Annual ‘Go For Your Life’ Sport and Recreation Awards, held at the MCG.   The Hon. James Merlino MP, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs presided over the ceremony and cited the Awards as a culmination of a statewide search to find outstanding individuals, groups and organisations that are making an invaluable contribution to the sport and recreation industry in Victoria. The Awards are part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians By promoting physical activity and healthy eating

The audience heard how the mountain bike tracks have been incredibly popular, attracting 60000 mountain bike visits in 2006 (45% of annual visitation)! The You Yangs trails were designed and constructed by a core group of volunteers and staff who applied international sustainable principles. The trails have also supported the emergence of a number of local businesses offering bike hire, tours and lessons to visitors. The site and the Geelong Mountain Bike Club will host a round of the national championships in December 2008.

A special mention goes out to the following people:
·           Mark Urquhart (who has invested so much time professionally and personally in this initiative)
·           Travis Williams (recognised with the Kookaburra Award earlier this year for his contribution to the trail design and construction)
·           Mark Barends (Geelong MTB Club member and former President)
·           Dave Brown & Rod deVries – Regular trail construction crew members who have shed their fair share of Blood, Sweat & (not too many tears )
·           Steve Clausen, Joel Watson and other members of the GMBC
·           Individual members of the Mtb working group - Trevor Hope, Aaron Donnelly
·           Parks Victoria support through Gerard Delaney & Scott Crabtree.

It was a great event made better by the fact that the You Yangs was formally recognised as an important Statewide asset. The effort of the Volunteers and Parks Staff can’t be understated and a huge thanks needs to go to everyone involved in the development from concept stage to now. This award is truly one which many partnership have contributed to and which was accepted on behalf of the community & volunteers who continue to use and improve the trail and facility networks. Definitely a model for all State Park services around Australia to consider.

Sustainable Mountain Biking in Tasmania's Parks Reserves
September 16, 2008

Tasmania has opened up new options for grassroots biking enthusiasts with the launch of the establishment of sustainable mountain bike recreation areas in two popular Tasmanian reserves. The government stated that it recognises that mountain biking is an activity growing in popularity, and that an opportunity exists to provide a quality recreation experience that is well-managed and sustainable.

Michelle O'Byrne, MP

Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Sustainable Mountain Biking in Parks Reserves

The Parks and Wildlife Service is working to deliver sustainable mountain bike recreation areas in two popular Tasmanian reserves, the Minister for Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, Michelle O’Byrne, said today.

Ms O’Byrne said mountain bikers were working with the Parks and Wildlife Service on how they can practice their skills sustainably in Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area and the nearby Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area.

“The challenges facing the management of the reserve are being discussed between the mountain bike users and other users along with the PWS as the land manager.

“The State Government and the PWS recognises that mountain biking is an activity growing in popularity, and that an opportunity exists to provide a quality recreation experience that is well-managed and sustainable.

“A survey of reserve users, from mountain bike riders to horse riders and dog walkers, has been compiled to help develop a track management strategy to support the recently completed reserve management plan for the area on the edge of Launceston.

“The survey will help the PWS gain a better understanding of the level of track use in the two reserves, the extent and diversity of track users and track preferences.”

Ms O’Byrne said the PWS is also working closely with Sport and Recreation Tasmania to develop a strategy that includes the needs of the users and the requirements to protect the natural and cultural values of the reserves.

“The growth of mountain biking over the past five years has sometimes led to a clash of needs between land managers and users, and these issues have become more intense in reserves on the fringe of Tasmania’s urban areas.

“It is important that we take in to account the needs of all the users of our reserves.

“At times we will not be able to accommodate all their wishes but by taking a proactive and collaborative approach with user groups, the PWS can work towards finding solutions that are responsive but still appropriate in terms of conservation management.”

Ms O’Byrne applauded the enthusiastic response by the public to the survey of users of the two reserves.

“The PWS relies on community engagement and feedback to adapt and apply leading management practices to the parks and reserves under its care,” she said.

“The challenge for this area on the fringe of Launceston is to develop a strategy that balances the intense use of the reserves with significant natural and cultural values, including 28 threatened plant species and 11 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites."

Trevallyn and Kate Reed reserves are used for horse riding, archery, walking, dog exercising, running, cycling and mountain bike riding.

Ms O’Byrne said a total of 347 survey responses were received for Trevallyn and 197 for the Kate Reed reserves.

“This is a reflection of how important these urban reserves are to the people of Launceston,” Ms O’Byrne said.

Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit Phone: (03) 6233 6573

Forrest website now live
August 16, 2008

You have heard about the great trail system at Forrest right? Glen Jacobs inspired trails, venue for the Kona 24h and Ottway Odessy and all more.

Now they have a website just to make us all envious. Check it out here/

SUBMISSIONS TO TOURISM IN NATIONAL PARKS DEADLINE EXTENDED
July 16, 2008

JOINT STATEMENT
MINISTER FOR TOURISM MATT BROWN
MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT VERITY FIRTH

TOURISM IN NATIONAL PARKS DEADLINE EXTENDED
State Plan Priority P1: Increase Tourism Visitation to NSW
State Plan Priority P6: Stronger Regional and Rural Economies

The Minister for Tourism, Matt Brown and the Minister for Climate Change and the
Environment, Verity Firth announced today that the deadline for submissions to
the Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks had been extended to Friday,
August 29.

Mr Brown said he and Minister Firth had established the Taskforce to examine
opportunities to enhance sustainable tourism in national parks and other state
reserves, without impinging on the conservation of protected areas.

“Nature tourism is a major drawcard for visitors to NSW and the State has
outstanding natural assets with great potential to increase sustainable tourism,”
Mr Brown said.

“We want to encourage more partnerships between tourism operators and
managers of national parks, forests and reserves to develop a range of nature
tourism experiences across the State,” he said.

The Iemma Government established the Taskforce to consult with stakeholders
and provide expert advice on encouraging sustainable tourism in national parks
and forests.The initiative is supported by recommendations in the O’Neill Review
into Tourism.

The Taskforce will report to both Ministers on practical methods to increase
visitation in line with NSW State Plan objectives by November 2008.

Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Verity Firth, said that
approximately 22 million people visited national parks in NSW each year.

“By encouraging people into our national parks, we are using one of the best tools
we have to teach people about the importance of the conservation,” said Ms Firth.

“There are already a number of award winning tourism partnerships in place that
bring visitors in close contact with nature without detracting from a protected
area’s conservation value.

”One example is on Montague Island, where visitors can now roll up their sleeves,
contribute to conservation work and penguin monitoring on the island, and stay
overnight in the newly refurbished lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

“The Taskforce will provide us with recommendations as to how we can foster
such activities, but in order to make the best recommendations they need to hear
from as many community groups, individuals and tourism bodies as possible.”

The Taskforce is examining issues such as:

• opportunities for new tour or experience based products
• ensuring appropriate conservation and biodiversity values remain protected
• licensing and accreditation standards for commercial operators
• training needs for guides
• case studies of successful tourism activities in protected areas
• identifying any legislative and regulatory constraints.

Written submissions for the Taskforce can be sent to: The Secretary, Taskforce
on Tourism and National Parks, GPO Box 7050, Sydney NSW 2001 or email
parksandtourism@tourism.nsw.gov.au.

Media contact for Minister Matt Brown: Dale Paget on 0409 090 911
Media contact for Minister Verity Firth: David Boyd on 0404 944 550

MTBA attends IMBA Summit
July 14, 2008

MTBA representatives at the recent IMBA World Summit were excited by the widespead acceptance of IMBA's work in the USA by government departments of the calibre of the US National Park Service, US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Mary Bomar, Director of US National Parks Service, in her keynote address stated that through IMBA, mountain bike riders are adding a conservation and stewardship message to the recreation community. Mountain bikers are natural visitors to National Parks and a great way to engage kids who are the next generation of Park visitors.

The message was clear, National Parks need MTB riders. Kids are suffering a 'Natural Deficit Disorder'. If kids don't come to National Parks, they won't value and fight to preserve them.

Also good news from industry. The bike industry is contributing to IMBA in a huge way. Trek Bicycles, Two Wheels One World program is contributing $600,000 over the next three years to IMBA's advocacy work. Other bike and parts manufacturers are stepping up to match this commitment in order to promote more cycling, more places to ride and inevitably more bike sales.

IMBA is increasingly valued as providing solutions for MTB trail management and as promoting MTB riding to the community.

Get the summary of 2 days of discussion and decision here. Further comment and clarification can be obtained from Gillian Duncan, Nick Bowman or Tony Scott.

Tourism and NSW national parks - call for submissions
June 24, 2008

NSW has an enviable reserve system of world heritage areas, national parks, nature reserves, marine parks, Aboriginal areas, caves, wilderness areas, and regional parks. The diversity and richness of this park system is a strong drawcard for international and domestic tourists and visitors, and helps support a strong tourism industry, creating significant economic benefits for the people of NSW.

The NSW Government's State Plan seeks to increase visitation to our national parks, and reserves by 20 per cent by 2016. To meet this target it is vital that we provide high quality and diverse visitor experiences and promote these special places effectively, while ensuring the protection of their conservation values.

Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks in NSW
The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, The Hon Verity Firth MP and the Minister for Tourism, The Hon Matt Brown MP, have established a Ministerial Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks in NSW. The taskforce will examine and report on opportunities for an enhanced level of sustainable tourism in NSW's parks and reserves that is compatible with the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage values of those areas.

Under its Terms of Reference (below), the Taskforce will advise the Ministers for the Environment and Tourism on practical methods to increase visitation in line with NSW State Plan objectives.

Invitation for public submissions
Submissions are invited from interested individuals and organisations on tourism and national parks. Written submissions are invited, and should be lodged by close of business Monday 21 July 2008.

You can send your submission to:

The Secretary
Taskforce on Tourism and National Parks
GPO Box 7050
Sydney 2001

or email your submission directly to parksandtourism@tourism.nsw.gov.au

Please note that all submissions received by the Taskforce are a matter of public record and are available for public inspection upon request. Submissions made available for public inspection may contain information that is defined as 'personal information' under the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The submission of personal information is voluntary.

Taskforce for Tourism and National Parks: Terms of Reference
Aim: To advise the Ministers for the Environment and Tourism on practical methods to expedite the realisation of NSW State Plan objectives by:

Help needed to update BNT information for cycling
June 5, 2008

The BNT Board offers the following information on its new website about the cycling experience on some sections of Australia's National trail - the BNT.

Some of this information is quite dated and MTBA invites anyone with more up-to-date knowledge of the sections below to help the BNT provide the most accurate information possible to cyclists intending on using the trail.

If you can help please send your comments and suggestions for the section information to MTBA

Section 1 Cooktown to Gunnawarra
Cooktown to Ayton OK. Follow the road from Ayton to Mossman via Cape Tribulation. Leave Mossman along the Captain Cook Highway, turning right onto the Mossman-Mt Molloy Road (Rex Range Highway) and use this route up the range picking up the Trail again at the top of the range. Follow the National Trail into Mt Molloy. The next part of the National Trail is quite unsuitable for bike riding, so follow the road from Mt Molloy to Mareeba then west to Mutchilba. Follow the Trail now to Innot Hot Springs then follow the Kennedy Highway west to Mt Garnet and turn south on the Gunnawarra Road regaining the Trail just north of Gunnawarra.

Section 2 Gunnawarra to Collinsville
All traversable by mountain bike and recommended.

Section 3 Collinsville to Kabra
Just south of Collinsville the Trail crosses the Bowen River at a minor obstacle to bicycles when the water level is low. For an easier route follow the road just to the west of the National Trail route on the map. There is then another long section of pleasant riding through to the top of Connors Range, west of St Lawrence, where cyclists should follow the road rather than the very rough track down the range. The rest of this section is again ideal for mountain bikes.

Section 4 Kabra to Biggenden
Take the main road from Bouldercombe through Mt Morgan to the point just north of Dululu where the Trail leaves the Burnett Highway. Now follow the Trail through to the Dawson Highway (a particularly pleasant section) then leave the Trail and follow the highway south-west to Biloela then south-east to Cania Gorge National Park where the Trail can be rejoined. The balance of this section through to Biggenden is quite suitable for bikes with the exception of a very short part just outside of Mt Perry which can be easily avoided by staying to the roads.

Section 5 Biggenden to Blackbutt
Mostly excellent for mountain bikes. There is a steep climb at 8.3km on Map 9 of Guidebook No.5 and again at 27.3km on Map 10. If required these can be avoided by heading west from Kilkivan towards Goomeri then turning south along the first road signposted to Manumbar where you can rejoin the Trail.

Section 6 Blackbutt to Killarney
This guidebook suggests some alternative routes that avoid unnecessary climbing. For cyclists one suitable alternative is to leave the National Trail at the Brisbane River and follow that river downstream along a road passing through Moore, Harlin, Toogoolawah to Esk then turning west to Ravensbourne where the Trail can again be more easily followed. Another alternative is to follow the road south from Blackbutt to Crow's Nest to Hampton then east to Ravensbourne to rejoin the Trail which can be followed through to Toowoomba. Both of these detours avoid Emu Creek Gorge (Map 2) which is impassable by bike. Other difficult slow parts of this section are Ma Ma Creek on Maps 8 & 9, Laidley Gap (Map 10), and Cunninghams Gap highway crossing (Map 12). These difficult parts are best avoided by following the New England Highway south from Toowoomba to Warwick then by heading east from Warwick towards Killarney before turning south to the border crossing at Cullendore.

Section 7 Killarney to Ebor
The Trail through this part traverses wild country half way between the New England Highway and the coast. It is clear from looking at the Shell road map that there are no roads heading north-south through this part of the country and those with little time may prefer to avoid this whole section by following the New England Highway from Tenterfield through Glen Innes to Armidale on the western side of the Trail. An off-highway route which is reasonably direct and fast goes from Killarney south to Legume, Taloom, Paddy Flat, Pretty Gully, Tabulum, Alice, Baryugil, Fine Flower, Copmanhurst into Grafton, then south-west from Grafton to Nymboida, Clouds Creek, Tyringham, Hernani, Ebor. Most of this is on dirt roads. The mountainous terrain makes almost all of Section 7 difficult for mountain bikes. If you are very determined and prepared for much carrying and pushing of your bike it is possible to follow it all but most will find the Timbarra (Rocky) River and the Guy Fawkes River far too difficult and time consuming. The alternative via Tenterfield to Glen Elgin, given in the guidebook, is quite suitable for bikes and the Trail can be followed from Glen Elgin to the Gwydir Highway then down the old Grafton Road to Dalmorton where a forest road (not shown on the Shell map) links Dalmorton with Marengo and onto Ebor.

Section 8 Ebor to Barrington Tops
The same comments apply as for Section 7. It is possible but very difficult. The recommended alternative route for cyclists is Ebor south-west to Wollomombi and Armidale, south to Gostwyck, Woodburn, Walcha south-west to Aberbaldie, then south to Nyangla, Hanging Rock and Nundle, south-west to Crawney Pass, south to Timor, Gundy, Segenhoe, Aberdeen. The National Trail is rejoined at Aberdeen in Section 9. Another interesting route is to go from Walcha south through Nowendoc to Gloucester then west to Scone.

Section 9 Barrington Tops to Jenolan Caves
The first part of this section from Mt Barrington to Stewarts Brook is almost impossible for mountain bikes and not recommended. On Map 6 23.8km Bells Gap is also difficult for bikes but easily gone around. There are some challenges in the rest of Section 9 but these are well worth the effort. To avoid these challenges however, go west from Denman (Sandy Hollow) to Bylong then south-west through Rylstone, Kandos, Cullen Bullen to Wallerawang. Leave the Trail at Hampton and follow the road directly to Jenolan Caves where there is a campsite just below the caves.

Section 10 Jenolan Caves to Kosciusko
There is a very short track on Map 2 that is easily avoided by using the nearby road. Apart from that this entire section has been enjoyed by many cyclists and is considered ideal for mountain bike touring.

Section 11 Kosciusko to Omeo & Section 12 Omeo to Healesville
If you are capable of covering any of the Trail in Victoria you are capable of covering all of it for it is nearly all a series of long steep stony climbs either up or down. After visiting the alpine areas of Kosciusko National Park take either the Barry Way south-west from Jindabyne through to Buchan or go to Corryong on the western side of Kosciusko National Park and follow the road south from there through Benambra to Omeo and on to Bruthen. It is probably acceptable to most cyclists to follow the Trail from Omeo over Mt Phipps and Mt Birregun to Dargo, then ride south from Dargo down to Maffra. From these towns on the southern coast, it is flat fast travelling west to Melbourne. The southern end of The Bicentennial National Trail is at Healesville, in the mountains about 60km north-east of Melbourne.

Canberra Off Road Cyclists joint winner in 2007 Cycling Awards
June 5, 2008

In a glittering awards ceremony, held in the Old Parliament House in Canberra, and organized by the Cycling Promotion Fund on June 4th CORC was a joint winner of the Special Achievement Award for a Bicycle Organisation.

The awards were held in conjunction with the launch of the "Cycling: Getting Australia Moving" report and was attended by more than 70 VIP guests attending, including the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts and the Shadow Minister for Environment and several MP’s and senators.

The citation reads:
Special Achievement Award for a Bicycle Organisation
ACT Veterans Cycling Club,Canberra Off-Road Cyclists,Canberra Cycling Club ACT

It took five years and a combined effort from all of Canberra's cycling community, in particular, ACT Veterans Cycling Club, Canberra Cycling Club and Canberra Off- Road Cyclists to bring about Stromlo Forest Park, a state of the art cycling facility for both recreational and professional users.

The facility includes 50km of cross country MTB trails, a 2.2km downhill trail and a mountain cross (4X) track. It is spread over 1,000 hectares and is just 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra. It will host the 2009 World MTB Championships. Their vision and commitment is a fabulous example of what can be achieved by working together.

Contacts:
ACT Veterans Cycling Club
E: info@actvets.cc
W: www.actvets.cc

Canberra Cycling Club
E: ccc@canberracyclingclub.org.au
W: www.canberracyclingclub.org.au

Canberra Off-Road Cyclists
E: president@corc.asn.au
W: www.corc.asn.au

Another nominee for this award category was also Anglesea Bike Park VIC, whose citation read:

The Anglesea Bike Park, constructed in October 2006, was a successful partnership of the Anglesea community, Anglesea Alcoa Power Station and the Surf Coast Shire Council. The park contains a 350m Mountain Cross (or 4 X) track, a Jump Trails area and a single skills track with log rides. The park has been nominated as a venue for mountain bike events at a regional, state, national and international level and is a community drawcard. The partnership has been
acknowledged with a Parks and Leisure Australia 2007 National Award for Management of a Leisure Facility.

Contact:
Recreation, Youth and Cultural Services,
Surf Coast Shire
T: 03 5261 0603
E: nangus@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
W: www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au

RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING in SE QUEENSLAND
June 5, 2008

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Paul Lucas
03/06/2008
RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING

South East Queensland residents and visitors will be better able to explore the region's great outdoors thanks to Budget funding of $2.3 million to further develop the region's network of recreation trails.

"Each year people in South East Queensland undertake 170 million outdoor recreation activities worth an estimated $1 billion to the region's economy," said Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas.

"With the region boasting some of Australia's most scenic landscapes, it's important we provide good access to public open spaces and better facilities for everyone to enjoy."

"Last year the Bligh Government committed $8.8 million over five years to the development of three Regional recreation trails: the Boonah to Ipswich Trail, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and Maroochy River Canoe Trail.

"The development of the three trails is already underway and another $2.3 million will be spent this financial year developing them further.

"Two of the recreation trails will reward and challenge people looking for great walks, horse riding, cycling and mountain biking opportunities, while the third trail caters for canoeing and kayaking.

"Locals and tourists are already taking advantage of the 148 km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, 30km of which has been completed to date.

"Regional trails are important outdoor recreation infrastructure, providing social, tourism and health benefits to residents and visitors in rural and urban areas.

"They also contribute to the economy by encouraging tourism and recreational businesses and help preserve the region's cultural and natural heritage."

Boonah to Ipswich Trail
This 76 km trail will run across the Grampian Range, linking the rapidly growing Ipswich area to the township of Boonah. The Boonah end of the trail will be the first to open, in September 2008. This section will join up with an existing network of local walking trails, providing locals and tourists with 20 km of recreation trails close to Boonah. The total budget for the trail is $2.4 million for measures including:

SW Scotland hosts World MTB Conference in 2009
June 3, 2008

Dumfries, in south west Scotland, will host the World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability (WMBC) for the first time in May next year, and with interest already building from delegates as far away as Kathmandu, the impact on the local economy will be considerable.

This is the first time the WMBC has left Canadian shores and Dan London, of Vancouver-based Shore Events, one of the two Canadian organisers, explained: “We are now pressing ahead with the planning for 12-15 May 09. And we anticipate that around 400 delegates worldwide - including land managers, trail organisers and resort operators - will join us at the Conference to pool ideas on how to manage mountain biking as an environmental, economical and socially sustainable activity.”

Projections are that the Scottish economy will benefit by more than £1.3 million during the days surrounding the Conference, which will be held in Easterbrook Hall on the Crichton Estate.

It was fitting that the Conference bid was won by Dumfries as it was in here in SW Scotland that Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith on the Drumlanrig estate, invented the first pedal bicycle in 1840. Coinciding with the Conference a number of activities are planned for people to enjoy, including a bike festival in Dumfries, appealing to all age groups.

Forestry Commission Scotland, a key partner in supporting the conference, manages the famous ‘7 stanes’ trails, plus 1,000 kms of off-road routes across the country. Bill Meadows, forest district manager for Ae, said: ”This event has huge potential for the future development of south west Scotland as a premier mountain bike destination and the event will put Scotland’s mountain biking trails firmly on the world stage. “However, the importance of social and economic sustainability and management of the environment cannot be underestimated to ensure its ongoing success. Discussions among world experts during the Conference next year will shape biking globally.”

In June this year, Richard Walton, the Mayor of North Vancouver and now a Director of the Conference, is expected in Scotland to officially hand over the Conference to Dumfries. He is also expected to speak at the May 09 event.

The Canadian organisers of the WMBC on Sustainability are Dan London of Shore Events and Jennifer Aldridge of Prime Strategies, both based in Vancouver.

Partners supporting the WMBC on Sustainability include:
Forestry Commission Scotland, Crichton Development Company, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Aston Hotels and Scottish Natural Heritage.

For further information, visit: www.worldmountainbikeconference.com

A ONCE IN A DECADE CHANCE TO OBTAIN BETTER CYCLING ACCESS TO SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY MANAGED LANDS.
May 28, 2008

The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) is carrying out a review of its General Regulations, the rules that govern what can and can't be done in the huge tracts of land they manage or jointly manage to protect Sydney's water supply. This is a once in a decade opportunity to argue for cycling access to roads and management trails that is currently banned. Whilst over the years the cycling community had been promised consultation on the new regulations, the SCA has drafted new regulations without prior consultation and then made these available on May 2 for public comment. The Draft Regulations are even more draconian than the ones they replace and it is vitally important that any riders with an interest in riding classic routes such as Katoomba to Mittagong, make submission on these regulations. A joint submission has been prepared by MTBA and Bicycle NSW and this can be downloaded below. You can also read the Draft Sydney Water Catchment Management Regulation 2008 and associated Regulatory Impact Statement here

Whilst a date of 30 May 2008 is given for Submissions an extension of one week has been given. So please make submission to regulations@sca.nsw.gov.au by close of business on 6 June 2008.

For any further information contact Huw Kingston - who is acting as MTBA's point of contact for this advocacy effort - on 0418 977609 or email huw@wildhorizons.com.au

Trail News from around Australia
May 18, 2008

Welcome to the first edition of Trail News, a new section of the MTBA e-Newsletter. Through this we hope to bring you news of what’s happening on the MTB trails advocacy front around Australia. In this edition we’ll look at the great stuff that has been happening over the past few months in New South Wales and the ACT, where a lot of hard work is starting to pay dividends on the ground.

This newsletter is all about the trail success stories in YOUR local area, as well as an opportunity to highlight trail issues in your neck of the woods. We therefore welcome your contributions for Trail News. So if you have something to share then send it on to TrailsEd@mtba.asn.au.

Trails stewardship in Wagga Wagga sees local reserve open for legitimate MTB use
Having been formed only 3 years ago, the Mountain Bike Wagga club (MTB Wagga Inc) has made great inroads into gaining legitimate access to local areas for mountain bike use. The latest achievement for the club saw mountain bikes recognised as legitimate users of the Pomingalarna Reserve for both recreational and competition mountain biking.

Up until the recent Plan of management consultations “Pommi “ (as it is known to locals) has been accessed by all kinds of vehicles, thereby hampering the ability of mountain bikers to retain any sustainable trails infrastructure or to implement any native revegetation or conservation. Trails were regularly damaged by motorbike riders and 4WD vehicles and the reserve often became a location for illegal behaviour such as dumping of rubbish (including asbestos). While the area has been used for mountain bike events for a number of years this has required ongoing approval from the council for each event.

With the support of the Wagga Wagga Golf Club (which sits adjacent to the reserve) the club now has an annual 3 hr mountain bike race, will host a round of the 2008 NSW XC series and will join with Albury/Wodonga, Beechworth and Mt beauty to hold an interclub series in 2008.
This obvious demand for such facilities, along with the clubs knowledge and experience in trail care and negotiation with land managers (NSW NPWS – Livingstone NP, NSW Rural Lands Protection Board – Plum Pudding, Brick kiln) has resulted in the club being awarded community stewardship of the trails in the latest DRAFT Plan of Management (due for public comment shortly). On the council side, they get the benefits of having legitimate users being the “eyes and ears” for the local authorities with respect to illegal activities. In return MTB Wagga Inc now has the opportunity to maintain the trail network and undertake conservation activities to ensure the reserve and riders are safe from damage through illegal activity. The Draft POM also provides the club with the opportunity to enhance their trail maintenance and building capability.
The trails are open to the general public for use at any time, with trail maps available from the MTB wagga website The main loop is approximately 11.5 km clearly signposted with a variety of link tracks (unsigned currently) to allow riders to experience more of Pomingalarna reserve.

Lobbying efforts result in review of existing MTB access restrictions on Sydney Water Catchment land
Following a recent article in an Australian Mountain Biking magazine and years of consistent lobbying from MTB advocates, the Sydney Catchment Authority has announced a review of the General Regulation that prohibits MTB access to the vast slab of catchment land between the Southern Highlands, Illawarra, and Southern Sydney. Under current laws MTB'rs can be (and have been) fined for riding in areas where swimming, kayaking and other passive recreational pursuits are permitted. This current regulation, which deals with mountain biking in the same light as riding motorbikes, has had the effect of closing off vast areas of exceptional riding opportunities on the city’s fringe - just where they are needed most.
Realising the importance of securing access to this ‘front-country’ for cycling (especially as more and more space is consumed by housing developments or national parks) local trail advocates from the Sydney area are developing a submission for the Review. If you would like to have an input into the policy considerations for the Regulation (helping to justify cycling in catchment areas, and advocating for a set of criteria that permits cycling on the land) then email your ideas, input and/or comments to either Anthony Seiver or Martin Geliot . If you have any thoughts about particular areas or trails that should be open to cycling then Anthony and Martin also want to hear from you. You can download a copy of the review details from the SCA website
.
If you are keen to be able to enjoy off-road riding in the Sydney area then get your voice heard – the great progress so far has been achieved through ongoing lobbying and campaigning, and by speaking up as part of a larger group we can often move mountains.

Latest Plan of Management shows positive signs for gaining MTB access to Mt York Reserve
The Blue Mountains Council recently released for comment the Draft Plan of Management (POM) for the Mt York Reserve. Located on the western edge of the Blue Mountains above Lithgow and around the township of Mt Victoria, the area contains the trailheads of the Mt York convict roads which are popular trails for walkers, riders and history buffs. The area is also popular with rock climbers and casual tourists, and in recent years has seen an increase in mountain bike use. The reserve is home to a number of existing trails that have been developed over many years, by a multitude of different users. The majority of the trails themselves lay on crown land under private lease-hold and some, in the case of a few trails, on private property.

Having been in development for over a year due to land ownership issues and the need to include trail heritage value into the plan, the POM was finally released early this year for comment. As the only local MTB club in the area, the POM caught the very keen eye of the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club (CTMBC), who were pleased to find that the POM showed positive signs for allowing legitimate access to selected Mt York Reserve trails for recreational mountain biking.

In responding to the POM the club offered a range of options for addressing issues raised by the land managers that would restrict bikes in certain areas. A number of these areas are considered to have high cultural and historic value, but appearing to be suffering damage due to human interaction.

Wins are also looking to be made in having the term “Walking Trail” (used prolifically throughout the plan) changed to “Multi-Use” trail thereby opening up mountain bike riders as legitimate users to these tracks. While CTMBC wait on the final version of the plan to be released, they are confident that it will allow for MTB access in a fair and reasonable manner.

New trails in New England
New England Mountain Bikers (based in Northern NSW) have been working with Sport UNE to develop a mountain bike track on unused land at the University of New England. Negotiations continued for 18 months before the club finally got the go-ahead and began cutting track in Spring of last year.

There is currently 3km of single track that has been cut with a further 5-7km planned. The track is a mix of winding flat creeklands, tight forested sections, open pineforest descents and ascents, and when complete, highly technical
rock gardens.

The SportUNE trail is being specifically designed to allow different loops to be "turned on" or "shut off" by linking trails between the main loops. This will allow the club to tune the track style and length to the type of races being catered for. SportUNE have been very supportive and helpful in getting the track up and running, and is a great example where partnerships between land managers and enthusiastic mountain bike riders can deliver real outcomes on the ground. At the moment the track is only open for NEMTB events, however SportUNE are working on insurance so that it can be permanently open to the public.

Exciting things are afoot in Oberon
In Oberon, located at the western foothills of the Blue Mountains, work has recently been completed on two friendly cycle/walking paths that take in the various points of interest around the town. These trails have been developed by a passionate group of local riders and the Oberon Council, with help for the Oberon Plateau Tourism Association. These tracks could not have been developed without their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work, and they are perfect for families, beginners and those looking for a relaxing ride with great scenery.

The Oberon Township Southern Loop is 9km long and incorporates paths around the Oberon township, linking various parks, the Common, and beautiful scenery near the Lake Oberon foreshore (lovely bit of trail with fast sweeping corners) and Golf Course. There are several places to rest with public amenities, and excellent picnic areas. . There are several places to relax with refreshments at local coffee shops and cafes in the centre of Oberon.

The Oberon Northern Loop Mountain Bike Trail has been developed to extend the Oberon Hazelgrove Pioneer Rail Trail and is approximately 18km long. The Northern Loop is a scenic ride that incorporates the sealed rail trail, quiet country lanes, pine and natural state forests and town bike paths.

Plans and negotiations are already under way to extend the riding experience that the town has to offer by including competition level XC and DH trails in the hills near by. These discussions between Oberon Cycle Development Group, Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club and Forests NSW are hoping to build on what has already been delivered. Add to this the plethora of local State Forests (both commercial pine and native tracts) and Oberon is set to become one of the top MTB destinations in NSW.

Both trails are fully sign posted and brochures are available from the tourist information centre. Brochures can also be downloaded from here.

Trail Quick Bits
NSW
The Hunter Mountainbike Association is beginning the second phase of the Trail System at its new site in Awaba, south-west of Newcastle. The Second Phase, consisting of an XC network, follows the design and construction of the DH trail. HMBA have enlisted the services of World-Trail to undertake design of the initial 8-9 km loop that will form the backbone of the full trail network, and pending the resolution of a some Flora and Fauna issues will be beginning construction in early May.

If you live in the Newcastle area and want to help in construction then contact Lenny at president@hmba.asn.au to sign up for the working bee mailing list. Regular maintenance also occurs on the DH trail and helping hands are always welcome.

For more info and photos of the Awaba project go to the Hunter MTB Association website and click on the Awaba Mountainbike Park Links
Negotiations in Newcastle are nearing an end for the draft Plan of Management relating to the Glenrock State Conservation Area. The process has been ongoing for around 3-years with MTB representatives advocating for the retention of trails in the Conservation area. At this point it looks as though around 20km's of trail in the Northern Portion of the park will retained. World-Trail were engaged by the NPWS to undertake an audit of these northern trails with their recommendations looking to form part of the draft plan. It is understood that the draft will be out for public consultation mid year.

QLD
The Australian Tracks and Trails Conference held recently on the Sunshine Coast saw for the first time a dedicated mountain bike stream of presentations and discussion panels all about mountain bike trails, and it proved to be very popular. With IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel giving a keynote speech on the value of partnerships in mountain bike trail building and delivery, this resulted in a lot of interest in the MTB trails topics by land managers and conservation staff. In addition to the classroom component, the conference also included an optional Trail Building Workshop led by IMBA Trail Solutions expert Joey Klein. For details on what went down at the workshop, and also details on other positive MTB-related outcomes from the conference, keep an eye out in the MTBA Trails Forum in the coming weeks .

ACT
Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra is set to get some additional MTB trail built in time for the World Cup this year, as part of a Stage 3 trail building project currently underway. This new work includes the building of a technical XC climb, an addition to the DH track to give it more length, and changes to both the DH and the 4X to address recommendations made by the UCI in their recent visit to Canberra. All work is expected to be completed by end of June to give the tracks plenty of time to bed in over the winter months.

MTBA president wins award for MTB advocacy
May 18, 2008

Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence May 14, 2008

Inaugural Awards Ceremony to recognise Qld Sport and Recreation Volunteers
Sport Minister Judy Spence [hosted] the Inaugural Sport and Recreation Volunteers Award Ceremony at Parliament House, recognising the outstanding contribution of sports volunteers in Queensland.

Ms Spence said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of the sport and recreation industry and it is fitting they receive recognition for their work during National Volunteer Week, in this the Year of the Volunteer.

"[The] ceremony will become an annual event, acknowledging the role volunteers play in sporting clubs and organisations across the state.

"All Queenslanders and individual sporting clubs will be able to nominate volunteers in their local community who should be recognised for their tireless contribution to sport and recreation.

"In Queensland we have the highest rate of volunteers in the country.

"38% of our population participates in volunteer work - with the highest proportion (24%) working with sport and recreation organisati ons.

"A volunteer's contribution to the community can not be understated, and often goes unrecognised.

"They are the coaches, board members, time keepers, officials and first aid officers. They work in our canteens on match days, run fundraisers for grass roots sport and devote hours of their own time to improve sport and recreation opportunities for all Queenslanders.

"Without these volunteers many small sport and recreation clubs and even major sporting bodies would be at a loss."

Ms Spence said around 250 volunteers from around Queensland will attend [the] awards ceremony on the Speaker's Green at Parliament House.

"Nine of our most outstanding volunteers, who epitomise what being a volunteer is all about, will be presented with medals acknowledging their dedication to sport in this state," Ms Spence said.

"The medal recipients have gone above and beyond to support and develop the sports they love.

"Some have app lied their knowledge in fields of personal expertise to ensure their sports have continued to grow, while others have committed years of their lives to raising funds for their organisations.

"These people are an inspiration to all of us - highlighting the great work being achieved behind the scenes.

"The Queensland Government recognises the essential role volunteers play in sport. In the last twelve months, we have provided almost $2 Million to around 500 grass roots sporting clubs, specifically for training and recognition of volunteers.

"We will continue to support those people who dedicate their time and energy in a volunteer capacity to sport and recreation in Queensland.

"Together we can continue to ensure Queensland remains a premier sporting destination, and one where people of all ages have access to quality sport and recreation opportunities."

The award recipients are:

• Mr Ken Bird OAM - Surf Life Saving
(Ken has overseen the officials for surf life saving carnivals in Queensland for many years)

• Ms Madonna McKenna - Netball
(Madonna has been in charge of all scorers and timers for 18 rounds of the Cadbury Schweppes Challenge and 14 rounds of the State league. She also undertook the scorer/timer duties for the Australia v NZ test Match - the biggest netball event in QLD in 2006)

• Ms Julie McNeil - Hockey
(Julie delivered the first modified interschool hockey competition in Cooktown, commencing in 2002)

• Mr Peter Stathis - Cricket
(Better known as 'Batman' for his early volunteer work raffling cricket bats to raise money for junior cricket in Queensland, Peter has raised over $1 Million for Queensland Cricket and other charity organisations, through collections at the Gabba and other major sporting functions over the past 16 years.)

• Mr Jeremy Dunn - Canoeing
(Jerem y volunteers in all facets of the sport. He developed the initial Risk Management framework for canoeing which has changed the way in which the sport is administered and delivered.)

• Ms Audrey McLaughlin - Softball
(Audrey held the position of Chair of Queensland Softball for 29 years, from the commencement of the 1957/58 season, until her retirement from Queensland at the end of the 1985/86 season. Her contribution did not end there as Audrey became involved with softball at the Australian level in many capacities including Vice-President. She continues to volunteer in the sport today.)

• Ms Cheryl Vince - BMX
(Cheryl regularly volunteers her services as driver and caterer for Junior Development and State Team camps conducted within QLD and interstate)

• Ms Gillian Duncan - Mountain Biking
(Gillian worked tirelessly, and almost single-handedly, to gain more equitable mountain bike access to Brisbane City Council public land, providing mountain bikers with greater opportunities to pursue their sport in a safe environment.)

• Mr Brian Kross - Outdoor Recreation
(Brian has worked with the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation to devise a mechanism for registering Adventist Outdoor Leaders, which has not previously been available.)

Media contact: 3239 6172

10 YEARS OF MTB ACCESS GRANTED FOR TOWNSVILLE’S CITY FRINGE
May 6, 2008

Townsville Rockwheelers have signed a 10 year permit with the local water authority (NQ Water) for access to the Lake Ross Storage area which is within easy commuting distance from most Townsville suburbs. The permit allows for social and competitive riding and for the development of a 20km network of purpose built XC single track. The first stage of the network, 7km of new single track combined with 4WD fire road giving a 15km loop is nearing completion and will be put to the test at the inaugural HotRock8 endurance event in May.

Rockwheelers Land Access Co-ordinator Peter “Mozzie” Mclean said “Final signatures on the permit are the result of over 12 months of negotiations between Rockwheelers and NQ Water. The authority has been 100% on board from the start and their positive commitment to opening up this area for mtb has taken us through the many months of following the correct processes with no shortcuts. Although access is understandably restricted this is a giant step for Townsville MTB. We now have an inspiring venue for holding XC events and more importantly a permanent base for which Rockwheelers can apply for funding to build a varied trails network without the threat of losing them to the developer’s bulldozer. The terrain is best described as “rough as guts”, but that is not a deterrent, just more of a challenge to design and create an exciting and appealing sustainable trails system. Patience and persistence when it comes to land access issues for mtb definitely pays off ….eventually.”

Contacts:
Peter Mclean, Land Access Coordinator, Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club Inc
Mobile: 0407 757 734

Louise Taylor, President, Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club Inc.
Phone: Wk 07 4781 4000, Mobile 0431 553085

Trail Blazers on BNT for Queensland Cancer Council
April 29, 2008

They may be riding the latest high tech mountain bikes but millions of years of evolution will greet three intrepid Cairns men when they set off on a two-and-a-half thousand kilometre journey along the Great Dividing Range.

Terry Montgomery, Murray Anderson-Clemence and Dietmar Arimann will be raising money for the Cairns branch of the Cancer Council as they follow Australias Bicentennial National Trail from Kilarney on the Queensland/New South Wales border to Cooktown in Far North Queensland.

They decided on the Bicentennial National Trail for its sheer beauty and many challenges.

The 5330km trail runs from Cooktown to Healesville in Victoria and was established by the late bush outfitter R.M. Williams AO CMG.The trio is hoping to complete their charity ride in 45 days averaging about 60 kilometres a day.

Were hoping to generate enough interest in our little adventure for people to come along to some of the local pubs we visit and spare a few dollars for the Cancer Council Our Starting point is Killarney showgrounds at 8am on the 10th of May.

For more information contact:

Murray Anderson-Clemence
0402 706 763
muzza@extremephotography.com.au
www.extremephotography.com.au

MTBA offers grants to attend 5th National Tracks and Trails Conference
February 6, 2008

MTBA announces five (5) grants worth $400 each to attend the 5th National Tracks and Trails Conference, being hosted in Noosa Queensland from March 11 - March 14.

The criteria for the awarding of the grant are:

IMBA to Australia in March
January 8, 2008

Joey Klein and Mike van Able will attend the National Tracks and Trails conference on the Sunshine Coast, just south of Noosa. MTBA has organized an IMBA pre-conference workshop in Noosaville from Friday 7 March to Sunday 9 March with a three-day accommodation package and pre-conference for $200 in total.

To find out more and to register visit www.tracksandtrails.org.au/12.html

There are daily flights to Maroochy Airport from Sydney and Melbourne, and twice weekly from Adelaide. Car hire is available at the airport.

5th Biennial National Tracks and Trails Conference
January 8, 2008

The 5th Biennial National Tracks and Trails Conference will be held from the 11 – 14 March 2008 at the Novotel Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. The Conference will showcase local trail networks, highlight management issues, investigate environmental, recreational and health benefits of tracks and trails, and debate subjects such as sustainability, standards, impacts, trends and recreational demands.

Mountain Bike Australia is sponsoring the Conference, which incorporates a dedicated mountain bike stream. Keynote presenters include Mike Van Abel, Executive Director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and Julie Cartner, Lead Development Co-ordinator of the Scottish 7stanes team. Joey Klein from IMBA will provide knowledge and practical skills in trail design at a pre-Conference trails construction workshop to be held in the Noosa area.

A comprehensive Registration Brochure is now available at www.tracksandtrails.org.au/13.html. In addition, an overview of the conference program may be accessed from www.tracksandtrails.org.au/2.html whilst information about each of the presenters and their abstracts can be downloaded from www.tracksandtrails.org.au/11.html.

Hope to see you in March on the Sunshine Coast.

The World’s Longest Marked Multi-use non motorised trail holds meeting at Bucca, Queensland.
September 24, 2007

The Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) will hold the 19th AGM at Bucca, near Bundaberg QLD on Saturday 6th October 2007 at 2pm in the Bundaberg Rowing Club Facilities.

The schedule for this day of celebration: is:
- 1000 a photographic display and competition.
- 1130 a chance to meet with BNT Board of Directors
- 12md Luncheon
- 1330 meet local Queensland Shire Mayors and Councillors.
- 1400 AGM
- 1500 Members Forum and Shire Presentations
- 1800 Camp Oven Dinner and Local Bush Poets

There will be excellent opportunity to meet and take photos of BNT Directors, Honorary Guests and BNT trekkers who have journeyed on the BNT – either riding horses, walking with or without pack animals or cyclists.

Background (see also www.vicnet.net.au/~bnt)
The BNT traverses the Great Divide from Cooktown QLD to Healesville Vic. a distance of 5,330kms. It links 22 National Parks, takes in tropical rainforests to the snowfields of the Southern Alps, isolated rural properties to Canberra our Nation’s Capital, traveling across flat open plains to forests of mountain ash. The BNT uses old pack trails, old forgotten roads as well as crossing major highways such as at Cunningham’s Gap QLD.

The BNT is dedicated to long distance self reliant trekking of all types, by foot, by bicycle and by horse or mule, and gives all an opportunity to explore our pioneering cultural heritage and the natural beauty of our land. All this without the use of a vehicle. Thus many people have had the experience of a life time whilst keeping fit and growing to better health.

You are invited to come, meet and enjoy stories from an emerging Australian Icon – the Bicentennial National Trail as founded by the late RM Williams CMG, AO. with Hon John Landy, AC. MBE. as our Patron.

For more information contact: Christine Threadgate BNT Director / Executive Officer - 0428 237 062, email: bnt@kooee.com.au, or through the Volunteer Office phone number 1300 138 724.

Gap Creek Trail Care, Saturday 22 September
September 19, 2007

The Gap Creek Trail Care is on again this Saturday. I am happy to announce that NRG Cycles are sponsoring this weekends trail care day.
Gav and the NRG team will be setting up a marque with a barbeque to do a sausage sizzle after the working bee. Gav will also have some
Specialised and Avanti test bikes that people can have a go on. So come along and enjoy what is going to be a great day out.

The details are:
Date: Saturday 22nd September
Time: 7.30am - 11.30am
Where: Rocket Frog Trail (formally known as Lantana)
Meet at: Gap Creek Rpad Picnic Area (UBD Map 157 H15
Lunch is provided

For more details contact Trail Care Coordinator on 3407 0013

2008 World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability
September 8, 2007

Easterbrook Hall on the Crichton in Dumfries, Scotland 17-19 September, 2008

The World Mountain Bike Conference on Sustainability, will be held for the first time outside North America, in one of the most progressive mountain bike areas in the world-beautiful Dumfries, Scotland in the heart of the 7stanes.

Three days of keynote addresses, plenary sessions and interactive workshops led by experts from around the world. Speakers will include experts from Scotland, the UK and across the world, sharing knowledge and ideas on how to manage mountain biking as an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity.

Sessions will be of interest for land managers, resort leaders, recreation planners, and trail advocates.

There will be opportunity for daily guided trail rides & other events in the famous 7stanes area.

For more information check out www.worldmountainbikeconference.com

IMBA and Partners Announce 2008 World Summit in Park City
September 1, 2007

Mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe will gather in Park City, Utah, June 18-21, for the 2008 IMBA World Summit. IMBA Summits bring mountain biking advocates, land managers, ski resort professionals, trailbuilders, tourism officials and the bike industry together for collaboration, planning and celebration. The preliminary schedule of events looks like:

June 18: Mobile Workshops (day) and Opening Ceremonies (evening)
June 19-20: Seminars, networking and great afternoon riding and evening parties
June 21: IMBA Epic Ride - Mid Mountain Trail and Park City Community Party

The 2008 IMBA Summit will be open to the public, and will feature advocacy seminars, trailbuilding workshops, networking, great food, parties, celebrity guest speakers and some big surprises. Topics will include the economic power of trails, sustainable trailbuilding, liability and risk management, urban trail networks, building club capacity and much more.

IMBA's most recent Summit, held in Whistler, BC, attracted more than 400 delegates from 17 nations for three days of seminars and discussions. A compendium of online resources from that event can be found at IMBA's website.

Park City Provides Great Trails Story
"We could not be more excited about the location of our 2008 gathering," said IMBA executive director Mike Van Abel. "Park City is a model trails community and IMBA's host club, the Mountain Trails Foundation, is a model of shared-use leadership. Non-motorized groups have worked together in Park City to create amazing trails, and maybe more importantly, a tight-knit trails community."
"Park City was losing its trails to rapid development. In the course of a couple of years, we went from trails being an afterthought in the planning process to where trails are given equal weight with streets and utilities in new development," said Mountain Trails Foundation founder and IMBA Board Member Tom Clyde. "Practically all of the trail system is on private land, and now there is almost a competition among the development community to see who can build the best trails. This is because an active trails community got behind the cause."

Partners Shaping Summit Agenda
Many national and international partners are coming together to shape the 2008 Summit. To name a few, Trips for Kids will convene their chapter meeting at the summit with the goal of inspiring more of IMBA's 750 worldwide clubs to create youth mountain bike programs. The Bureau of Land Management is bringing key planners, and the League of American Bicyclists will provide guidance on how mountain biking can be incorporated into their successful Bicycle Friendly Communities Program. Pre-conference trailbuilding workshops are also planned in conjunction with national and international trail partners.

Join Agenda Advisory Committees
Speakers, seminar topics and sponsorship opportunities for the 2008 IMBA Summit are in development. IMBA's partners are creating the agenda now through several steering committees to capture the most important issues and secure the best speakers on all things mountain biking.
To make suggestions about about seminars and speakers, write Patti Bonnet patti@imba.com. Sponsorship inquires should be directed to Rich Cook rich.cook@imba.com.

Watch for more exciting announcements to come on speakers, events and new partners. For now, save the date and plan to attend the largest international gathering in IMBA's history. For more imformation contact IMBA's Communications Director: Mark Eller: markeller@imba.com

MV Australia changes company name to World Trail
August 29, 2007

One of the worlds most well known trail designers, Glen Jacobs and the MV Australia
crew have now renamed the company to WORLD TRAIL to reflect a broader focus
on all kinds of recreational trails and the company’s international profile.

The World Trail crew consists of 2 directors, Glen Jacobs and Dylan Jeffries and 4
permanent staff members.

Management
Glen Jacobs: Designer and Project Director
Dylan Jeffries: Company Manager, Finance, and Project Co-ordinator

Marketing
Gerard McHugh: Environment, Tourism, Marketing, and Project Manager

Construction
Darren Stewart: Head Machinery Guru and Qualified Builder.
Dennis Beare: New Mountain Cross and Downhill Machine Operator,
Ricky Boyer: Construction and Trail Tester

Check out their fresh website www.world-trail.com or send them an email
at info@world-trail.com

WAMBA receives $110,000 in Lotterywest Funding
August 23, 2007

WAMBA has received $110,000 in the 2007 round of Department of Sport and Recreation/Lotterywest funding to be used over three exciting projects.

The next stage of the Goatfarm Mountain Bike Park has received $75,000. This will be used for signage and the installation of concrete flyovers as well as the design of further trails, rock gardens and a children’s track near the creek.

The long running Kalamunda Circuit upgrade and realignment project has received $15,000. This is an exciting step forward in the planning of this trail. Plans have recently been submitted to the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and hopefully we will see the building on this project start before the end of the year. This trail is built for all levels of mountain biker and is designed as a recreational trail with future possibility for a race circuit.

The third project is the construction and signage of some trail in the Dwellingup area close to the Murray River. More details of this will be supplied once all approval from for trail construction have been finalised. This project has received $20,000 and will provide an excellent recreational trail with trail head signage and toilet facilities.

Special thanks for the success of these Grants must go to Martin Shurlock, the former president and trails guru for WAMBA. It has been his commitment over many years and the on going commitment of Jamie Campbell, Paul Neve and Bron Suchecki that will see these trails become the blue print for further legal trail developments in WA. It is also due to the fantastic work of Rod Annear and his team at DEC that we have been able to move forward with these projects.

MTBA congratulates all those in WA who have worked towards this exciting outcome.

The new trails at Stromlo have started!
August 14, 2007

The photos and the report from the first of the Stromlo Stage 2 working bees held last weekend have been posted in the Stromlo section of the CORC website. You can get directly too it via the following link: www.corc.asn.au/trails/details.asp?IntSubContId=154.

If you have some spare time and you are in Canberra why not help out. Even half a day would give us all the hours we need to make the park even better. Half a day in the 110 days of weekends isn't much and the benefits are tremendous - in particular working towards the 2008 World Cup round and the 2009 World Championships. Many hands make light work, and there are tasks suitable for everyone no matter how fit you are to swing the spade.

For more details or to register your interest contact Reece from the CORC Trails Team (stromlomtb@hotmail.com)

Qld Parks and Wildlife Service accepts MTB access
July 25, 2007

Rangers in forests throughout Queensland now have a policy to guide their decisions about managing MTB riding. The policy reflects what has been common practice for some years. MTB is allowed on fire roads, multiple-use trail and single-use MTB tracks where access has been assessed as appropriate according to various criteria.

"At a time when forest reserves are being transferred to National Park and Conservation Park status in SE Qld under the Nature Conservation Act, this policy gives us more security. The two most significant inclusions are acceptance of MTB single tracks and trail care by volunteers prepared to maintain these tracks" said MTBA President and longterm trail care advocate in southeast Qld, Gillian Duncan.

This is a very significant document reflecting the cooperative relationship MTBA clubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville and Cairns have had with QPWS staff over many years.

Read more in the Trail Forum

Townsville club works to create Recreation Reserves
July 19, 2007

Townsville City Council has pledged conditional support for a local bid to establish recreation and environmental reserves on vacant State land at Douglas.

The Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club is negotiating with the State Government in the hope of formalising a network of hiking and mountain biking tracks in the foothills of Mt Stuart range.

The club also hopes to extend the tracks across two blocks of unallocated land bordered by Angus Smith Drive, James Cook University, Riverside Ridge and the Department of Defence.

Council’s Sustainable Development Committee yesterday agreed to take on the role of trustee of the land to allow the club’s proposal to proceed through early stages of State Government checks.

Committee chairwoman Cr Jenny Hill said the proposal still had a long way to go to get off the ground. “The club needs the necessary sign-off from relevant State Government departments before anything can proceed, and the Council is happy to do what we can to help that process” Cr Hill said. “This land has significant recreational and environmental value and is often used for bush walking, bike riding, running and nature-based activities. It’s important to formalise its use in order to ensure proper management and continued protection.”

As trustee, the Council’s role will include basic maintenance of the area in terms of weed and fire management.

Townsville Rockwheelers member Peter McLean comments, "This is a significant step forward for Townsville MTB. The important thing to note is that Council’s (and other agencies) are starting to recognise MTB and are starting to take steps to manage the activity. This outcome is a direct result of a one on one presentation given to the Townsville Mayor in May 2004 and a lot of frustration and pigheaded persistence on our part."

He added, "Other successes from that meeting in May 2004 are the $150,000 dirt jump park and Stage 1 of a 6min downhill track on Council Land."

Stromlo set for trail expansion
July 9, 2007

The Stromlo Stage 2 project will be run from 2nd July to 9th October 2007, with the aim of significantly increasing both the technicality and loop options of the trails. The project will also deliver the beginner DH trail and deliver necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of future major events and club races.

Read more about it on the trails pages of CORC.

MTBA Launches New Trails Forum
June 25, 2007

To further support the trails areas of our local clubs MTBA has launched a new Trails Forum. This will act as a collection point and repository for all of the successful trail advocacy and maintenance methods that have been practiced by trail advocacy and management/building practitioners in Australia and abroad. It is hoped that this will create a library of local knowledge on mountain bike trails issues and local best practice, that can be used as a resource for anyone in the mountain biking scene pushing for improved access to trails (or swinging the shovels and mattocks to keep their existing ones in pristine riding condition).

While the forum will take a primarily local focus it will also allow for the sharing of information and new achievements in the areas of mountain bike land access being realised in other countries, such as the work being done by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

The new forum is structured around 4 key areas:

- Trail Advocate's Toolbox
- Trail Tips and Tricks
- Papers and Research Literature
- Ask a Trail Question

More information about the types of information being provided can be found by visiting the forum. The forum can be accessed from the 'Trails Forum' icon on the left heand side of the MTBA homepage, or by the following link: www.mtba.asn.au/forum

MTBA welcomes all those involved in the delivery and management of trails in Australia to contribute to this forum. With your input we can develop a library of trails knowledge based on local experiences.

MTBA bankrolls the formation of IMBA Australia
June 25, 2007

MTBA is driving the formation of IMBA Australia through the recent signing of a charter with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). IMBA Australia will act as the officially recognised Australian arm of IMBA to help with all trail access, advocacy issues.

IMBA Australia will be looking to take on members, set up affiliated clubs and support advocacy groups around the country. Advocacy programs will reflect what is on offer through IMBA US. MTBA is currently in discussion with IMBA to work out the best way to roll out the widely acclaimed Trail Care Crew (TCC) program here in Australia. Another program that already has interest in Australia is the National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP). IMBA Australia will also hold workshops and offer advice on sustainable trail building techniques.

"The development of both programs here in Australia will be funded initially by MTBA until IMBA Australia gets on its feet financially", said MTBA Executive Officer Tony Scott.

For more information contact MTBA or keep an eye out for more information on the MTBA website www.mtba.asn.au. Links will be established on the IMBA website (www.imba.com) and the MTBA website once an IMBA Australia website is up and running.

North Wales MTB Project Manager, prospecting for jobs!
June 25, 2007

Some of you may remeber Tony Griffiths, the MTB Project Manager from Coed y Brenin who visited our shores last year to give a number of presentations regarding the MTB product development in North Wales. He is presently here again and is busy prospecting for potential job opportunties as he is hoping to move across here in the near future.

With his wealth of experience and knowledge regarding the Project Managemnt aspects of MTB trail design, MTB product development and health and safety issues relating to trail and product development I believe he would be a vital assest to any employer and the growing mtb product within Aus as a whole.

He is presently in the country until mid July, should you wish to discuss potential opportunties with him, please drop me a line or contact him direct on: ctc85@hotmail.co.uk or contact MTBA and we will pass on your interest.

NSW Community Conservation Advisory Committee - EOI
June 5, 2007

The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change is calling for expressions of interest in participating on the Community Conservation Advisory Committes (CCACs) in the Brigalow and Nandewar regions in NSW.

There are positions available for locally based MTB enthusiasts in the Borders/Gwydir CCAC and Namoi CCAC areas.

For further information please see the document here that includes a map of the regions in question.

Queensland Mountain Bike Forum - Newsletter 1
June 4, 2007

The Queensland Mountain Bike Forum was formed in late 2006. This forum was established to facilitate effective management of mountain biking in Queensland.

To us all informed the Forum Steering Committee has decided to publish a newsletter. It is hoped that in the future regular newsletters informing you of the Forum's progress will be published.

Read the first edition here.

2008 Tracks and Trails Conference - UPDATE 2
May 29, 2007

National Tracks and Trails Conference Update

Greetings, and thank you to those who have expressed an interest in the forthcoming
Tracks and Trails Conference. Planning is progressing and we can now give you
finalised dates, location and an indication of the programme over the four days.
Further details of this information are available on the Tracks and Trails website, but
until you log in there, just some key logistics to pencil into your diary.

Dates: The conference will be held from Tuesday March 11 to Friday March 14,
2008. Registration will begin on Monday the 10th, with at least one pre-conference
workshop to be run by Mountain Bike Australia, drawing on the skills of representatives
from the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Location: The conference venue is the Novotel Twin Waters located on the
Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore is 5 minutes
drive away and the resort is 70 minutes drive north of Brisbane, or 25 minutes south of
Noosa.

Themes: The conference aims to encourage discussion, critical evaluation and
provide the opportunity for people to explore a national trails strategy. More than
merely identifying issues and sharing experiences, speakers and delegates will be
encouraged to consider future actions and outcomes. In order to progress dialogue on
some issues at the Conference, a discussion forum has been established on the
Conference website and you are invited to comment there now. In addition, we have
identified some of the areas and issues that we hope to cover in Conference sessions
(eg. trails management, advocacy, marketing, sustainability) and you will find a more
complete list by logging into the website.

Expressions of Interest: We are formally calling for Expressions of Interest for
delegates and speakers for the 2008 National Tracks and Trails Conference. A facility
has been set up on the Tracks and Trails website: www.tracksandtrails.org.au/
where you will find an updated program and session themes. Please jump on the site
and lodge your interest. (We have noted those who have already done so and you
need not resend).

Trade Displays/ Sponsorship: Background information on advertising your product
or organisation is now available on the website, as are details on becoming a
conference sponsor. Please click the link to ‘Sponsorship’ for more information.

As the conference planning progresses, more information will be available primarily
through email, but please mark the website as a favourite and check it occasionally.
We will be trying to get registration brochures available before the end of June 2007 to
accommodate those who are looking to make payments in this financial year. Again,
check the website for updates.

2008 Tracks and Trails Conference - UPDATE 1
May 24, 2007

The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) is hosting the 5th Biennial Tracks and Trails Conference from March 11-14 2008 on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The conference will include national and international guest speakers, concurrent session presentations and, outdoor workshops, with one day dedicated to field trips exploring existing tracks and trail networks in the Sunshine Coast region.

The theme for the conference is ‘Passage to Progress’ and a number of session topics have been identified which focus on a range of proactive outcomes including:

- addressing an identified need for a National approach and agenda for the resolution of issues associated with trails (such as track standards);
- exploring the on-going issue of access and liability – finding solutions not just recapping problems;
- sharing evolving developments in trail maintenance and surveying tools; &
- highlighting mechanisms for developing trails partnerships across tenure and activity interests.

While final details of the programme are yet to be completed, it is recognised that there has been a significant rise in the popularity of cycling, especially mountain biking. As such we are planning a dedicated mountain bike stream, with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA) offering to host a number of key speakers from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). In addition, MTBA will be conducting a pre-conference workshop run by Joey Klein from IMBA. Other pre-conference and post-conference workshops will be announced as these are identified.

Tracks and trails are relevant across a range of interest, policy and planning arenas. Activity groups, land managers, transport and development planners, community organisations, commercial providers, tourism operators, public health officials, and sport and recreation planners all have a vested concern in the quality, accessibility, and benefits of trails. With this in mind, the conference offers a chance for wide ranging opinions and insights to be shared across this broad community of users and managers.

The opportunities for being involved and benefiting from the 5th Biennial Tracks and Trails Conference are numerous. Interested individuals and organisations can offer to present on one of the conference topics, run a hands-on workshop, debate topics during the panel discussions, network with national, state and local government representatives, commercial operators and other trails activity users, participate in a pre- or post-conference workshop, or advertise and inform through the trade display area. Prior to the conference itself you are also invited to engage in an active on-line dialogue on a number of issues over the coming months. A forum has been established on our dedicated website - www.tracksandtrails.org.au - to provide you with the chance to discuss topics of interest and/or concern. Your thoughts and contributions are welcomed so please log in and check what is being discussed and feel confident in raising new ideas relevant to tracks and trails locally, nationally and internationally.

QORF look forward to your ongoing contributions through the online forum and seeing you at the conference. Updates on registration and conference workshops, keynote speakers and concurrent sessions will be posted on the website as these are finalised.

MTBA will shortly be calling for Expressions of Interest to present at this seminal conference which, for the first time, will have a dedicated mountain biking stream. Stay tuned.

Trail Day at RNP
May 11, 2007

MTBA has received the following from the RNP Rangers, so if you are able to help please make the offer.

Its getting late in the week and I have only had four replies to my email about attending the Trail Maintenance Day this Saturday, two of which were
people letting me know they could not come.

If I do not have at least five able bodies from the Mountain Bike community turn up on Saturday then I will have to cancel the trail maintenance works
this month and undertake other bush regeneration works. The trail maintenance works are simply too strenuous for our regular Bush
Regeneration Volunteers to undertake without your help and the brush matting sites that have been identified as a priority are too remote to
target without giving everyone prior notice that we will be meeting at a different location.

The program's success is dependent on your co-operation and support.

Jessica Herder
Ranger, Royal Area
Parks and Wildlife Division
Department of Environment and Conservation

Ph: (02) 9542 0618
Fax: (02) 9542 1420

New Times reports on benefits of Urban MTB
May 10, 2007

The New York Times has published an article on the benefits to park districts in metropolitan areas of promoting mountain biking. The Times reports that encouraging mountain biking in parks near cities keeps them safe from crime and free of other nuisances, benefiting everyone as a result.

The text is here:

Ever since the mountain bikers arrived, the freaky Goth people with vampire teeth don’t hang around much anymore.

And the big scary naked men peering out of the woods? Fewer and farther between, said Josh Erdmann, a longtime area rider.

Indeed, at the Theodore Wirth Off-Road Cycling Trail near downtown Minneapolis, where an 18-inch-wide dirt singletrack traces circuitously through the woods, mountain biking has altered the milieu of the place.

“That creepy nude beach down the hill hardly comes to mind anymore,” Mr. Erdmann said.

Across the country, in cities from Philadelphia to Santa Fe, mountain biking is gaining as a viable urban activity. Extensive trail networks designated for the knobby-tire crowd, some many miles in length, now wind through parks like Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and Powhite Park in Richmond, Va., or under freeway viaducts in places like Seattle.

Adrian Benepe, the New York parks commissioner, said the grand opening of the city’s first sanctioned mountain biking trail will be on May 19. A huge volunteer effort and $100,000 in government financing built four miles of singletrack at Highbridge Park in northern Manhattan on a steep hillside where a roller coaster once stood.

“Highbridge was an abandoned, scary place, with a pack of stray dogs, homeless encampments and used hypodermic needles everywhere,” said Jamie Bogner, co-founder of the New York City Mountain Bike Association. “Mountain biking is giving it some new life.”

About 15 major metropolitan areas have legitimized mountain biking in urban parks or on municipal land, including Pittsburgh; Austin, Tex.; Louisville, Ky.; Tucson; Salt Lake City; suburban Los Angeles; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Chris Bernhardt, a consultant with the International Mountain Bicycling Association from Hood River, Ore., said the face of the sport is changing, with urban terrain receiving more attention than traditional wilderness trails in some areas.

“It’s great to take a weeklong bike trip to Moab or Colorado, but people want trails closer to home for riding on weekends or after work,” said Mr. Bernhardt, who works with bike clubs, park managers and municipalities in metropolitan areas to prepare plans and build trails.

The increasing desire to suit up, clip in and ride a mountain bike from home to nearby trails is prompting recreation managers to reassess a sport long outlawed in city parks.

Resistance to the sport, which opponents cite as a dangerous and trail-damaging activity, was widespread for years, with hiking clubs, equestrians, birders, environmentalists and other groups regularly lobbying against mountain biking within city limits. Park boards and city governments are often preoccupied with liability and insurance concerns, Mr. Bernhardt said.

But sustainable trail-building guidelines, now widely used to limit erosion, and standards promoted by IMBA — never scare animals, leave no trace, always yield — have helped validate the sport.

Some cycling organizations cite statistics that show mountain biking to be no more dangerous than baseball.

An aging cycling demographic, with many mountain bikers in their 30s or 40s, gives riders more voice, according to Lou Mazzante, editor of Bike Magazine in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. “Mountain biking has matured, and many riders who’ve been at it for 15 or 20 years are now in positions of power,” he said.

IN Minneapolis, it was the mayor, R. T. Rybak, an avid cyclist, and John Erwin, a former parks commissioner, who spurred development of the city’s first recognized urban singletrack. Mr. Rybak noted his desire for the city’s park board to work with local cyclists at a meeting in 2003.

Today, the Theodore Wirth Off-Road Cycling Trail, which had its grand opening in June 2005, includes 4.36 miles of twisting singletrack with jumps, stunts and banked turns. Up to 200 riders might pedal there on a busy Saturday, according to Shawn Sheely, president of Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates, an organization that worked with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to create the trails.

On a Saturday earlier this month, amid the white noise of a nearby highway, Mr. Sheely met up with a half-dozen riding friends for a lap at Theodore Wirth, which is the largest park in Minneapolis. The bikers, some dressed in jeans, others in cycling shorts, pedaled on roads or paved paths from their homes in the city to gather at the park’s entrance.

“First time out this year,” said Jonathan Beale, a 36-year-old college professor, who stood adjusting a helmet strap.

A golf cart tootled by on the lawn behind the bikers, motoring uphill toward the park’s par-3 course.

“Let’s ride,” Mr. Sheely shouted.

At Wirth, where wooded little hills hide lakes and boardwalk-equipped bogs, the deep urban forest is infamous for its ability to attract recluses, weirdos or worse.

“That’s the old Satanic altar,” said Mr. Erdmann, a 29-year-old film producer, only half-joking as he pointed to a decrepit, mossy table secluded in the woods.
Biking has dispersed much of the riffraff, Mr. Sheely said. He believes the simple presence of more people using the park for cycling makes it safer. “It’s an interesting side benefit,” he said. “Some people didn’t feel safe back here before.”

Five minutes of pedaling brought the cyclists to Wirth’s first obstacle, a 30-foot-long incline of rocks just uphill from an old garbage dump. Railroad tracks and an industrial building were just visible through the trees below.

In the crisscrossing shadow of a rusty fence, Hurl Everstone, 39, a bike shop owner, spun through the rocky ramp, his front tire bouncing and weaving on the climb.

Up next, April Bergman, a 35-year-old assistant at an ad agency, downshifted to pedal through. “Crank it,” someone yelled.

Gears clicked, tires spun, but Ms. Bergman sputtered, grabbing her brakes, plopping a foot down for balance.

“Dang, no luck,” she said, pushing her bike uphill before jumping back on to ride.

Winding away into the woods, the trail continued for three miles, climbing hills, dipping in and out of little ravines, banking corners on berms. The riders drifted quietly off, standing up on their pedals, twisting through trees still leaf-bare in the early spring sun.

The full article (with images) is here: http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/04/27/travel/escapes/27adventurer.html?ref=travel

Recreational Trails in Natural Areas - Managing for All: An interactive Master Class
May 9, 2007

Friday July 20th, 2007
Ridley Hall, Adelaide Showground

The task of managing natural areas is almost always one of trying to meet diverse and sometimes conflicting values and expectations. National and state government policies and prescriptions provide a foundation from which managers then need to respond to community expectations particularly in relation to access.

Generally speaking, land managers have risen to the occasion using their best endeavours both to protect natural values as well as respond to community issues.

Certainly there have been significant challenges over the last couple of decades as the protected area estate has increased in response to a rising environmental awareness.

However, for the successes of planning and policy development especially in responding to environmental agendas, there have also been some casualties.

An incremental loss has been the status accorded to cultural values in planning and especially recreational provision. Land managers have adopted narrow definitions of heritage and have typically not considered concepts of social value, attachment to land and issues of equity as they apply to different groups in the community.

Horse SA has seen the public need to arrange this Master Class and will canvass these issues as they apply to recreational access and community engagement. To be facilitated by Dr Simon Cubit - The Master Class will start by considering contemporary definitions of cultural heritage and exploring the equity implications of the social dimension of triple bottom line reporting.

It will then explore current approaches to recreational planning and provision using case studies, with reference to national park and state forest areas and consider interface approaches with development planning and local government. Different responses to walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers will be considered.

Enhanced planning approaches that acknowledge heritage considerations, and improve equity and participation in natural area planning will be canvassed. Many of these also have implications for tourism and community development. Practical planning and management resources that may assist managers will be outlined.

For more information contact :

Julie Fiedler (horsesa@horsesa.asn.au)
Executive Officer, Horse SA
PO Box 483 Plympton SA 5038
Ph +618 8294 2460 Fax +618 8294 2860
www.horsesa.asn.au

Trail care dates currently posted with Terracare
May 3, 2007

There are so many clubs around Australia doing great things in the field of trail building and maintenance but many of the general riding public don't know about it. Some people are dead keen to get involved while others have ideas or complaints and are not sure where to start to get them heard.

In an effort to make trail care more accessible to everyone, Terracare, a MTBA affiliate, has created a calendar and volunteer register. This allows riders to find out about the trail works that are going on in their local area and gives them the opportunity to volunteer to be part of them.

The dates below show many of the trail dates coming up in the next few months. These dates are current at the time of writing (27th April). If you would like to know more, please click on www.terracare.org.au for more information on all these trail days.

Date                            Location                                                Times
Sat Mar 31 2007        Royal National Park                            9am-1pm
Apr 14 2007            Royal National Park                            9am-1pm
Sat Apr 14 2007        Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra                8:45am-3pm
Sun Apr 15 2007        Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra                8:45am-3pm
Sat May 12 2007        Royal National Park                            9am-1pm
Sat May 19 2007      Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra            8:45am-3pm
Sun May 20 2007        Majura Pines, Canberra                        8:45am-3pm
Sun Jun 3 2007            Manly Dam                                    9am-12:30/1pm
Sat Jun 24 2007            Royal National Park                        9am-1pm
TBA                        Old Great Northern Road                        TBA
26/27May                     Wingello State Forest                         9-4pm
28/29 July                     Wingello State Forest                        9-4pm
25/26 Aug                  Wingello State Forest                        9-4pm

2008 Tracks and Trails Conference
April 9, 2007

The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) is gearing up to host
the next Tracks and Trails conference in March 2008 on the Sunshine Coast,
Queensland. At this stage we are planning to run a three-day format with day
2 being in-the-field workshop activities and a range of pre and post
conference workshops and activities.

As a State or National peak body or representative association we are
offering an opportunity to help achieve some crucial and much needed
outcomes. They are;

*          The need for a National approach and agenda for the resolution of issues associated with trails (such as track standards)
*          The on-going issue of access and liability - Solutions not just problems
*          Community engagement and support for new and existing tracks and trails

With a significant rise in popularity of cycling, especially mountain
biking, we are planning a dedicated mountain bike stream. We are currently
negotiating with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to
access a number of speakers and to conduct pre-conference workshops, in
collaboration with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA). There are also
opportunities for trade displays, stands and to present sessions or
facilitate activities that are relevant. Please submit your thoughts and
ideas either via the website or direct e-mail to Greg Porter

With obesity and drought affected regional communities on the agenda at a
state and federal level, the conference is well placed to provide a forum
for networking between activity/user groups, the public health sector, rural
community organisations, development planners, public and private land
managers. The conference will explore opportunities to complement public
health initiatives addressing the obesity epidemic by providing the place to
get active and diversify regional economies through the provision of
recreation, tourism and employment.

In order to keep the momentum going and to drive tangible outcomes, I invite
you to engage in an active on-line dialogue on a number of issues over the
next twelve months. We are seeking your input as to the theme, streams and
issues through either the Online forum or the "Offer a session" submission.
The website http://www.tracksandtrails.org.au/ has been established and will
evolve into a pre conference information site and will eventually include
all the necessary registration and booking information. Post conference it
will remain active as a means of maintaining momentum for subsequent
conferences. In the past, each conference has established a specific site,
however a national approach needs an ongoing place to hold the past and move
to the future. Previous conference web-based material will be posted as it
becomes available.

Canberra Trail Days
April 8, 2007

April Working Bee
DATE:              Saturday, April 14, 2007 and Sunday, April 15, 2007
LOCATION:     Stromlo Forest Park
DETAILS:           Bring hat, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy shoes and trail tools if you have them. Lunch and morning tea provided.
Start at 9am, finishing at 3pm. Meet at the 4X track end of the Event Centre carpark at 8.45am.

Stromlo work will involve repairs to the XC AND DH trails following the severe storms we had earlier this year. This will involve fixing ruts in the track (including erosion holes in some parts), and installing drainage to promote correct shedding of water off the trail surface. There may be a couple of bridges to put in, as well as some rock armouring on the heavy wear areas.

May Working Bee
DATE:                Saturday, May 19, 2007 to Sunday, May 20, 2007
LOCATION:      Saturday is Stromlo Forest Park, Sunday is Majura Pines
DETAILS:          Bring hat, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy shoes and trail tools if you have them. Lunch and morning tea provided. Start at
                           9am, finishing at 3pm.

                          On the Saturday meet at the 4X track end of the Stromlo Forest Park carpark (at the event centre) at 8.45am.

                          On the Sunday, meet at the race gate on Majura Road at 8.45am.

PLEASE NOTE: This working bee is being held at Stromlo on the Saturday (19th), and Majura on the Sunday (20th).

Work at Stromlo will focus on finishing any remaining unfinished work from the April working bee. Majura will focus on doing some finishing on the work done at the March working bee (see http://homepage.mac.com/mtb_obsessive/PhotoAlbum8.html), as well as targetting some of the other gully crossings we haven't got to yet.

To register for either (or both) working bees please email Reece at Reece at trails@corc.asn.au, or phone on 0420 308 682. Please let us know if you are coming so we can manage the catering. (don't want to run out of food)

Mountain Bikes and Equestrians at Lysterfield Park
March 8, 2007

Users of Lysterfield Park are spoilt for choice; with plenty of singletrack marked with the signs that we all love "Bikes only / No walkers"

To steal from Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility”. MTB’ers have a great network of trails exclusively for our use, but these trails go hand in hand with another network of Equestrian/Walkers trails.

It’s a simple matter of shared respect. The walkers and equestrian users don't use our trails and in turn we need to respect the areas that have been allocated for their exclusive use.

The reasons for this are vast; from safety (yours, theirs and the horses), to the environment and the user's enjoyment to name just a few.

Unfortunately it only takes one mountain biker to upset a horse rider on a Equestrian trail who then goes on to rightly complain and suddenly all mountain bikers have been tarred with the same brush!

There is one particular section that needs your attention. That area is to the East of Logan Track.
Click here for the map http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_1413.pdf

It's marked "No Bikes" for a reason! It's for Horse riders.

If you have been riding trails there under the impression that it’s ok, please let us reassure you that anything to the East of Logan Track is for equestrian and walkers only. There are legit areas to ride your mountain bike in the park so please do the right thing and stick to them.

If you’re not happy riding these areas; feel free to let MTBA know, talk to the Parks Victoria Rangers or talk to the Lysterfield MTB Group (search through Yahoo.com Groups) but what ever you do - don’t just turn a blind eye to the signs and make yourself out to be ignorant.

Tracks and Trails Conference - Sunshine Coast, March 2008
March 6, 2007

The Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation is gearing up to host the next
Tracks and Trails conference in March 2008 on the Sunshine Coast, north of
Brisbane.

Thank you to those who replied to the email regarding the timing and content
of the 2008 Tracks and Trails conference. At this stage we are planning to
run a three-day format with day 2 being in-the-field workshop activities and
a range of pre and post conference workshops and activities.

Feedback received from past participants has highlighted a few points to
focus on. In summary they are:
- The need for a National approach and agenda
- The on-going issue of access and liability
- Solutions not just presenting the problems
- Community engagement and support for new and existing tracks and trails

With a significant rise in popularity of cycling, especially mountain
biking, there is a need for further networking, awareness and education on
the issues around the recreation of off road cycling. We are planning to
have a dedicated mountain bike stream and are currently negotiating with the
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) to access a number of
speakers and to conduct pre-conference workshops, in collaboration with the
Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA).

With obesity and drought affected regional communities on the agenda at a
state and federal level, the conference is well placed to provide a forum
for networking between activity/user groups, the public health sector, rural
community organisations, development planners, public and private land
managers. The conference will explore opportunities to complement public
health initiatives addressing the obesity epidemic by providing the place to
get active and diversify regional economies through the provision of
recreation, tourism and employment.

In order to keep the momentum going and to drive tangible outcomes, I invite
you to engage in an active on-line dialogue on a number of issues over the
next twelve months. We are seeking your input as to the theme, streams and
issues through either the Online forum or the Offer a session submission.
The website - www.tracksandtrails.org.au - has been established and is under
development. The web site will evolve into a pre conference information site
and will include all the necessary registration and booking information.
Post conference it will remain active as a means of maintaining momentum for
subsequent conferences. In the past, each conference has established a
specific site, however a national approach needs an ongoing place to hold
the past and move to the future. Previous conference web-based material will
be posted as it becomes available.

I look forward to your online input and seeing you at the conference.

Greg James
Tracks and Trails 2008 conference convenor &
Project Officer
Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation
150 Caxton Street, MILTON QLD 4064
Ph: 07 3369 9455 Fax: 07 3369 9355
Greg@qorf.org.au

IMBA Launches new Book - Managing Mountain Biking
March 1, 2007

IMBA has announced the availability of their new book - the long anticipated "Managing Mountain Biking".

IMBA says:

What makes one trail a success, while another is unpopular or the source of conflict? Why do some trails last for decades with minimal maintenance, while others require expensive repairs? Managing Mountain Biking: IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding gives solutions for these and dozens of other trail-related dilemmas. Written for professional land managers, volunteers, and recreation providers alike, this 256-page book offers an essential collection of best practices for planning, designing, and managing successful trail networks and bike parks.

More than 50 experts—including land managers, recreation ecologists, professional trailbuilders, and experienced advocates—contributed to Managing Mountain Biking creating the most complete reference of its kind. Strategies are clearly described with the aid of 270 color photos and 25 helpful illustrations; dozens of success stories from around the globe provide real-world examples of effective trail management.

Edited by IMBA veteran Pete Webber, this new book expands significantly on IMBA's popular 2004 book Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack. It breaks new ground with advice on overcoming user conflict, minimizing environmental impact, managing risk, and providing technically challenging riding. While Trail Solutions covered trail construction, Managing Mountain Biking focuses on solving mountain biking issues through innovative trail design, effective partnerships, and visitor management strategies.

The project was supported by a grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program along with sponsorship from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program and the states of Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Minnesota.

The book is available exclusively through MTBA and costs $50 (including postage).

Reserve your book now by contacting MTBA and placing an order. The book will be available in about May. Copies of the companion books Trail Solutions (also $50) and Natural Surface Trails by Design ($55) are also available now.

RNP Volunteer Days - and more
February 13, 2007

I would like to invite you to this years Royal National Park MTB Volunteer day the 25th of Feb, 9am at the old rangers station Audley.
Last year we had great support for the project and would value your support this year.
If you can't make the volunteer days you can help by spreading the word and emailing your support to Leigh.Nolan@enviroment.nsw.gov.au

Check out the calendar below for more days working on trails around Sydney.

New MTBA trail advocacy cards
November 5, 2006

The new MTBA trail advocacy cards (attached as a PDF below) saw their debut at the recent Bicycling Australia bike show held in Melbourne to great acclaim. The three card designs are based on respect, a maxim for life in general, but even more poignant in mountain biking circles where we need to share the trails with other users and look after ourselves and the environment.

The cards designed by Swell Design in Canberra, have each been created to evoke both a pictorial and textual message and have the capacity to be placed on a bike's gear cables when on the shop floor.

Displaying the cards on your shop-floor bikes or on your shop counter will show your customers that you care about ensuring that trails are available for all users and they will have a place to rider their new mountain bike well into the future.

If you are a shop, involved in any way in the cycling industry or a business that is interested in helping build Australia's sustainable MTB trail audit then contact us and we will send a set or two to you. We will even pay the postage.

New Study Examines Mountain Biking Impacts (from IMBA news)
November 3, 2006

A study published in the summer 2006 Journal of Park and Recreation Administration (Volume 24, Number 12) takes a close look at the environmental impacts of mountain biking. Researchers measured trail erosion and other impacts on 31 trails used for mountain biking in the southwestern U.S. The study concludes that, "certain impacts to mountain bike trails, especially width, are comparable or less than hiking or multiple-use trails, and significantly less than impacts to equestrian or off-highway vehicle trails."

Recreational ecologists Dave White from Arizona State University and Pam Foti from Northern Arizona University led the three-year research project titled "A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S." The researchers used "Common Ecological Regions" (CERs) to provide consistency in comparing the ecological effects of mountain biking with those of other recreational activities.

The team also published a 60-page guidebook titled "Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails" that includes a condensed version of the study, recommendations for trail management, and tips for responsible mountain biking. Funding for the research and guidebook was provided by a Shimano American Corporation donation, along with administrative contributions by Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Download a PDF of the research paper: A Comparative Study of Impacts to Mountain Bike Trails in Five Common Ecological Regions of the Southwestern U.S here: http://www.imba.com/resources/science/white_et_al_study.pdf

Download a PDF of the guidebook: Planning and Managing Environmentally Friendly Mountain Bike Trails here: http://www.imba.com/resources/science/shimano_guidebook.pdf

The conclusions reached by the authors are consistent with previous trail research that suggest the impacts of mountain biking are similar or less than other trail use. "Our study contributes to the growing consensus that mountain biking can be a sustainable activity on properly managed trails," said researcher Dave White.

Don Applegate of the BLM said, "These new trail monitoring techniques are defendable methods to sustain trail systems that respect the natural environment as well as the need for high quality recreational opportunities."

IMBA has long worked to develop and share trail management techniques that minimize resource impacts and provide high quality visitor experiences. IMBA has published a book on the topic of sustainable trailbuilding. Titled Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack, the 272-page resource has drawn widespread praise from land managers. It is available from MTBA, see the MTBA store for details.

Mt. Stromlo MTB Park update
October 25, 2006

October Stromlo Working Bee – Wrap Up (24/10/06)
=================================
Thanks to all those who came out and lent a hand at the working bee on the weekend. With a confirmed 40 volunteers on the Saturday and 37 on the Sunday a lot was achieved over the weekend, all attendees should be proud of themselves for a big effort.

By the Sunday afternoon the group had made its way to Wombat junction and a bit beyond (down below to the switchbacks). While we did not manage to complete the entire backbone trail, the end is in sight - and I mean it IS actually in sight. From where we finished the event centre is only 2.5 short sections of singletrack away. All up over the weekend we probably put in 5 or 6 km of track.

Now with so much happening at this last working bee and some serious work planned for the next few months there are a few things to cover, so please bear with me.

More Working Bees Scheduled, AND CHANGE to Original November Working Bee Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to meet the deadlines for the opening of the park in December we are running two working bees in November – one on the 4th and 5th Nov and the other on the 18th and 19th Nov. PLEASE come along if you can. Please don’t think that just because your one person that your contribution will be minor and go unnoticed - the model we have going ensures that every one who attends makes a significant contribution to adding extra KM of trails. So much so that if we had just another 5 or 6 volunteers over the entire weekend just gone we would likely have had the backbone trail completed.

And please remember that if you are keen to go and help out during the week then Glen would be happy to have you and I am happy to put you in contact with him.

The Importance of the RSVP
---------------------------------------
To help out with catering please let us know you are coming along and on which day. This can be done by emailing stromloNOSPAM@corc.asn.au (removing the NOSPAM before sending) or ringing in on 0420 308 682. Not only does it ensure we have enough food for everyone (and stops the near revolts we have when we nearly run out), but it also ensures that we record your contribution for our volunteer hours log.

The Tools
--------------
Please remember to bring the tools back to the cars when you have finished in an area or if you have finished for the day. If tools are left to the side of the trail they can be very hard to locate – there is a lot of track out there to cover. We need as many tools as possible given the number of people we are getting. With this in mind, if you are able to bring your own garden rake (plastic or metal) then that would be great. A lot of the finishing work can be done with a strong metal rake and a standard plastic rake.

Interest Sought in Twilight Working Bees
--------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in attending a weekly twilight working bees come daylight savings time (this Sunday) then please drop us a line at the email address above. We are looking to run them once or twice a week like the dirt crits. If we run them between (say) 5.30pm and 7.30-8pm we will still get 2-2.5hrs in. If we were to do this, then we would have the rest of the trunk trail done in 3 or 4 sessions. We would be looking at a very quick sign-in process (likely as groups of 3-4 people) and then get straight onto the track for maximum output in the time

Photo Diary Entry for October Working Bee Posted on the Website
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the Stromlo section of the CORC website for photos from this month’s working bee. It also includes photos of the new DH track. If you have not yet seen it, you will be blown away by the work that has been going on up there by Glen and his boys and the volunteers. If the photos of this awesome beast don’t make you want to get out and help build it then you’ll be missing the chance to be involved in the making of something special. We need more DH’ers out to help at the next working bees, so PLEASE come and lend a hand.

A BIG Thanks to the Sponsors
-----------------------------------------
Last but certainly not least CORC would like to thank those businesses who donated to the running of the working bee. These are:

- Bike Shed (Braddon) and Lonsdale Street Cyclery, for providing raffle prizes.
- Chapman IGA for supplying all the drinks, biscuits, snacks and helping out with the muesli bars and the apples.

These businesses are showing their support to the grass roots MTB activity of trails delivery. Next time you're over their way drop in and say thanks.

MTBA elected to sit on Bicentenial National Trail Board
October 12, 2006

Tony Scott has been elected to sit on the Bicenntenial National Trail management board.

Scott, the MTBA executive officer, will bring a wealth of experience to the BNT board on matters pertaining to MTB use of the BNT, one of the reasons why he was approached by the BNT board to seek election.

Scott said, "My principal objective for the BNT is to lift the BNT profile within the MTB community. I want to help the BNT board to encourage marking of the BNT for all users, thus creating greater use of this very valuable long distance trail. This in turn will encourage local communities to embrace their section of the BNT as a valuable tourism resource with a net economic positive."

The MTB community is encouraged to contact Tony Scott, through the MTBA contacts page, to discuss how these aims could be achieved in the following year.

MTBA to speak at 2006 International Conference on Ecotourism
October 11, 2006

MTBA has engaged the services of Nic Bowman to present a paper at the 2006 International Ecotourism Conference to be held in Townsville October 30 - November 3.

Nic has qualifications in Conservation and Park Management (Biodiversity Management) and has displayed a passion for improving the long-term environmental sustainability of mountain bike riding in South Australia. Nicolas has been involved with State Government Agencies and Local Councils in producing sustainable trail network designs since 1998, with key projects being implemented in Bondi Forest (NSW), Cudlee Creek Forest, the Southern Flinders Ranges and the Eagle State Mountain Bike Park, for both recreation and competition interests.

The paper he is presenting on behalf of MTBA and Cycle Tourism Australia is entitled: Sustainable Trails for Ecotourism.

Research shows that if managed correctly, mountain bike riding is compatible with conservation requirements. Thus, sustainable trail design and construction is a reality for many land managers around the globe, with new techniques allowing trails to be developed in regions that were previously inaccessible. The reward for this investment and innovation has been significant economically, but also socially as local heritage, culture and employment opportunities have been retained in previously financially challenged regional communities.

Mountain bike riding is evidently creating sustainable industries in the form of ecotourism in many regions around the globe. Environmentally sustainable trails have been developed in a variety of ecosystems to provide economic benefits and social well being to many regional communities that have developed trail networks that meet the desire (demand) of many tourists to cycle while on holiday. Through employment of modern trail design and construction techniques these communities have attracted vast numbers of cycle tourists without causing negative impacts on their natural assets, which are always a key component of any tourist region.

Mainstream mountain bike riders generally have an appreciation of the natural environment and wish to visit these areas for recreation, health and wellbeing. These people are generally professionals with significant disposable incomes who invest a significant component of their income on equipment. They are not usually the kind of “extreme” riders that are seen on sports programmes. When planning a holiday, they will most likely plan a trip that encompasses a degree of off road cycling. The very nature of the mountain bike means that tourists can cover a variety of terrain over significant distances. This desire and the market that it creates is an excellent opportunity to provide experiences that exhibit the natural assets of an area without compromising its ecological integrity.

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Program Seeks New Team
September 19, 2006

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is looking to hire a full-time, professional two-person team for the highly successful Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. This position requires a passion for mountain biking, excellent communication skills, a basic knowledge of trailwork and team compatibility. The Crew will travel nearly all year in a 2007 Subaru Outback. The application deadline is Sept. 29, 2006.

For the last 10 years, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews have traveled the world, sharing their trailbuilding expertise with volunteers, land managers and trail advocates. As a direct result, thousands of miles of appealing, environmentally sustainable trails have been built or revitalized. The crews have contributed to the trails community and mountain biking opportunities in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.

Sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by IMBA, the Trail Care Crews work with IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, land managers, and other trail user groups to solve trail management challenges. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews improve trail conditions and trail experiences for everyone.

Now IMBA is looking for the newest team in a long line of dedicated trail professionals. Although the position is not for everyone, couples who enjoy travel and adventure, love to work outside and want to help improve trails and mountain biking are encouraged to apply. IMBA is asking the Crew make a two-year commitment.

Job Description

Lead IMBA Trailbuilding Schools designed for mountain bikers, other trail users and land management agency personnel.
Lead volunteer trailwork projects involving members of IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, other mountain bikers and trail users, and land managers.
Meet with mountain bikers, land managers and other trail user groups to share trailbuilding expertise on design and construction of new trails, and maintenance and restoration of existing trails.
Help solve trail management challenges through sharing information about successful trail design philosophy and construction techniques.
Communicate regularly by phone and email with the program coordinator based in the IMBA office in Boulder.
Communicate regularly with local volunteers at upcoming visit locations.
Submit written journals and digital photos from the road on a regular basis for the IMBA website.
Submit short written pieces for IMBA Trail News (topics will be assigned by IMBA).
Conduct bike shop and sporting goods store presentations showcasing IMBA's work and great places to ride around the world.
Other Responsibilities

Represent IMBA, the Trail Care Crew program, the sport of mountain biking, and Subaru of America in a positive, professional manner at all times.

Qualifications

The ideal candidates bring these qualities to the position:

Passion for mountain biking and trails
A very strong relationship with your spouse/long-time significant other (who will be your partner in this job) and the ability to spend a great deal of time with each other
A sense of adventure
Flexibility
A positive attitude
Excellent communication skills
The ability to be diplomatic in contentious situations
Public speaking skills, especially in front of large groups
Computer savvy (ideal candidate will be proficient with Macintosh computers, software applications including Word, Excel, Mail, iCal, and proficient using the internet and email, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Quark and Filemaker experience helpful)
Experience working with volunteers
Basic knowledge of trail design, construction and maintenance practices and techniques.
Benefits

IMBA provides:

A monthly salary, plus a travel and living expense stipend
Comprehensive medical benefits, including dental (available immediately)
Deferred compensation retirement plan option
Use of the official Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew 2007 Outback
Please send a cover letter and resumes by Sept. 29, 2006 to Spencer Powlison at spencer@imba.com or to IMBA, P.O. Box 711, Boulder, CO 80306. The selected applicants will start work early Jan. 2007.

For more information on IMBA and the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Program, visit http://www.imba.com/tcc

Queensland Mountain Bike Forum Launched
August 22, 2006

The formation of a Qld MTB forum has been facilitated by Qld Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) headed up by Kathy Kingsford. The project has been greatly assisted by Kathy's experience in engaging government on outdoor recreation issues.

The objective to the MTB Forum is to assist in MTB management through cooperation of its stake holders, The Forum was recently launched at Brisbane Forest Park headquarters where representatives from the SE Qld region, extending north to Noosa and west to Toowoomba attended.

The Qld MTB Forum steering committee gave several presentations covering their particular field of expertise. Kathy Kingsford presented the aims of the Forum and the function of QORF. Gillian Duncan represented MTBA and the Gap Creek Trails Alliance gave a snapshot of MTB activity in Australia, highlighting the special developments in the ACT at Mt.Stromlo. Michael Griffin from the Brisbane City Council (BCC) and the author of the Mt. Coot-tha Forest Management Plan spoke about the success story of the BCC trail care project. Justin Lee, a ranger in charge of Daisy Hill Forest, and a recipient of both IMBA and MTBA grants to attend the recent World MTB Conference in Whistler, explained the benefits of engaging riders in proper MTB management. lastly, Stephanie Myers, from QPWS explained the parameters guiding QPWS at this time.

Issues raised during the group discussion sessions revolved around key areas of on-ground management, the need for official policy and the issue of future access.

QORF responded by collating resources on a dedicated webpage on the QORF website (http://www.outdoorsqueensland.com).

The next step is to invite the highest level of government to an information session about the MTB Forum. Stay tuned for further updates.

Mountain biking in National Park single track? Yes, it can happen!
August 11, 2006

One of MTBA's newest clubs, Mountain Bike Wagga, has been working in a collaborative manner with the local land managers of the nearby Livingston National Park to ensure that this valuable piece of Australia is kept for generations to come.

Adrian Hamilton, MTB Wagga president said, "We would like to make you aware of a significant achievement by our new club. We have been formally recognized as a legitimate recreational pursuit....and will be permitted on designated trails in the future, in Livingston national Park in their recently released Draft Plan of management. We believe this to be a first in a National Park in NSW."

This draft plan of management can be viewed at the NPWS website and follow the links to - Conservation plans for public comment - Livingston National Park - Draft Plan of Management. The club's submissions to the local NPWS office are available on the MTB Wagga website.

While the club has worked tirelessly to achieve this brilliant outcome a lot of accolades must be given to the Livingstone National Park land managers who have also facilitated this very major shift in national park management thinking.

Well done to all concerned, and for a club that was just reborn just 1 year ago this very clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when there is a will to change the status quo.

Nominate for the 2006 Bicycling Achievement Awards
August 5, 2006

The Cycling Promotion Fund is pleased to invite nominations for the 2006 Bicycling Achievement Awards

Without the considerable contributions made by individuals, government and organisations around Australia in promoting and encouraging cycling, much of the progress that has been made would not have been possible.

These awards seeks to recognise those that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and commitment to promoting and encouraging cycling.

The Cycling Promotion Fund looks forward to receiving your nominations which may be emailed directly to office@cyclingpromotion.com.au. Your nominations need not be long or fancy.

If you're not sure whether to put in a nomination or not, please err on the side of putting one in. You never know, it may be the winning one! Even if it's not, we're keen to promote all the good work being done around Australia to encourage and promote cycling, so will write up a short piece in our booklet giving credit to the nominee and sharing information to others who are interested.

The nomination form can be download from the CPF website. It is also here.

Wollemi Wandering: One riders time on part of the BNT
August 5, 2006

By Matthew Stephenson

Standing here at the lookout over the Capertee Valley as it changed colours to a rich orange glow in the setting sun, I thought back to all the majestic country I had cycled through to this point, Grassy Hill. I thought of places such as Widden Valley, Nullo Mountain and the Glen Alice Trail. It was day seven of my ten day mountain bike trek down the National Trail.

I started from Muswellbrook, New South Wales on a Easter Sunday morning with my well trusted mountain bike loaded with two front panniers, two rear panniers and miscellaneous gear strapped to the rear rack for the duration of my trip. As I headed out of Muswellbrook on this cool sunny morning, I felt this is what my life is all about, me, my bike with the country rolling past.

Day one would see me cycle through the beautiful country town of Denman then a back road up over Kings Gap before joining The National Trail on the Rylstone Road. Here I would cycle along the route until I reached the turn off for Baerami Valley at the old hall building which is on my left and some metres past the turn off into Baerami Valley. This hall was built for the returning veterans from WW1 by the local residents of the area. Here I would cycle twenty five kilometres into the Baerami Valley leaving The National Trail to camp at some old shale mine ruins which operated at the turn of the last century (1900s). The Baerami Shale Mine ruins are nothing to scale of the Glen Davis ruins further south on the trail. All that remains today are some ruins of an old managers hut, a shale retort and a man made road. Also around the area are mine shafts to be viewed. This site is well worth a visit if you are a keen shale mining history buff or someone who just appreciates past history.

Day two I would use a fire trail to gain access into the Widden Valley and eventually rejoin The National Trail at the Widden Stud. The fire trail I used is quite easy to follow with one steep climb which gives you some great views of the Widden Valley. Heavily timbered peaks and jagged cliff faces were to be seen as well as the refreshing pastures of the horse studs. Finally I descended into the Widden Valley to join the main road which would take me to my night’s camp site. I camped at Blackwater Creek which is a remote part of the Widden Valley. Here I first experienced some nasty burrs in my tyres. Thankfully I always use thorn proof tubes. A must for any mountain biker who intends to use such trails! Reaching my camp site at midday, gave me the opportunity to explore the upper reaches of the Blackwater Creek. I walked upstream from my campsite in the afternoon sunlight viewing more spectacular country and diverse flora species. That night I spent time picking the many burrs that had collected in my bike tyres from that days ride. All adds to the experience.

Woke to another cool sunny day being day three of my trip. As I headed off the clouds rolled into Widden Valley. I would back track part of yesterdays route to join The National Trail at the entrance to Widden Stud. Widden Valley is an awesome place to feast your soul with nature’s beauty all around you, even on a cloudy day, as it was. I was in awe at the jagged mountains all around me as I cycled towards the Widden Stud. Reaching the entrance of Widden Stud, I met Bill Tindale, heading into town with his wife in his four wheel drive. He stopped his vehicle to say ‘gooday’ and talk about the track up to Sandy Camp through Myrtle Grove which was to be an arduous undertaking which if it was to rain, the mud could be an issue for my bike and myself. We said our goodbyes and I headed up to Myrtle Grove through Widden Stud. Widden Stud is a huge horse stud set in a spectacular location with peaks with names like Cat Ears and Wedding Cake Mountain standing proudly over the horse stud. Now it started to rain as I reached Myrtle Grove property. Here I met three female horse ridders using The National Trail, two were in their tents asleep and a third woman whose name was Pam. They were travelling the same route as I was and they were having a rest day camped on Bill Tindale’s property "Myrtle Grove". I spent some time talking to Pam and it was great to see other adventurers on The National Trail. I said my goodbyes as I wanted to reach the Sandy Camp hut tonight. The rain now had stopped but still looked bleak. This section of the trip was hard pushing and pulling my bike and myself up to Sandy Camp. The trail is rocky plus with the rain the mud could make life a bit interesting. Thankfully, I was lucky the rain did not effect my mountain bike. After leaving Bill Tindale’s property the trail becomes known as The Widden Trail. From here the trail becomes steep and hard going but travels through some very lovely rain forest. There is one particular section before you reach the top which really pushes you to the limit with a fully a loaded mountain bike. This short steep section in particular has some incredibly large rocks which seem to not want you to get to the top. After two hours of sweating and pushing and pulling my mountain bike I finally reached the top and there is a spectacular lookout (Keith’s Lookout) where I gazed over the region I had just traversed. From here it was an easy cycle to Sandy Camp hut. Sandy Camp hut was an excellent night’s stop with plenty of water in the water tank and a restored hut to sleep in. Being tired I hit the sleeping bag early that night, but by about 4:00 am I realized I had company with me: a noisy possum was jumping about in the roof space!

I woke on day four to a beautiful sunny day, as today’s goal would be to reach Rylstone. I would cycle pass a livery stable, a small cave with horse drawings done by bush rangers. Then I would pass through Box Ridges Property, then onto Nullo Mountain which gave me a great perspective of the woodland and great views into the Wollemi N.P. both north and south. As I descended off Nullo Mountain I encountered a flat tyre on the front wheel which I fixed in no time at all on the side of the road. From here it was another thirty kilometres to Rylstone, to a warm shower and facilities to wash my clothes from the past four days. I would spend a rest day here in Rylstone and restock on supplies. Rylstone would make a great stop for potential mountain bike trekkers using The National Trail as it offers a campground and facilities to stock up on essentials.

Day six, saw me cycling back out to rejoin The National Trail, but before rejoining the trail I would camp at the lovely National Parks run camp site called Dunns Swamp. Here you can camp right beside a man made lake and observe some interesting bird species. On top of this there are a few walks that you can do. I did the Pagoda Lookout walk in the late afternoon sun which gave me extensive views of the region and some very interesting rock formations.

Leaving Dunns Swamp on day seven I rejoined The National Trail and would cycle down The Glen Alice Trail to my next camp site: Grassy Hill. Glen Alice Trail starts at a locked gate on the Coricudgy Road, here I had to lift my bike and gear over the locked gate but knowing I was heading in the right direction by the well defined National Trail markers. Once over the gate I cycled along the Glen Alice Trail for about ten Kilometres before reaching a sign stating I was in the Wollemi National Park. From here the trail winds its way through pristine wilderness, one section in particular is like travelling through a canyon from the Jurassic period. One side of the trail drops off while the other side is a rock overhang with many exotic ferns growing on the base of this overhang. Truly a great example of nature’s beauty! After leaving this section, the trail winds its way through some undulating twisted country, before reaching one of the best camp sites of the whole trip. Grassy Hill is a great stop with its views over Capertee Valley and surrounding country. In addition, Grassy Hill has now a restored hut called Agnew’s Hut. I was fortunate to be one of the first to experience Agnew’s Hut with its water tank, however, at this time was empty (April, 2006). As an added bonus it was good to have a table and a visitors’ book to sign. That sunset at Grassy Hill was one of the memorable sunsets of this whole trip watching the Capertee Valley change colours to that rich orange glow.

Next day, being day eight would see me steeply descend into the Capertee Valley via the Glen Alice Trail. A steep descent which brought me to the old Nile property at the bottom of Grassy Hill. From here I joined the road which would take me down to Glen Alice, then onto Glen Davis, for my night’s resting place. Capertee Valley is one of my favourite places in Australia, the sheer scale of this place is mind blowing. Just cycling amongst the huge sandstone cliff faces humbles my soul. Glen Alice was an interesting place with its old school house, old church and the still operating public school with its sign stating "The National Trail School".

After a short while, cycling in a downhill direction brought me into the old shale mining town of Glen Davis. Glen Davis is rich in history, as from 1939 until 1952 shale was mined, then processed into oil and related products here. Glen Davis peak years were during WW2 as Australia needed its own oil to cater for its own needs. After WW2, Glen Davis’ importance became less required. Roughly at its peak about two thousand people lived in this shale oil company town. Today Glen Davis is a sleepy hollow, with its old hotel and a few remaining buildings. The ruins of the shale oil refinery site are on private property and permission is needed to access these ruins. The campground has free camp sites, hot showers and on the weekends a small shop which runs from the Glen Davis Community Hall is opened. Another relaxing stop on The National Trail.

The last two days of my trip would see me leave the Capertee Valley and The National Trail. From Glen Davis it was thirty Kilometres up to the small town of Capertee. This route is an arduous climb to reach Capertee, by taking this route it avoids the even harder route of going up Baal Bone Gap in which I have come down on other trips in the region. By cycling to Capertee you will pass Mount Airly, another spectacular mountain in this magnificent valley. After reaching Capertee I cycled to Pearson’s Lookout which gives you a grand majestic view of the whole Capertee Valley. From this lookout it gave me a perspective of achievement. From here I cycled to Ben Bullen to camp the night and ponder the conclusion of my trip. My last day saw me head towards Lithgow and then onwards to home.

In conclusion, I would recommend this section of The National Trail to any mountain bike tourers as it has its fair share of challenges and rewards. For me, 2007 will see me doing more sections of The National Trail either Northern New South Wales or Southern New South Wales. I would like to thank sincerely the property owners who gave me permission to pass through their land and The National Trail and its volunteers who made this trip a reality. Furthermore, a trip like this is rewarding, but before doing such a trip preparation is important. I would recommend contacting The National Parks Service, The National Trail and the relevant property owners for permission to access their property.

Car Parking and Organising Events at Lysterfield Park
August 3, 2006

Lysterfield Park has always been noted as one of Melbourne’s popular metropolitan parks and since hosting the 2006 Commonwealth Games Mountain Bike Event in March, its popularity has increased even further, particularly within the mountain biking community.

Please note, the mountain bike trails are accessible from a number of points within the park, however Parks Victoria recommends that riders accessing these trails park at the Mahogany Car Park at Horsewood Road, which is the main trail head for the trails within Lysterfield Park. If you are keen to have a ride before or after work and the Park Gates are closed a 24 hour car park adjacent to the Horswood Road Entrance has recently been completed and is now open for use,

Please avoid Hallam North Road to assist in minimisng the impact on local residents.

There has been a noticeable increase in the staging of both formal and informal mountain biking events in the park as well as organised group rides.
To ensure effective management of park events as well as protection of the park itself, organised events with twenty or more participants must be registered with the Lysterfield Park Office at least six weeks before the event date. This will enable Parks Victoria to assist you with your event requirements and ensure your event does not clash with other events scheduled on the same date.

Conflicting events that have not been registered with Parks Victoria are resulting in disgruntled park users, local residents and registered event organisers.

Please call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 before planning, advertising or promoting an event at Lysterfield Park.

We look forward to working with you to ensure the success of your rides and your cooperation will contribute to strengthened relationships with the mountain biking community, other park users and the local community.

Royal National Park MTB Reference Group
July 19, 2006

Mountain biking has long been popular in the Royal National Park and its popularity means that the NPWS must actively manage and regulate this activity. In 2001, a Trial Cycling Plan saw the closure of many trails in the Royal National Park. While this aspect of the Plan was unpopular with MTB riders, it importantly recognised that certain trails were suitable to MTB and remained open.

Who is the Reference Group?
The Reference Group is a consultative forum established and administered by the Royal NP managers to help them manage MTB in the Royal National Park. The Reference Group is composed of MTB riders, local bike shops, bushwalkers, Sutherland Shire Council, conservationists, and NPWS. The Reference Group is not a representative forum for MTB riders who use the Royal National Park. The Reference group is committed in keeping the park open for recreation MTB use and is working with Mountain bike Australia (MTBA) and inspired by the International Mountain bike Association (IMBA).

What does the Reference Group do?
The Trial is now concluded and the Reference Group will provide feedback on a review of the Trial. The review will examine the sustainability of the current open trail network and the success of trail closures and random enforcement. The Reference Group would like to identify other trails in the Royal National Park that are sustainable and suitable for MTB. One role for the Reference Group is to help NPWS find the balance between MTB and nature conservation, so our sport can be sustainable.

As part of MTB riders’ commitment to the trails and the Park’s natural environment, NPWS has established a MTB Volunteer program. So far the volunteer program has planned trail maintenance work on Lady Denman Trail (the single track running parallel to the tramline), and closed unsustainable trails near Kirrawee. Future work for the volunteer program includes preparing for and assisting with the Lady Denman Trail maintenance work.

The NPWS and the Reference group would like to invite all interested people to actively participate in the Volunteer program, and help make a difference and allow MTB riding to continue in the park.

Next Forward dates for the MTB Volunteer day:
· 22 July 2006
· 26 August
· 30 September
Meet at the RNP Office Car Park, Audley. (First left past entrance ticket booth) 9am to 1pm (bring sturdy shoes, long pants & sleeves, hat, sunscreen, water etc)

Next date for Reference Group: Mid September 2006

More information and regular updates can be found on the Internet forums at www.farkin.net (Farkin) and www.26inches.com.au (26 inches).

For more information contact: MTB: Paul O’Halloran (paulrach1@bigpond.com.au) or Anthony Seiver (seivera@optusnet.com.au) NPWS: Leigh Nolan (Leigh.Nolan@environment.nsw.gov.au)

A quick update for you on the Glenrock POM process.
June 27, 2006

From Leonard Allen, President Hunter Mountain Bike Association

We had the first Community Workshop yesterday with the NPWS. All up there looked to be up to 60 participants of which a third would have been from the MTB Community. Other groups represented were,
* Leggy Point Board Riders Club
* Hang Gliding Association
* Parks and Playgrounds
* Walkers/Orienteeerers/Rogainers
* General Public
* Horse Riders

The positive thing for me, and I got this feedback from other riders in the different groups we were split into for the workshop component, was that at this point all groups seemed eager to work together. I think this really started to show it self after everyone went through the process of describing what it was that individuals value about the area. It quickly showed we all use and value the area for the same reasons.

The day was pretty much split into two components, the first being the NPWS briefing the group on the issues facing the park and a rundown on how NPWS operate in the region. The second was the group workshop phase.

Next phase is the consultative committee. Applications to stand on this committee close on July 14 and after that we will know who is on it and when the committee will meet. I have put in an application. The NPWS indicated that they were considering having two mtb reps on the committee given the size of the user group as a whole.

I'll keep you guys updated as the process evolves.

Cheers,
Leonard Allen
President - Hunter Mountain Bike Association
Phone 0421278619

MTBA invited to speak at the 2006 World IMBA Summit
June 15, 2006

Tony Scott (MTBA EO) has been invited to address the 2006 World MTB conference and bi-annual IMBA International Summit attendees on the subject of Mountain Bike Centres: A Regional Approach. The session will also be pannelled by Eitan Hevroni from Israel.

The brief introduction from IMBA to this parallel session states: Regional mountain biking centres are a testament to the power of big-picture planning. They offer a proven model for promoting mountain bike tourism on a large scale. Panelists will discuss the planning, implementation, and funding mechanisms for such large- scale projects.

MTBA would have to agree; the recent developments in facilities in the ACT, Victoria, SA, Tasmania and the other plans we are aware of give significant support to these ideas. And with the facilities becoming available so has the significant growth in mountain biking seen all over Australia. MTBA will discuss the current state of play of mountain biking in Australia, highlighting the many cutting-edge MTB developments going on around our country.

At this year's conference 6 mountain bike advocates from Australia will be attending, some of whom were recipients of both MTBA and IMBA scholarships to attend, but all of whom will help sell the message to the world that Australian mountain biking is world class.

More information can be obtained by contacting MTBA.

Bicentennial National Trail: Cairns to Healsville
June 15, 2006

The Bicentennial National Trail is a 5330 km route through Australian bush, wilderness and mountain areas. It is suitable for horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders.

The trail corridor travels the east coast of Australia from Cairns in far north Queensland to Healsville in Victoria.

And Mountain Bikes are more than welcome!

This reference to Mountain Bikes on the BNT (at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~bnt/ mtnbikes.htm) is very dated now and MTBA is seeking more up-to-date information.

If you have a story about your MTB experiences riding sections of the BNT why not drop us a line and tell us. We might even publish your travel guide.

Mount Stromlo is coming - are you going to be there?
June 10, 2006

Be inspired by the Sweet Single Track and the experience of the world famous Glen Jacobs, track designer to the UCI

Where: Ainslie Football Club
When: Wednesday 14 June @ 7.30pm
Cost: Free

Glen is in Canberra to assist CORC with designing and building Stromlo Forest Park. The first stage of the park development will deliver up to 44km of XC, DH and Mountain Cross mountain bike trails and he loves it so much, he has decided to move here!

Not only will you be inspired by Glen’s enthusiasm and course design but he will also provide you with the essential “How to” of building and design so you will have the skills to assist with the volunteer working bees that will get these trails built.

Come along, bring your friends, see where CORC is taking mountain biking and see what is possible with a little time, some vision and some muscle.

Canberra Off-Road Cyclists needs your help to build these trails (your trails).

For more information go to the CORC website or email at stromlo@corc.asn.au

MTB in the Media
June 1, 2006

Well in SE Queensland anyway.

The ABC will devote part of their regular friday night StateLine program (Friday 2nd June 7.30pm ABC TV) to the issues confronting MTB in urban areas. This will involve discussing what Brisbane City Council has done for MTB in the Brisbane area from a XC perspective but will also discuss the issues confronting them and their land managers in the provision of DH opportunities.

The transcript of the segment is now available on the Stateline website

Also, the Saturday (3rd June) Weekender holiday and lifestyle program on channel 7 at 5:30pm will feature our friends at the Bushrangers Mountain Bike Club on the Sunshine Coast. The segment is about camping and riding at Charlie Moreland camp ground and Mt Allen at Kenilworth.

These, together with articles in the Brisbane Courier Mail (about Imogen Smith and MTB access at Mt. Coot-tha) and the free Quest paper (about general MTB access) are all very suggestive of increased attention being paid to the successes and to the issues remaining to be solved for MTB access and providing equitable and sustainable opportunities in SE Queensland and probably more generally all over Australia.

If you have or know of any media attention to MTB in your area please let us know.

Otway Ranges Mountain Bike Trails Project Update
May 25, 2006

As part of the 'New Future for the Otways Tourism Initiative' the Department of Sustainability and Environment in Victoria is developing a brand new network of purpose built cross-country mountain bike trails.

Now in its second year, the Otway Ranges Mountain Bike Trails Project is progressing slowly but surely. In the past 6 months a large body of background work has been undertaken that has finally culminated in some trail building. This background work included:
-Trails to be constructed this financial year identified;
-Trail alignments identified and flagged;
-Trail alignments surveyed for environmental issues;
-Trail alignments surveyed for cultural heritage issues;
-Native title implications assessed;
-Approval given by Barwon Water to construct on their land;
-Trail designers commissioned;
-Trailhead concept plan prepared by landscape architects;
-Brief for development of trailhead signage developed;
-Consultation with adjacent landholders to ensure appropriate trail offsets from property boundaries.

At the moment there are three local excavator operators working flat out creating another 10-15km of new trails, including an exciting, brand new, Glen Jacobs designed, 4X inspired, cross-country trail. These won't be open for a few more months yet, until wooden bridges/boardwalks and directional signage is installed and a final clean up is done on the trails. These new trails, once complete, will take the total trail network to about 30km or more and will include a range of trail classifications (easiest, easy, more difficult, most difficult).

In the meantime, if you are in the area riding, please obey any signs saying 'Trail Under Construction - Keep Out'. These signs are there for a reason - your safety.

Although there is still another year to go in this project (2006/2007), once the trails currently under construction are finished, DSE will be keen to get the word out there through publicity in national mountain bike magazines, websites and local newspapers. Also, a public launch of the trail network, including guided rides on the new trails, is planned towards the end of the year (maybe November). It is hoped that by the time of the launch, a trail map with all the completed trails shown will be ready. This will then be updated at the end of 06/07 to include new trails developed in 06/07.

Many people have asked: Are there currently any trails open to ride? At the moment there are only a handful of trails completed, amounting to a ride of approximately 12km. People that attended the IMBA trailbuilding workshop in Forrest last November will certainly be familiar with these trails. Unfortunately we are still finalising the signage for the trails, so if you are keen to head down to Forrest to check out these trails, be sure to contact Gerard McHugh (9637 9178) or Hamish Webb (5236 6204) for details on how to find them.

US National Park Service Report Examines Trail Impacts and Solutions
May 19, 2006

A newly completed study, "Assessing and Understanding Trail Degradation: Results from Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area," by Dr. Jeffrey L. Marion of Virginia Tech University adds fresh information to help trail enthusiasts understand and manage trail impacts.

The complete study, published earlier this year, is available online. The research was conducted at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, located in Kentucky and Tennessee. Park officials commissioned the research to provide information and tools for their Road and Trails Management Plan.

Dr. Marion investigated a large sample (78 miles) of shared-use and single-use trails, measuring impacts across a variety of matrices. His research quantifies the trail impacts of different user groups and offers objective guidance on sustainable trail design, construction, maintenance and management. The study also provides state-of-the-art trail assessment and monitoring procedures.

In its summary discussion, the study states, "trail position, trail alignment, grade, water drainage, and type of use are all significantly influential variables" in trail sustainability (p36).

IMBA has long worked to develop and share trail management techniques that minimize resource impacts and provide high quality visitor experiences. IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, held weekly for bike clubs, land managers and volunteers, highlight the principals of sustainable trail management. IMBA also offers state-of- the-art trail design and construction services through its professional trail consulting program Trail Solutions.

The study cites more than 70 sources, providing an up-to-date catalog of recreation ecology references. It also includes Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack in a listing of "the best available trail maintenance references" (p39).

Dr. Marion is an Adjunct Professor of Natural Resource Recreation at Virginia Tech University and a recognized expert on recreation ecology and visitor impacts. He has conducted numerous studies on National Park Service trails throughout the country and serves on the Educational Review Committee for Leave No Trace, Inc.

The complete study (2.3MB pdf file) is available from MTBA by contacting Tony Scott (tony.scott@mtba.asn.au)

Illegal trail blazers in Glenrock State Conservation Area warned
May 5, 2006

From a media release issued by NPWS on May 3rd Ranger patrols in Glenrock State Conservation Area (SCA) in Newcastle have been increased to try to curb illegal clearing of vegetation and the establishment of illegal and dangerous tracks through the popular area.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said that recently a number of illegal tracks have been constructed in the SCA which impact on wildlife, and of even greater concern, compromises the safety of other people visiting the park.

“Ranger patrols in the area have been stepped up and people caught removing vegetation, making new tracks or destroying heritage sites, face a minimum $300 on the spot fine”, said Mr. Quirk.

“In addition, a maximum penalty of $30 000 or 6 months jail applies to people who are prosecuted for this offence”, warned Mr. Quirk.

“The illegal clearing of vegetation and creation of informal tracks removing important wildlife habitat. It also promotes erosion and weed invasion.

“It is also impacts on the significant Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage sites in Glenrock SCA”, Mr Quirk said.

“Although Glenrock SCA is a small urban park situated between Merewether and Dudley on the Newcastle coast, it contains many nationally significant vegetation communities including the endangered Littoral Rainforest.

“The SCA showcases remnant vegetation of the Newcastle area pre-European settlement, and is placed in the top five of the twenty conservation reserves in the Sydney basin region, due to it’s remarkable floristic diversity.

“Glenrock is also recognised nationally as a ‘Cultural Landscape’, based on the collective values of its natural heritage, Aboriginal and Historic sites”, said Mr. Quirk.

“Past land use practices has left much of the northern half of the SCA with high levels of disturbance, however NPWS and the community have been working together to rehabilitate the affected areas”, concluded Mr. Quirk.

People interested in the future management of recreation in Glenrock are invited to get involved with the review of the NPWS Glenrock SCA Plan of Management. Community workshops are scheduled for June 2006 and people interested in mountain bike riding, walking, horse riding, hang gliding, surfing, swimming or orienteering in the Park, should register their interest by contacting the NPWS Hunter Region office on 02 4984 8200.

MTBA encourages everyone in the Hunter region who have an interest in MTB activity at Glenrock to make themselves available for the community workshops noted above.

Be part of the solution, not the problem. Contact Leonard Allen from Hunter Mountain Bike Association on 0421 278 619 or president@hmba.asn.au to discuss how you can help.

Adelaide MTB Club Trails Access Web page
April 28, 2006

Adelaide Mountain Bike Club has created a new Trails Access page on our website. This page contains recent club submissions, information about current action alerts, trails access information and an extensive collection of links. I'm emailing you with information about our new web page because I thought you might be interested in trail access issues, AMTBC submissions and might make use of the resources.

If you wish to discuss trail advocacy issues or have any suggestions on how to improve this web page do not hesitate in letting Nigel McGinty (trails@amtbc.com) know.

CORC takes trail advocacy to new heights
April 28, 2006

The Mt Stromlo MTB Park will be located on the western outskirts of Canberra. Prior to the devastating Canberra bushfires in 2003 this site was the location of the Mont 24hr MTB race, and contained some of the best and oldest MTB trails in Australia.

In the first stage of development, the ACT Government, through MV Australia (Glen Jacobs trail design and construction company), in conjunction with Canberra Off- Road Cyclists are will deliver up to 30km of single track and a further 15km made up of fire trails. The single track will be structured around a ?backbone? trail suitable for all MTB rider skill levels. National standard DH track and a Mountain Cross course will also be delivered as part of the initial project.

Plans are already being considered for expansion of the park in the future, to include a second DH trail and up to 45km of additional single track on top of what is getting delivered in the first stage.

The CORC?s trails advocacy efforts have skyrocketed in previous months as Stromlo starts to wind up in a big way.

CORC will be organising participants to attend working bees which will be supervised and coordinated by MV Australia. Volunteers will be clearing parts of the trail corridor, assisting with some drainage & erosion measures as well as rock placement, applying topsoil and gravel and weed removal.

A big part of CORC?s role will be to hand build and finish some of the more interesting bits of track. To this extent, the Trails team will soon be establishing the CORC Trails Crew to roll the sleeves up and help build Australia?s best-dedicated MTB facility! Best of all, CORC Trail Crew volunteers will have the opportunity to learn from one of the world?s foremost trail builders, Glen Jacobs from MV Australia, as well as a bevy of other experienced ACT based trail builders. Not only will members be able to hand finish Stromlo trails, but we will all learn invaluable skills that can be deployed to build yet more tracks in the years ahead!

CORC managed volunteer working bees are planned for a whole weekend each month from May to January with the aim of delivering stage 1 by mid-January.

More details of the CORC Trails Crew will be forthcoming, with the setting up of a web page giving you all the information you ever wanted to know about the planned Stromlo Mountain Bike Park. This will include the trail plans, working bee schedule and latest news as it comes to hand. Keep an eye on the CORC website in the coming weeks.

Update on Work being undertaken at Majura Pines
Since November the club has been heavily involved in developing a master plan for the XC trails at Majura, to clean up the myriad of trails in the area and bring the area in line with the concept applied at Sparrow Hill (nested loop). Part of this master plan involves the building and defining of a primary loop, with optional technical loops coming off these at specific junctions. In implementing this route, you may have noticed on your recent rides through Majura the closing off of old trails and the replacing of them with better aligned and better built trails.

The following specific work has been underway in Majura
· 2 working bees held since last report, which focussed on addressing problem areas on the trails.
· The building of 5 new bridges, including one gully crossing. These represent the first approved bridges for Majura, and there are more technical trail features being planned for the area including some stunts and ramps.
· The building of some new trails to replace existing badly aligned trails.

It must be noted that CORC has set up a protocol with ACT Forests for having these approved and built correctly. Any unapproved stuff will still be pulled down. All approvals for Majura must go through the trail access officer, Reece Guihot. The trails team has also started work with the DH riders in CORC to develop a similar master plan for the DH tracks in Majura and has also been busy undertaking ongoing maintenance to the DH tracks.

For information on Mt Stromlo MTB Park contact Anthony Burton, CORC President 02 6205 2644 anthony.burton@act.gov.au

For information about trail working bees contact Reece Guihot, CORC Trails Access Officer on mobile 0418 466 230 or email trails@corc.asn.au

Join the Mountain Bike Volunteer Program in Royal National Park
April 18, 2006

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling on cyclists to participate in the first program of its type in Royal National Park to involve volunteer riders helping with bush regeneration and track maintenance works on park cycle tracks.

Royal Area Manager, Peter Hay, said volunteer involvement and support is an integral ingredient for success in conservation work.

“NPWS would really like to encourage mountain bike riders and other cyclists to get involved with the new program, which starts on 29 April,” he said.

“Becoming involved with this track-related work will provide opportunities for people to help the environment, to restore plant and animal habitat and to share knowledge and socialise with like-minded people.

“This type of work is integral to helping NPWS conserve natural areas.

“Participants will have a great opportunity to meet with park staff and share ideas and input into the maintenance process to develop techniques for maintaining cycling tracks in Royal National Park.

“NPWS staff and volunteers will be undertaking further volunteer work in Royal National Park throughout 2006,” said Mr Hay. “So even if people can’t attend the first session, there will be more opportunities to get involved down the track.”

Date: Saturday, 29 April
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Meet: Royal Area Office, Farnell Ave, Audley.
Bring: Sturdy covered shoes, long pants, hat, sunscreen, rain-jacket, jumper, water and LUNCH.

Bookings are essential and morning tea will be provided.

For bookings or further inquiries about the volunteer work please contact the Rangers Leigh Nolan or Patsy Ross on 9542 0612.

Royal National Park MTB access Reference Group
April 13, 2006

From the reference group coordinator:

Just a reminder that the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday April 19th (next week) 6.00pm at the Area Office Meeting room (same as all the other meetings).

A quick update - we are going ahead with volunteer work on Saturday 29th April commencing at 9.00am. A media release will be sent to the Leader and hopefully we will see an Article sometime next week. I will put together some flyers and place them in local bike shops. In addition, we have received funding to upgrade the Lakes Trail and so this will be a seperate project to the volunteer one as we have previously discussed. Therefore, we will be doing the volunteer project work on the other un-named trail that needs attention (the trail that runs parallel to the tram line in the temptation creek area)..... Hope this makes sense.

We will discuss the above in further detail on Wednesday night.

Please RSVP for the meeting and if anyone additional is attending please let me know.

Leigh Nolan
Ranger
Royal National Park
Parks & Wildlife Division
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
ph: 9542.0612
fax: 9542.1420

Trail Care Results in More Single Track
April 13, 2006

Last weekend, over 60 mountain bikers worked side by side with rangers to improve MTB single tracks all over south-east Queensland.

At Noosa, Bunyaville State Forest (north of Brisbane), Mt Coot-tha Forest (west Brisbane) and Daisy Hill (to the south) trail care leaders have initiated trail projects which are now at different stages on completion.

The Koala Coast network (much wider than just Daisy Hill) is the most advanced with Tunnel of Love, Nirvana, Koala, Ripley and Possum Box now sustainable, and Wil’s Run and Stonehenge to be completed this year.

Mt Coot-tha’s crew is catching up as monthly trail care sessions over 12 months have been attended by over 100 different riders contributing over 1000 hours of labour. Maintenance has been completed on Roger’s Easy and WOW, and a total re- design of Roller Coaster. Re-design of Roger’s Circuit was the focus of Joey Klein’s visit which took the quality of our design and construction skills up a notch.

Joey also conducted a workshop last December with Noosa National Park rangers, Noosa Council and local riders led by Mat Colefax and Roger Newton. As their favorite forest is marked to become a National Park, the guys were keen to gain approval for the MTB single tracks before this change occurred. Last weekend the third trail maintenance session completed some good work showing the rangers that riders will keep up their part of the bargain to provide crews to maintain the approved tracks.

Bunyaville was the first ever location for trail care, back in late 2002 but approval of single tracks was too limited. Too few tracks were offered from a wide range of existing trails. But Bunyaville has recently come back on line after the success of the Daisy Hill program. There’s good news for a more satisfying range of tracks in the future.

See these websites for contacts:
http://trailcareinseq.iforumer.com
www.bikeon.com.au/noosamtbcrew.html

For more information on how you can be involved in MTB trail advocacy and be part of the solution email the MTBA president Gillian Duncan: Gillian_Duncan@hotmail.com

MTBA announces grants to attend the 4th Tracks and Trails Conference, Hobart 10-12 July
March 17, 2006

You may already be aware of this conference. It has been held previously in Victoria, SA and WA and has proved to be a very useful mechanism of getting the MTB access case across a wide range of land managers and other user groups.

MTBA will provide 4 grants of $500 each for 4 Australian MTB advocates to attend.

If you would like to attend or are thinking of attending and would like to apply for one of these grants please send MTBA a request indicating:

1. Why you - What are your credentials
2. What you expect to get out of the conference and what you expect to bring back to your state as a result of your attendance, and
3. How this will help your local and national MTB advocacy efforts.

Replies are requested by the 24th March. A final decision on the 4 grant awardees will be made by 29th March. If successful the grant will be paid post conference on receipt of a detailed report from you on the conference proceedings and addressing points 2 and 3 above.

For more information on the summit have a look at: www.tracksandtrails2006.com.au/

MTBA would be happy to discuss this with you at any time.

MTBA grants to attend 2006 Whistler IMBA Summit
February 20, 2006

You may already be aware of this conference which will act as the bi-annual IMBA international MTB Summit (see a previous MTBA trail access posting).

MTBA will provide 4 grants of $500 each for 4 Australian MTB advocates to attend.

If you would like to attend or are thinking of attending and would like to apply for one of these grants please send me a request indicating:

1. Why you - What are your credentials
2. What you expect to get out of the conference and what you expect to bring back to Australia asa result of your attendance, and
3. How this will help your local and national MTB advocacy efforts.

Replies are required by the 14th February. A final decision on the 4 grant awardees will be made by 28th February. If successful the grant will be paid post conference on receipt of a detailed report from you on the conference proceedings and addressing points 2 and 3 above.

For more information on the summit have a look at: www.imba.com/news/news_releases/09_05/09_16_imba_summit.html

If you need any more information on this or MTBA's trail advocacy efforts please contact MTBA at: info.mtba@mtba.asn.au.

Please pass this onto others who you think may be interested.

View the slide show about Joey Klein's visit to Australia
January 6, 2006

VIEW A NEW SLIDESHOW OF IMBA'S AUSTRALIAN EXCURSION Joey Klein, IMBA's ambassador to the mountain biking world, recently wrapped up a five-week tour of Australia. Klein racked up some impressive numbers:
- Visited 7 out of 8 territories
- Met more than 500 land managers
- Rode with 20 local bike clubs
- Gave 26 presentations
- Conducted 5 Trailbuilding Schools
- Inspected 28 mountain bike sites
- Built 1.6 kilometers of new trail
- Flagged 4.5 kilometers of trail for future projects

Check out fresh images and read more here: http://www.imba.com/news/news_releases/01_06/01_03_australia.html

IMBA SUMMIT/WORLD MTB CONFERENCE WEBSITE GOES LIVE
January 6, 2006

Whistler, Ho! Mountain bike enthusiasts, advocates and industry leaders will gather in British Columbia on June 20-23 for the IMBA Summit and World Mountain Bike Conference. Registration for seminars and lecture tracks begins later this month. Attendees will also frolic on Whistler's mind-blowing trails and enjoy special parties and events. For registration info and program updates, visit: http://worldmountainbikeconference.com/

First Tewantin trail care day was a huge success
December 14, 2005

In the culmination of a full year of solid campaigning by Mat Colefax, last saturday 3 QPWS rangers supervised about 15 riders to fix up the south end of Wheeties trail which had been badly damaged by erosion. A perfect test case to implement the principles we learnt from Joey Klein at the IMBA presentation earlier that week - keep water off the trail and riders on.

It was fantastic to see everyone working together and pumped on this partnership effort. The trail and the environment are now much more sustainable, and wheeties is more fun to ride !

A big thanks to the volunteers and the Rangers who sacrificed a saturday.

A story on the trail care ran in this weeks paper, and there is also movement on the council front for skills parks. Mat is always looking for more signatures (220 so far) and email addresses on his petition to help move this along, so reply to him (as below) if you think you can round up more numbers. Remember that working on or interfering with trails / nature is illegal outside of the trail care days, and always be considerate to everyone out on the trails.

If you want to report SIGNIFICANT felled trees, weeds or illegal activity call the Noosa rangers on 5447 3243. If you want to contribute to the trail advocacy efforts in the Noosa area contact Mat Colefax on mcol@bigpond.com or by phone at 0419 674 584 or contact MTBA.

Mat says that future Tewantin trail care days look assured: reconnect with nature, cycle there and you will care..

Vandals in Lysterfield Park
December 1, 2005

From John Goodman, Ranger in Charge at Lysterfield Park, home of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games MTB competition.

There has been a couple of incidents that have occurred at Lysterfield over the past two weeks that involved use of contractors machinery that is being used for works associated with the Mountain Bike trails after hours. At first it was thought it may have been kids’ joy riding, but over the weekend a new Mountain Bike Trail was found near the Granite Link Trail complete with jumps and obstacles and the contractors’ parked excavator near by.

Over the past 8 months Parks Victoria has worked closely with representatives from the MTBA developing a new Mountain Bike specific trail system within Lysterfield Park to compliment the Commonwealth Games Course. These trails have been walked, aligned, agreed to and constructed with assistance of various members and representatives from MTBA.

A map is attached that highlights all of the trails authorised for Mountain Bike use within Lysterfield Park & Churchill National Park. This newly created trail will be closed down and signed this week by Park staff and other informally created trails closed in the comming months. Following disseminating more information on the Trail System to all users an enforcement program will begin.

I am not ascerting that this has been done by a member of the MTBA but obviously by persons with an interest in Mountain Biking. I would appreciate if any of your member’s notice any suspiscious use of machinery in Lysterfield Park after hours or notice any construction of new trails that they notify Parks Victoria on 131963.

Added by MTBA. MTB access is our collective responsibility. If you see people doing the wrong thing tell them so and put them in contact with MTBA so that we can perhaps harness their enthusiasm for greater and more long term goals.

Gillian Duncan and Gap Creek Trails Alliance take out Queensland Outdoor Recreation awards
November 3, 2005

While Gillian Duncan was trudging in the mud in Tasmania at the recent national series event, the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation (QORF) was presenting the 2005 awards to seven nominees at it's annual dinner on Saturday 29th October.

Achievements in mountain biking were recognized in two of the categories.

Gillian Duncan was the winner of the QORF Award for Outstanding (Individual) Achievement for ‘working tirelessly and almost single-handedly to gain more equitable mountain bike access to Brisbane City Council public land, particularly Mt Coot-tha Forest.’

Simultaneously, Gillian has been instrumental in gaining acceptance of mountain bike single tracks in Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service State Forests and conservation reserves in Logan City and Redland Shire.

Her book Where to Mountain Bike in South East Queensland has encouraged bike riding in various locations and shows the widespread acceptance of mountain biking by land managers.

Gillian has placed mountain biking on the agenda at the 2004 Third Australian Tracks and Trails Conference and the 2005 National Outdoor Conference which has led to further invitations to speak at local government forums in south east Queensland.

Playing a role at grass roots club level, in event management and in the area of trail access advocacy, Gillian has made a significant contribution to mountain biking.

Gap Creek Trails Alliance (GCTA) also received the QORF Environmental Award for 2005.

Following the IMBA model of working with land managers to help design and maintain sustainable trails, GCTA has been instrumental in starting Trail Care Groups with Brisbane City Council, similar to Bush Care Groups.

After four years of lobbying, mountain bikers can now fix the tracks they love to ride. In just ten months, GCTA has organized 600 hours of trail care with over 60 different riders attending. A win-win situation for land managers, mountain bike riders and the environment.

GCTA remains committed to responsible riding on sustainable trails.

Thanks to Brisbane City Council for allowing GCTA the opportunity to help and thanks to all the voluntary workers who return again and again to prove that mountain bike riders care about their trails and the environment.

And lastly, thanks to Gillian and all those at GCTA for their work on behalf of MTB in the Brisbane area.

IMBA visits Melbourne and "The Otways", November 12-13
October 26, 2005

The Department of Sustainability and Environment is hosting a two-day sustainable mountain bike trail building workshop in the Otway Ranges on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of November. This workshop is part of a project currently being undertaken by DSE and Parks Victoria to develop and promote mountain biking opportunities in the Otway Ranges. At the completion of the project there will be a network of purpose built mountain bike trails linking the town of Forrest to nearby national parks, forests and other natural attractions.

The workshop will take place in the beautiful town of Forrest, about 30km south of Colac. It will be run by Joey Klein, a renowned international expert on constructing sustainable trails. Joey will teach participants the finer points of trailbuilding and share his knowledge of successful trail projects around the world. It will commence at 9am on the Saturday morning with a slideshow, during which Joey will outline basic techniques and show examples. Saturday afternoon will see the workshop move out into the field where participants will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty and start designing and constructing a trail. On Sunday morning work will continue on the trail, finishing at lunch time, by which time the trail will be ready to ride!

Lunch will be provided on both days. Participants will need to find their own accommodation in or near Forrest. Call the visitor information centre in Colac for advice on accommodation on 5231 3730.

Attendance for the workshop will be capped at 30 participants. If you are interested in attending make sure you get in early. To register your interest in attending please e-mail Hamish Webb: hamish.webb@dse.vic.gov.au.

IMBA visits Adelaide, November 2-6
October 26, 2005

On the 2nd November, Joey will be addressing by way of presentation and discussion to the Dept of Environment & Heritage which consists of National Parks and Wildlife and Conservation Parks. ForestrySA and other Land Managers will also be attending these sessions.

3rd November am, again Joey will do a presentation and discuss some of the above-mentioned items to Local Councils, Office for Recreation and Sport and Southern Flinders Ranges Development Board

3rd November pm afternoon, Joey will be presenting and assisting Southern Flinders Ranges Development Board and Land Owners specific to the Flinders Ranges to work through issues that they have.

3rd November pm evening, we are planning a trails advocacy meeting. A mixed group of attendees will be invited to this session.

4th November am, Joey will be addressing Walking SA, Horse SA, Bike SA and the Trails Alliance Group by way of presentation and discussion. These groups are trail users.

4th November pm, we have the Mitcham Council. This council spreads into part of the Adelaide Hills and are working heavily on trail issues.

4th November pm evening, we have allocated this to the Conservation Council, Friends of Parks, Bush for Life & Greening Aust. As stated in my previous email, these groups will the most challenging for Joey. We wish address them to promote better relationships with conservation groups and trail users.

Saturday the 5th will be trailbuilding with the Adelaide Mt Bike Club and Bike SA at Cuddlee Creek.

Sunday the 6th am has been allocated to Inside Line Downhill Club for trailbuilding specific to downhill again at Cuddlee Creek. Sunday the 6th pm has been reserved for Joey to visit Eagle Quarry with TSA.

If you require further details, please ring Brenton Collins, Ph (08) 8294 8681 or Mob 0418 871 198

Support for MTB in NSW Parliment
September 19, 2005

Mr ADRIAN PICCOLI (the NSW member for Murrumbidgee) gave a speech in support for MTB to the NSW Parliment a few days ago. Our sport and recreation is an eco- friendly recreational activity with well established benefits that can help to stem the growing propensity for Australians to be obese. It is refreshing to know that a member of a State's government is willing to stand up and support more equitable (and logical) access to our natural areas.

Here is Adrian's speech.

[5.13 p.m.]: Mountain bike riding, which happens to be one of my more favoured pastimes, is useful for fitness, exercise and enjoying New South Wales natural resources. Recently I met with representatives of mountain bike riding groups, including Huw Kingston from Wild Horizons, John Hardwick from [Bicycling] Australia and Martin Geliot, who brought to my attention the difficulty of mountain bike riders in accessing parts of the national park, particularly those parts that are declared wilderness areas and those parts that are part of the Sydney Catchment Authority. Their concerns are legitimate. Some of our national parks are absolutely spectacular and contain some of New South Wales most idyllic scenery. I believe those areas are preserved in national parks so that all residents of New South Wales can enjoy them. For some reason National Parks and the Sydney Catchment Authority thought it would be a good idea to restrict the use of mountain bikes in those areas.

It is somewhat of an anomaly. Employees of National Parks and Sydney Water have access to fire and service trails in national parks, wilderness areas and areas within the catchment authority and, I am told, they drive across them at will. I have been told they resemble a dirt freeway. Four-wheel drive vehicles can drive across them quite freely, but mountain bike riders are not allowed to ride across them. Hikers are allowed to use walking trails, but Sydney Water Catchment Management General Regulation 2000, clause 19, states that a person must not drive or ride any vehicle or lead or ride any animal on to schedule 1 land or schedule 2 land under the Sydney Catchment Authority. Bike riders are not allowed to use them. Because bikes are regarded as vehicles they are therefore excluded from using the trails. However, no-one with any commonsense would suggest that using a bicycle on a dirt road causes any more damage than walking on a trail, or any damage at all. I have heard a very good argument that a cyclist will cover more distance than a walker at any given time and, therefore, will have less impact on the environment through which he is riding.

Yesterday the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald published an article on the need for people to do more exercise. It is important that we give people the opportunity to exercise. Our roads are becoming more dangerous and it is relatively dangerous to ride a bike on the road. Mountain bike riders need greater freedom to ride bikes, particularly mountain bikes, off road and particularly in those little places in the national park. The Blue Mountains National Park is not far from Sydney, and there are wonderful places in the Southern Highlands. I have been told that State Forests is co-operative in promoting the riding of mountain bikes. Huw Kingston from Wild Horizons promotes a number of mountain bike rides, including the Polaris Challenge, which is held in Canberra. The Highland Fling is a 100-kilometre mountain bike ride held in the Southern Highlands. A 24-hour mountain bike race is held just outside Canberra, which I will participate in in a few weeks time, and I know that a number of members of this place are keen mountain bike riders. It is a sport and a pastime that should be promoted. I ask that the Government do everything it can to allow it to be promoted.

Is there a member of parliment in your state that can support MTB in your area or region? If so please let us know.

Adrian , Thank you for your support.

Townsville City Council supports MTB trails
August 26, 2005

A proposal for Townsville’s first purpose built mountain bike course on Mt Stuart has received conditional support from City Hall.

A full meeting of council tonight gave the go-ahead for further planning to proceed for the downhill cross-country trail on a section of council road reserve on the Mt Stuart Scenic Drive.

The proposal has been put forward by the Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club which has developed a detailed management plan for track design, construction, maintenance, and risk management.

Deputy Mayor Cr Ann Bunnell said the council’s Community Development Services staff were assisting the bike club to establish a Trailcare Committee and a Sustainable Trails Network for the city.

“The council is supportive of the proposal, but it is important that the every effort is made to limit any impacts the track may have on the local environment and the club is receptive to what we are saying,” Cr Bunnell said.

“Council staff have been providing club officials assistance on a range of issues including the establishment of a committee for the sustainable and proper management of the trail and other trails like it in the city,”

The council’s support requires the bike club to meet a range of conditions including:
* undertaking a flora and fauna survey along the proposed track with support of council;
* meet any Legal and Risk Management requirements;
* provide adequate public liability insurance;
* enter into an agreement with council to manage and maintain the trail in an environmentally sustainable way.

For more information contact Peter McLean from the Townsville Rockwheelers (mcleanpk@bigpond.net.au) or Cr Ann Bunnell at Townsville City Council on 07 4772 4692.

MTBA congratulates the Rockwheelers in their persistence and patience approach in puting forward the plan and to the Townsville City Council for their forward and pro-active thinking about sustainable MTB activity in the city

Bush Rides IMBA-Built Singletrack in Idaho
August 25, 2005

This is from the IMBA email list. Just think what effect it would have on MTB activity and support in Australia if some of our politicians were MTB'ers!

MTBA is compiling a list of political figures who ride MTB recreationally or even compete, so if you read this and you are a member of parliment (either State or Federal) please let us know who you are.

From IMBA...

President George W. Bush spent a vacation day mountain biking at the new Tamarack Resort in central Idaho this week. The 25-mile Tamarack trail system was designed and built by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

The president rode 16 miles, sampling many of the singletrack trails that have earned Tamarack a reputation for world-class mountain biking. Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne joined the president for a ride that included dirt roads, singletrack, a tour of the golf course and a visit to the mountain bike challenge park. The president skipped the dirt jump park and lift-serviced downhilling trails, although members of his security team rode the challenging terrain earlier in the week.

IMBA's work at Tamarack is led by the IMBA Trail Solutions program, which offers professional trail design, construction, and consulting services in a fee-based format. The Tamarack project is IMBA's largest private trailwork contract to date. Veteran IMBA trail expert Joey Klein manages the multi-year job that also includes professional trailbuilders from Arrowhead Trails Inc. and Trail Dynamics, LLC.

"I heard the president really liked our trails," said Klein. "The security guys told us he had a blast riding the berms and drop-offs on the Culebra Loca trail, and that he headed back there for another ride early this morning. I think he was impressed with riding purpose-built mountain biking trails."

In a brief press conference, the president said, "I made a mistake in not coming here earlier... This is a spectacular part of the world."

Bush's passion for mountain biking has resulted in unprecedented media coverage for the sport. Nearly every major U.S. newspaper, magazine, and T.V. network has covered the president's riding. The exposure has raised awareness for mountain biking and generated a positive buzz for the sport that is already enjoyed by over 40 million Americans.

"We're proud that the president enjoyed the high-quality Tamarack Resort trail system, refined over three summers with the help of IMBA," said Jean-Pierre Boespflug, CEO of Tamarack Resort, who rode with Bush.

Tamarack is developing 3,600 acres that includes the first new, major U.S. ski resort in more than 20 years. The resort's master plan calls for 2,000 housing units, skiing and snowboarding on a mountain with 2,800 vertical feet, world-class mountain biking, golf, cross-country skiing and other outdoor sports.

The IMBA Trail Solutions program offers professional trail design, construction and consulting services in a fee-based format. For more information email Scott Linnenburger, program coordinator, at scott@imba.com.

And don't forget about Joey Klein's road trip to Australia (see an earlier posting on this page) and his 2 talks at the Australian Bike Show on October 22 and 23 at 4pm in "The Dome", Sydney Showground located in Sydney Olympic Park.

Positive steps taken in securing tenure on Smithfield (Cairns, Qld)
August 22, 2005

Meetings were held between Cairns Mountain Bike club, MTBA and both Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and representatives of James Cook University over the last 2 days. The meetings, arranged by Lesley Clarke the retiring Queensland State Parliament member for Baron, resulted in positive progress in developing long term management strategies of the Smithfield MTB Park in Cairns. These strategies will see an area within the Smithfield Conservation estate being leased to the club for both recreational and competition activities well into the future. Agreement was also reached on a dedicated access road being constructed to provide access to the site outside the JCU boundaries.

A draft lease agreement, developed by QPWS, was presented to the club and will be refined over the next few weeks. This agreement, the first of its kind for MTB activities in Queensland, will form the basis for the management of the Smithfield MTB area within the wider Smithfield Protected area.

A further meeting with JCU, which borders the Smithfield MTB area, went a long way to resolving some issues of concern from the University principally about access to the MTBA park. An agreement was reached that will see access being provided through JCU land in the short-term.

For the longer term, the club and both JCU and QPWS agreed that the gazetted road which is yet to be constructed but that bypasses JCU land and was designed to provide the access to the site into the future will be fast-tracked once the lease agreement is ratified by the club and QPWS. All parties agreed to work together to secure important funding for the road construction.

MTBA applauds the pro-active positions taken by both QPWS and JCU in working with the Cairns MTB club in ensuring that the fore-runner of other MTB parks in Australia can reach its full potential. We also thank Lesley Clark, who has been an avid supporter of MTB in the Cairns area for her efforts on behalf of the Cairns MTB club.

As a result of the positive shifts we can now see a great future for Smithfield and look forward to seeing it back on the national season calendar in the near future.

IMBA to speak at Australian Bike Show, October 2005
August 16, 2005

IMBA trail specialist, Joey Klein, will present 2 seminars at the Australian Bike Show. The 2005 Australian Bike Show is being held at The Dome, Sydney Showground located in Sydney Olympic Park.

Joey Klein has worked with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) for the past seven years, traveling around the world, and sharing his knowledge on trail design, construction, and maintenance with tens of thousands of mountain bikers.

He has also worked with the governments, mountain bike, and trail advocacy organizations of Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Italy, Israel, Canada, and the United States to build the sport of mountain biking on each country's public lands. Currently, Joey is working for IMBA's Trail Solutions, a program he helped develop in 2002. Since the program's inception, he has designed well over 300 miles of mountain bike trails, creating everything from family-friendly singletrack to world-class downhill and freeride trails to build the sport all over the world.

Joey has made two previous trips to Australia to assess the country's mountain bike resources and potential, working with dozens of groups to build momentum for more and better mountain biking opportunities. This is his third trip to Australia and he will travel coast to coast during a 7 week road trip.

Joey will speak on Saturday 22nd October and Sunday 23rd October at 4pm in the Dome Theatrette, ground floor, off the main foyer.

If you are passionate about mountain biking and want to know what you can do to enhance MTB features in your area don't miss this opportunity to hear one of the best and most experienced trail experts in the world.

IMBA Visits Australia for Third Time
July 26, 2005

A Trail design and advocacy expert from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will visit Australia in October, November and December to share knowledge and experience on mountain bike management, trailbuilding, conflict resolution and volunteer group mobilization.

Working in partnership with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA), IMBA trails specialist Joey Klein will travel throughout Australia from 21st October to December 5th, 2005.

Joey will visit six states in Australia during his seven-week coast-to-coast tour. At each location he will meet with local mountain bikers, connect with area land managers, lead discussions on trail access issues, present slideshows displaying IMBA’s work around the world, and share advice on advanced trailbuilding and maintenance techniques. The tour will kick off at the Australian Bike Show, being held at Sydney Olympic Park on the 21st October, where Joey will present a slide show on mountain biking and advocacy around the world on the two public days (22nd and 23rd).

“Australia boasts wonderful terrain for mountain biking and a growing network of committed cycling advocates,” said MTBA executive officer Tony Scott. “IMBA brings 17 years of experience in resolving access issues and building better trails. We’re excited about bringing IMBA and, in particular, Joey back to Australia and by what we can accomplish for mountain biking together.”

He continued, “This is the 3rd trip for IMBA to Australia, and by far the most extensive. Each time we have arranged an IMBA trip here the confidence of land managers in local mountain bikers being able to deliver environmentally and managerially sustainable outcomes has increased markedly. The significant increase in the implementation of MTB opportunities around Australia in natural areas is no doubt due to the message that IMBA has been giving on the visits here. MTBA is proud to have been able to facilitate this through our MTB access component of each and every yearly membership.”

The schedule is as follows:
October 21 – 23, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW
October 25 – 30, Perth, WA
November 1 - 6, Adelaide, South Australia
November 8 - 13, Melbourne, Beechworth, Victoria
November 15 - 20, Launceston and Hobart, Tasmania
November 21 - 22, Canberra, ACT
November 23 - 27, Thredbo, NSW
November 29 – December 4, Brisbane, Queensland

IMBA creates, enhances and preserves trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, cooperation among different trail user groups, and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 32,000 individual members, more than 450 bicycle clubs, more than 100 corporate partners and an equal number of bicycle retailer members.

MTBA was formed in 1999 as an alternative national body specifically for mountain bike. MTBA currently has more 2,800 members and 85 member clubs distributed all across Australia. MTBA is keenly concerned about initiating and supporting sustainable trail access for all cyclists.

To learn how to get involved in MTBA’s work in Australia, please contact us.

Contact:
Tony Scott, Mountain Bike Australia tony.scott@mtba.asn.au, 07 4959 1913
Sydney: Tony Scott (as above), Gary Hunt (Bicycling Australia), gary@bicyclingaustralia.com
Perth: Martin Shurlock, MartinShurlock@Mundaring.wa.gov.au
Adelaide: Brenton Collins, brentonandgeorgie@ozemail.com.au
Victoria: Chris Bland, cbland@ozramp.net.au, Gerard McHugh, gerard.mchugh@dse.vic.gov.au, Paul Fitzgerald, gravity@netc.net.au
Tasmania: Luke Chiu, chiuls@netspace.net.au, Keith Ryan, Keith.Ryan@development.tas.gov.au
Thredbo: Colin Battersby, colin_battersby@rawnrg.com.au
Brisbane: Gillian Duncan, gillian_duncan@hotmail.com

Natural Surface Trails by Design - now available
July 22, 2005

The new book, written by Troy Scott Parker, introduces the 11 core concepts that underlie each and every soil- and crushed stone-surface trail regardless of the trail type, use or location.

The book is available from MTBA for $55 postage paid and is available now.

New Trail Building book from IMBA: Natural Surface Trails by Design:
July 8, 2005

Natural Surface Trails by Design: Physical and Human Design Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails by Troy Scott Parker.

This groundbreaking new book explores trail design from a theoretical perspective, covering the physical and human forces and relationships that govern trails - how we perceive nature, how trails make us feel, how trail use changes trails, how soils and trail materials behave, and how water, drainage, and erosion act.

A perfect companion to "Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack", this resource focuses on the 'why' of trails more than the 'how.' Land managers, mountain bike clubs, and trail builders of all levels will benefit from the models described in Natural Surface Trails by Design.

Look Inside this Book
"Troy describes the art of trail design with a fresh approach that everyone will understand. He introduces new terminology that really helps illustrate the key elements of successful trail layouts. If you want to delve deeper into trail design than what is provided in IMBA's "Trail Solutions" book, I strongly recommend "Natural Surface Trails by Design."
- Joey Klein, IMBA Trail Specialist

Details: Paperback, 78 pages, 8.5" x 11", 150 full color photos, 46 illustrations, published September, 2004.

MTBA will have copies of this new publication available in early August and will be priced at $55 postage paid.

Pre-order your copy now by sending an order email to MTBA (info.mtba@mtba.asn.au)

Copies of IMBA's Trail Solutions are also available from MTBA for $50 postage paid.

MTBA approved professional MTB trail builders
June 21, 2005

MTB activity around the country has exploded. Along with the growth in MTB activity has come the need for land managers to engage trail designers and builders who understand the MTB ethos and who can work with them to place environmentally and managerially sustainable trails for all to enjoy.

Over the past few years a growing list of professional MTB trail builders who are building some awesome trails and MTB facilities here in Australia has emerged. MTBA has prepared a list of these professional trail builders who have built cutting edge trails specifically for MTB.

If you know of companies that have built MTB trails let us know and we will contact them to see if they can be added to our list.

Our first two are:

World Trail
Directors: Glen Jacobs and Dylan Jeffries
Phone: 0407 674 943 (Glen), 0408 007494 (Dylan)
Email: info@world-trail.com
Web site: www.world-trail.com
Postal Address: P.O Box 6108 Cairns, QLD, 4870

Services: Extensive designing skills within sustainable trails, working with land managers and government agencies. Specialists in Recreational Parks & Trail systems. Professional Cross Country, Downhill, 4X and Jump Trails designers. Specialists in Event Logistics, Competition Management, Sport Commentary and Event Filming.

Previous Experience: Successfully designed over 168 courses in 17 countries around the globe, including Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, Recreational Parks and National events. Glen Jacobs is a Mountain Bike "Hall of Fame" member and has been awarded the "Australia Day Award".

Trail Solutions Australia
Directors: Brenton Collins
Phone: 0418 871 198 (Brenton)
Email: brenton@trailsolutionsaustralia.com.au
Web site: www.trailsolutionsaustralia.com.au
Postal Address: 89 Hendrie St, Morphetteville 5043 SA
Services: Sustainable trail planning, sustainable trail construction, enviromental advice and consultuncy in regard to trail development and management

IMBA Signs Breakthrough Agreement with US National Park Service
May 2, 2005

If you've ever tried to enjoy a National Park by mountain bike, chances are you've been disappointed. With some notable exceptions, America's premier park system is closed to off-road riding.

That's going to change with a new five-year agreement just signed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the National Park Service. For the first time, National Park Service leaders in Washington, D.C., have formally recognized mountain biking as a positive activity, compatible with the values of our National Park system.

A benefit to millions of bicyclists is the potential opportunity for new access to hundreds of dirt roads in National Park units that have been closed to bicycling. While National Park Service rules require a lengthy process to open singletrack to bicycle use, appropriate dirt roads may be opened with a more straightforward administrative process.

"This agreement represents a true breakthrough for mountain biking," said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. "It opens the door for individual park units to partner with mountain bikers and investigate new riding opportunities on a case-by-case basis."

"The National Park Service is committed to increasing public awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities in the national park system that promote health and fitness," said Karen Taylor-Goodrich, the Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection."And mountain bicycling in authorized areas can be an excellent way to enjoy America's outdoor heritage in a manner that is compatible with resource protection."

As part of the agreement, IMBA and the Park Service will initially partner on two pilot projects to be selected later this year. The projects will bring mountain bikers and park officials together for on-the-ground teamwork and serve as models for future collaboration.

Additionally, IMBA will provide technical and volunteer assistance to National Park units that are interested in improving their off-road cycling opportunities. IMBA programs such as the National Mountain Bike Patrol, Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and the IMBA club network can now apply their stewardship skills to our National Parks.

Mountain biking can be a solution to many challenges facing National Parks today. Bicycling gets people out of their cars; away from congested roads, parking lots and trailheads; and out into the fresh air. Mountain biking can also encourage more active exploration of parks and counter the societal trend toward obesity.

So what does the future hold? While mountain bikers shouldn't expect a revolution of new singletrack in National Parks, the partnership signals an encouraging direction for the future. With enhanced communication and cooperation between IMBA and the National Park Service, mountain bikers can anticipate that cycling opportunities in National Park units will continue to improve.

The National Park Service manages 384 parks, monuments, battlefields, buildings and recreation areas and more than 80 million acres of U.S. public land. In 2004, National Parks hosted more than 276 million visitors.

In 2002, IMBA formed a partnership with the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance program of the National Park Service. Rivers & Trails helps communities build trail and greenway systems, restore rivers and wildlife habitat, and preserve open space. Their work largely focuses on urban and suburban locations, where demand for trail networks is the greatest.

About IMBA:

Founded in 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association is a nonprofit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork, cooperation among different trail user groups and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA's worldwide network is comprised of individual members, bicycle clubs, corporate partners and bicycle retailers. For more details: http://www.imba.com.

Storm damage to tracks at Lysterfield Park
February 9, 2005

MTBA has received the following from the Lysterfield park rangers.

Please be advised that there has been significant damage to tracks in Lysterfield Park and Churchill National Park due to the recent storm on the 3rd of February and also we have had 38 mm of rain today (February 9th). Many tracks within these Parks have erosion and care should be taken when riding in the area.

Works to re-instate the tracks will be occurring but there may be some longer term closures depending on funding, however we are hopeful all tracks will have work on them over the coming months.

Staff will also be actively enforcing the National Parks Regulations (now that the new regulations are enforceable) over the coming months for people that are using tracks that have been closed.

It is also very important that all riders keep to the formed and existing trails and not to go off road or make your own tracks.

For further information contact:
Brett Mitchell A/Ranger In Charge
Berwick Area Parklands
Phone: (03) 9709 8300
Mobile: 0427 537 829
Fax: (03) 9678 9756

Lysterfield is the location of the 2006 Commonwealth Games MTB event. Construction of the competition course will begin shortly as well as a considerable effort in ensuring that the recreational trail system in Lysterfield Park will be sustainable well into the future and are more impervious to the effects of the weather.

Sport and the Law: A MTB perspective
February 4, 2005

This essay, done for partial fulfillment of a Sport and the Law course, was written by a keen mountain biker to engender some greater discussion on this subject. Have a read and let MTBA know your thoughts. The conclusion gives us all hope:

"Public land managers, it has been shown, have the discretion not to allow mountain bike access and there is not legal protection of access rights for mountain bikers. Equally, the legal justifications for preventing access appear, on closer scrutiny of environmental law and public liability reasons relied upon, to be only relevant considerations in the exercise of the decision-maker’s discretion. The challenge for mountain bike advocates is to be actively involved in the decision- making process and offering safe, practical and environmentally sustainable alternatives to trail closures, including investing resources in paying for and avoiding the costs of environmental impacts."

From the Hobart Mercury - great news for MTB
December 22, 2004

Thanks to Anthony Seiver who sent us this about a local shire MTB park development in Hobart, Tasmania.

Bikers set to blast off, By Danny Rose, December 22, 2004

A PLAN to build a $90,000 world-class mountain bike park in Mt Wellington's forested foothills is set to go ahead.

It has received Tasmanian State Government funding and Glenorchy City Council has approved the concept but is still working through planning and risk-management processes.

It is hoped the park will help to curb illegal trail building and biking on the mountain's walker-only tracks.

Track construction could begin on council-owned land near Glenorchy's Tolosa Park as early as February, and it could be open after April.

The Wellington Park Management Trust has employed more rangers to enforce riding bans on certain tracks. One rider has faced court; others have received $100 fines or cautions.

Luke Chiu, 29, of Hobart, has been pushing for a mountain bike park for about three years.

"It's not about solving all forms of walking track conflict," Mr Chiu said yesterday.

"It is about providing a technically challenging and legal facility for more extreme types of mountain biking.

"It will also be a template for other regions around Australia."

The International Mountain Bike Association is involved in the park's design, including:

> A short but steep downhill track zigzagging through trees and other obstacles.
> A wider track section with dirt jumps and bermed corners.
> A "North-Shore" track with timber bridges, logs and other obstacles.
> A BMX-style dirt jumps area.

Track work to link a series of undulating trails in the area, suitable for endurance-based cross-country riding. The next step in the plan would be to provide a track to the park from The Springs side of the Mt Wellington. Riding on the Lenah Valley Track, a key access route, is banned.

The park project has received $5000 funding from the trust, a $30,000 Sport and Recreation Tasmania grant and the council will contribute $25,000 in earth-moving work. Organisers need volunteer labour.

To help build the tracks, email Mr Chiu at: lukemtb@netspace.net.au or call 6223 1283.

The Mercury

Well done to all concerned in Hobart from all of us at MTBA.

Would you prefer to play the bagpies rather than ride your MTB?
December 7, 2004

The winner of IMBA's "What would we do without trails" competition has been won by a postcard depicting playing the bagpies as one option. Have a look at: http:// www.imba.com/news/news_releases/11_04/11_18_contest.html to see all the other things one could do instead of riding your bike on your local trails. It is a very funny and imaginative set of images.

MTBA has always maintained that without trails we might as well just get road bikes and ride on the road. Off road trails are as important to us as the air we breathe (ok maybe not that important but you get the point). Trails are good for all the community.

Help preserve your trails, help get more access to trails in your local area and help others understand why trails are important to them and you.

Contact MTBA - we may be able to help you.

Mt Coot-tha Trail Care Initiative
November 29, 2004

Brisbane City Council have supported the first ever Trail Care Day on the XC tracks at Mt Coot-tha. Trail Care Coordinator, Chris Maierhofer (aka Oppy) worked with Gap Creek Trails Alliance to plan the project with the main aim of modifying the trails to prevent water erosion. IMBA techniques were applied with several spoon drains and rolling grade dips installed. Fallen trees were cut and buried in the track to catch sediment and re-direct water flow. Wherever possible soil was collected and used to restore the soil level on eroded sections, especially on exposed roots.

Mt Coot-tha is a native forest managed by BCC as a conservation reserve and access by MTBs is being monitored by rangers, green groups and politicians. Trail Care should prove to be a win-win situation for the forest and for the MTB trails.

Many thanks to the 10 riders who volunteered 37 hours of labour on one morning to produce quantity and quality work.

For further information contact Gillian Duncan from Gap Creek Trails Alliance on (07) 3378 4606 or visit http://www.mtbdirt.com.au

Cyclists respond to Kosciuszko National Park Draft Plan of Management
November 24, 2004

The following article is due to appear in Australian Cyclist and was written by Jeff Ibbotson, BFA Committee member and Vice President, Pedal Power ACT

Plans are afoot to shut out cyclists from vast tracts Kosciuszko National Park if the NSW Government accepts its National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Draft Plan of Management for the Park.

This is an issue of national significance. Park authorities in other States are eyeing keenly KNP’s attempt to exclude cycling from management roads in wilderness areas.

The Bicycle Federation of Australia, Mountain Bike Australia, Bicycle NSW, Pedal Power ACT, and individual cyclists have been working together so you can keep cycling on all management roads and tracks in the Park.

The Plan of Management for a park of such national significance provides the opportunity for the NPWS to set a national example fulfil Australia Cycling 1999 -2004 The National Strategy by promoting active healthy activities like cycle tourism.

The Draft Plan would prohibit cycling on almost 500 kilometres of management roads within wilderness areas where cycling occurs now without significant impact. Concerns over impact on declared wilderness appear driven by ideology, rather than evidence and sound assessment of the relative environmental and social benefits and risks of the measures proposed.

the damage and erosion furphy

The KNP’s terrain and vegetation confines bikes to fire trails. True off road riding is virtually impossible. The existing Plan of Management confines riding to fire trails. The next Plan should as well.

The Draft Plan suggests that bikes create greater impacts than other recreational uses. However, considerable research shows that bikes have no greater physical impact than foot traffic; in many cases the impact is less. Indeed the impact of feral horses and pigs on KNP is far greater than any human use. Two studies are worth mentioning.

California researcher Crockett (1987) prepared had 45 cyclists ride 495 times over 12 study plots on a trail in dry, semi-wet, and wet conditions. The results showed mountain bikes and hikers caused comparable impact.

Seney (1991) measured the impact of hikers, bicycles, horses and motor cyclists on two open trails and compared them with the condition of a closed trail. Each group crossed the study plots 100 times. The study concluded that ‘natural processes predominate, overshadowing any damage produced by trail users, and that it was difficult to distinguish bicycle impacts from hiker impacts on the measurements of sediment yield, water runoff, trail micro-relief changes and soil density changes’.

Extensive studies have also been carried out on the development of tracks. They found that once a track is established, bikes are unlikely to cause any greater impact than any other uses.

Access should be restricted only after robust, impartial and professional assessment that balances the relative environmental and social benefits and risks of the track specific proposed restriction, and only while risks outweigh benefits of use.

cycle touring stymied

The Draft Plan proposes permitting wilderness areas cycling only on a small section of the Cascades Trails, and a small loop circuit inlcuding Dargals, Hell Hole Creek and Round Mountain Trails. The ban has no scientific basis, is unreasonable, and unfairly discriminates against sustainable and self-reliant cycling compared with other recreational pursuits.

The proposed ban on and the location of the three declared wilderness areas across the Park effectively prevents sustainable and self reliant longer distance touring north-south along the Park’s management road network, for example, on the recently upgraded Grey Mare Fire Trail.

The submissions called on NPWS to allow cycling on the all management roads, unless there is proven adverse impact that cannot be managed in any other way.

A closure policy that is ridiculed as baseless, that diverts scarce NPWS resources and is openly ignored and simply cannot be achieved does no good for the reputation of the NPWS or the NSW Government.

Cycling groups urged the development of a Sustainable Cycling Access Strategy for the Park with the involvement of cycling organisations, stakeholders and environmental experts.

health recreation and tourism benefits

The KNP management roads and trails contributie to the health and well being of visitors from across Australia. To propose reducing access to tracks that rapidly will become overcrowded is not good for the health of the Park or its visitors.

Recreation and nature-based tourism are among the stated values of the Park. Cycling contributes significantly to regional economies. The $700+ each paticipant spent while on a one day South Australian cycling event will be matched by BNSW’s RTA Big NSW Bike Riders who start in KNP in 2005.

In Australia Cycling the Deputy Prime Minister says: ‘Increasing the amount of safe cycling in our communities will enhance the well being of all Australians.’ There are few better places to do that than KNP management roads and trails.

Cycling routes should enables cyclists to enjoy and appreciate the Park’s significant environment from the north to the south.

put cycling and user conflict into perspective

The Draft Plan ignores the limited overall impact of cyclists, confined to management roads and trails, traversing an area faster than other park users, minimising the impact of human waste and firewood depletion. Overall cyclist numbers are minimal. Most can ride in and out, without staying overnight.

The perception that bicyles present a safety hazard is common. The Draft Plan reported conflict between cyclists and other Park users.

Given that bikes are restricted to fire trails, with long sight lines and that the numbers of cyclists and walkers on any particular fire trail are few, the real possibility/probability of collision is negligible.

The UK bridle way network provides thousands of kilometres of narrow, mixed use trails. The British Mountain Bike Federation’s Access Officer couldn’t trace one collision between a bike and a walker, despite many anecdotal reports. The UK’s high population density, and lack of public lands, leads to common use by riders of ancient rights of way, established for centuries, with traffic levels unheard of in Australia.

Conflict and injury are rare on the many shared walking and cycling paths in Canberra and Sydney. These paths carry more walkers and cyclists (plus roller bladers and dogs) than any KNP service road, except perhaps the Summit Road from Charlottes Pass.

Dispersed educated cycling over a larger minimises congestion and consequent conflict between users.

a way forward

BNSW representative Bruce Ashley, Tony Scott from MTBA and Pedal Power ACT’s Jeff Ibbotson met NPWS officials and proposed a way forward.

There was consensus that the current NPWS State wide policy on cycling in declared wilderness areas is not in fact inconsistent with cycling in those areas, provided it is consistent with a Plan of Management for the Park and where wilderness values were not compromised.

It emerged that opposition to cycling in wilderness is more driven by social and ideological concerns rather than serious adverse environmental impacts, which cannot be substantiated.

BNSW then wrote to NPWS outlining essential components of a cycling access strategy, criteria for identifying a cycling network, and its key routes.

BNSW proposed no cycling on some trails; an on-line permit system to regulate use of others; and unrestricted cycling on the periphery of wilderness areas to connect with longer distance touring and shorter loop circuits on outside the wilderness zones and outside the Park.

what next

BNSW, MTBA and Pedal Power ACT will continue to lobby to keep Kosci’s quality cycling. Readers who are interested in supporting bike riding in KNP can contact:

Bicycle NSW GPO Box 272, Sydney, NSW, 2001 fax 02 9281 6099 info@bicyclensw.org.au
Mountain Bike Australia PO Box 17 Mirani Qld 4754 info.mtba@mtba.asn.au
Pedal Power ACT GPO Box 581 Canberra ACT 2601 fax 02 6248 7444 advocacy@pedalpower.org.au Thanks to Bruce Ashley, Tony Scott and Stuart McDougall for material used in this article.

MTB riding in SE Queensland - Is it still possible?
November 24, 2004

Abridged reply from Hon. Terry Mackenroth, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Sport to Gap Creek Trails Alliance regarding MTB access to state forests, which are to become national parks in SE Qld. Courtesy of Gillian Duncan

23rd November 2004

“On 28th October 2004, the Honorable Desley Boyle, Minister for Environment announced the Government’s decision to convert 195,000 hectares of forest reserve to national parks, conservation parks and other protected area tenure as part of implementing the South East Qld Forest Agreement (SEQFA).

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that mountain bike riding is unaffected at this time by the conversion of State forests to national parks.

Multiple-use recreation trails are the focus of the proposed South East Qld Regional Trails Strategic Plan, which will provide the framework for an integrated network of regionally significant trails.

The Government has also allocated $650,000 to undertake a feasibility study and development of a horse riding and multiple-use trail located outside the national parks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.”

So the answer seems to be yes, mountain bikes are still welcome in the SE Queensland national parks that used to be state forests.

What needs to happen now is for a concerted effort from all mountain bikers to overturn the nonsensical position QPWS have of not allowing mountain biking on management roads and tracks in Queensland national parks (the parks that were not state forests before). Confused? You are not the only ones, but lets all hope that the statement from the Minister will lead the way for a more considered and sensible position for mountain biking in ALL of Queensland's National Parks!

Mountain biking in a state park: You Yangs Regional Park
November 19, 2004

Think that all land managers are dead set against mountain bikers? Think again. In the You Yangs Regional Park, the land managers there have created a mountain biking heaven. It has been featured on numerous TV shows is for both cross country and down hill and it is managed by a good relationship between the local MTBA affiliated mountain bike club in Geelong and the rangers. Read more.

Time again to compare the Australian MTB scene with the rest of the World
October 29, 2004

From IMBA...
Get out and vote...in the IMBA Report Card, that is. IMBA is asking mountain bikers everywhere to get into the spirit of election season by rating your state or region in the 2004 IMBA Report Card.

The Report Card provides an annual analysis of mountain biking access and advocacy progress for U.S. states, Canadian provinces and other countries. In addition to a letter grade, each area's trail riding opportunities and threats are summarized. Grades are based on a number of factors: singletrack access, land manager attitudes, relations with other trail user groups and the long-term outlook for mountain biking.

"It really helps to have mountain bikers everywhere participate in the IMBA Report Card," said IMBA advocacy manager Dan Vardamis. "It provides accurate info about places where access is solid and also draws attention to locales that need help. Plus, it's fun to see how your area does versus the rest of the world."

This is the fifth year of the IMBA Report Card. Arizona and British Columbia earned top marks in the 2003 Report Card, both receiving A-grades. Arizona earned its A with a cool statewide trail network, success in urban areas and the re-opening of Saguaro National Park to mountain bikers. British Columbia boasts outstanding freeriding, abundant trails and exceptional mountain biking clubs and culture.

Online voting is combined with input from IMBA staff, field reps and local club leaders to determine final grades. IMBA will tally the results and provide a detailed analysis in a special edition of IMBA Trail News.

Since Australia is recorded as a whole please make sure that you send MTBA your vote. MTBA will collate the state results and submit a Nationa-wide assessment to IMBA. Last year we had a B- rating. From what we are aware of in 2004 Australia should get at least a B+ rating. Your vote will help ensure that this happens.

MTBA and CORC survey Australian Mountain Bikers
October 29, 2004

At the recent MONT 24hr race in Canberra the first survey of its kind was issued to over 1000 of the participants. The MONT is the largest MTB event in Australia with over 2200 participants and many times that number as supporters and spectating. MTBA saw the MONT as a microcosm of Australian mountain biking and thus a very suitable place to record attitudes and feelings on a wide range of subjects relevant to the current Australian MTB'ing scene.
Over 400 surveys were returned.
The surveys are being collated by a collective from CORC and MTBA and the findings will be published as soon as they are known. Be one of the first to know the findings: just send MTBA an email detailing your affiliation or employer and your contact details.

NSW State Forests requesting input (courtesy of Bike Addiction newsletter)
October 26, 2004

So here is the problem. We have a heck of a lot of State Forest land available to us as recreationalists - be you a trail runner / mountain biker / adventure racer or (gasp) 4WDriver, but how do the State Forests find out who you are and what you need? More singletrack? Bigger hits? Dedicated trails?

In order to better cater to those who use the areas, NSW State Forests have an online survey to see who is using what, where and how often. The more people that give information, the better a chance we have of keeping these areas open, perhaps making more areas available for MTB events and for encouraging NSW State Forests to put more resources into them.

The more people that put in their two bob's worth the more NSW State Forests will be able to show that these areas are used and supported. This in turn will help keep them from being absorbed into new or existing National Park - and you know what that means!

State Forests are a vital link for communities for both their financial security but also for our health. State Forests enable more people to recreate more often more actively.

Have your say on helping NSW State Forests give MTB what we need. Go to http://www.forest.nsw.gov.au/recreation/survey/default.asp and fill in the form.

URGENT: KNP responses now due September 3
October 18, 2004

IMBA's New Trailbuilding Book is Hot Off The Press!
October 17, 2004

Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack is IMBA's premier trailbuilding resource. This 272-page book combines cutting-edge trailbuilding techniques with proven fundamentals in a colorful, easy-to-read format. Packed with more than 130 photos and 50 original illustrations, Trail Solutions is an essential tool for land managers and volunteer trailbuilders aspiring to raise their shared-use trail systems to the next level.

Trail Solutions will be available directly from MTBA soon at an expected cost of $50 (postage paid). Pre-order a copy now by sending us an email detailing how many books you would like. We will contact you when the books arrive.

IMBA Executive Director Tim Blumenthal to Head Bikes Belong
October 16, 2004

BOULDER, CO, June 28 - Tim Blumenthal, executive director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), has been picked from a pool of more than 500 applicants to lead The Bikes Belong Coalition. Bikes Belong is the industry trade group dedicated to putting more people on bikes more often. Blumenthal will begin work as the organization's executive director in September.

Blumenthal has served as IMBA's chief staffer since 1993, following five years as a board member. When he began as IMBA's first fulltime employee, the organization had a $70,000 annual budget and fewer than 1,000 individual members. Today, IMBA's yearly budget is $2.1 million, it supports 22 employees, and is backed by 32,000 individual members as well as a broad range of corporations, foundations, government agencies and major donors.

At Bikes Belong, Blumenthal will work to increase government support for bike paths, trails, safe routes to work and school, and other key components of bicycle-friendly communities. He will strive to generate positive publicity for cycling, particularly among kids and families. He will further develop the Bikes Belong organization by expanding its membership and revenue base, enhancing its support of other non-profit bicycling groups, and cultivating new partnerships inside and beyond the cycling community.

Blumenthal will replace Rich Olken, Bikes Belong's first executive director, who has served since 1999 and will retire later this year. Blumenthal will move the group's headquarters from Boston to Boulder, Colorado. Boulder was honored just last week as the number one bike-friendly U.S. city by the League of American Bicyclists.

Blumenthal said, "The mission of Bikes Belong--to put more people on bikes more often--is a great one, and I am thrilled to have earned this new opportunity to help bicycling and the bike industry grow. My years at IMBA have been unbelievably rewarding. I am so grateful for the hundreds of friendships and partnerships that have developed along the way...and they will continue. Fortunately, IMBA is stronger than ever and perfectly positioned for continuing growth."

IMBA president Hill Abell, owner of Bicycle Sport Shops in Austin, Texas, said, "The entire IMBA board congratulates Tim and wishes him the greatest success in his new position at Bikes Belong. For the past 11 years Tim has been the prime mover of IMBA's growth into one of the most effective non-profit organizations in the U.S. We are very grateful for his enormous contributions to the mountain bike community.

"We are thankful that Tim is leaving IMBA in a strong position, organizationally and financially. IMBA's ability to fulfill our mission of insuring that mountain bikers have great places to ride will continue unabated as we search for a new executive director. We look forward to working with Tim and Bikes Belong to ensure a political climate in which the needs of bicyclists are fully understood and supported."

Mt. Coot-tha, Brisbane update
October 14, 2004

Brisbane City Council have officially released the Management Plan for Mt Coot-tha Forest which includes exclusive use MTB tracks mainly in the Gap Creek Reserve area. New signage has been designed to indicate MTB only tracks, walking only tracks and also multiuse trails.

BCC have also released brochures showing a track map of this area as well as two other BCC forests, showing multiuse trails, which includes MTB use. This is a remarkable step forward for acceptance of MTB riding in Brisbane.

Gap Creek Trails Alliance along with the MTB Coordinator for Mt Coot-tha attended the Conservation Volunteers Australia (http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au) workshop in Brisbane today, forging a new partnership with CVA with a view to working together on conservation projects in the future.

Habitat Training Seminar, Brisbane
October 12, 2004

Dear Club Presidents, I would like to invite you (or your Proxy) to a Habitat Brisbane Induction Day on 24 October. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite clubs interested in undertaking volunteer trail work in Mt Coot-tha forest to contact me about arranging a park booking for a Mountain Bike Event.

Previous park bookings have set a precedent of undertaking both preventative maintenance and trail repairs before and after mountain bike events. Given this precedent we can undertake trail care under the park booking conditions. An example of the park booking conditions have been attached. This is pre-empting official trail care groups but given the current demand from members of the mountain bike community to do this work this represents a good opportunity.

The intent of this is to begin some work on the ground not undertake major projects. I hope that you make the most of this opportunity in the near future. Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries or wish to discuss this further.

Yours Sincerely,
Christopher Maierhofer
B.Eng (Env)
Trail Care Coordinator
Local Asset Services - West Brisbane City Council West Regional Business Centre
46 Coonan Street Indooroopilly
Qld 4066

Ph. (07) 3407 0099
Fax (07) 3407 0029
Mob. 0439 732 385
Email. christopher.maierhofer@brisbane.qld.gov.au

Kosciuszko National Park Draft Plan of Management
October 12, 2004

A draft plan of management for the above park has been prepared and is available free of charge by contacting NPWS, Kosciuszko Plan of Management Office, on 1800 200 208, or logging on to the NPWS website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

The draft plan is also available for inspection at the following locations:

NPWS Head Office Library, Level 7, 43 Bridge Street, Hurstville, SYDNEY
National Parks Centre at the Rocks, 102 George Street, The Rocks, SYDNEY
NPWS offices and/or visitor centres:
- 7 Adelong Road, Tumut
- 6 Rutledge Street, Queanbeyan
- Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
- Scott Street, Khancoban
- 119 Maybe Street, Bombala

Written submissions on the draft plan must be received at the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Kosciuszko Plan of Management, PO Box 733, QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620 by Friday 20 August 2004.

All submissions received by NPWS are a matter of public record and are available for public inspection upon request to NPWS. Your comments on this draft plan of management may contain information that is defined as "personal information" under the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The submission of personal information with your comments is voluntary.

National Parks & Wildlife Service is part of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Carole Harrison
Administration Officer
Kosciuszko Plan of Management
Parks Service Division
Department of Environment and Conservation
Telephone: 6124 9000
Fax: 6124 9009

MTBA will make an evaluation of the KNP DPOM when it receives the full plan, but we expect that it will not be as positive for MTB access in KNP as we would wish based on the preliminary recreation chapter we have already made comment to. We encourage all MTB'ers who have an interest in MTB activity in KNP to request the DPOM and make appropriate comment to it.

We also note, that as the flagship of the NSW National Park system, the processes for management of MTB in the KNP may be seen as transferable to other parks in NSW and around Australia. It is thus important to make our voice heard now.

New Science Review Indicates that Mountain Biking Impacts Resources No More than Hiking
October 11, 2004

IMBA has released a comprehensive review of scientific studies that examine the impacts of mountain biking on trails, vegetation, and wildlife. The collection of scientific studies indicate that mountain biking is no more damaging than other forms of recreation, including hiking.

IMBA's review, titled "Natural Resource Impacts of Mountain Biking," looks at all the available studies that have measured the impacts of bicycling and other trail use. "Like all forms of recreation, bicycling does affect natural resources," said Gary Sprung, IMBA's senior national policy advisor and author of the document. "But since the birth of mountain biking, environmentalists and hikers have maintained that cycling causes more damage to trails, vegetation, and wildlife than hiking. The science performed to date does not support that notion. The more challenging issue for trail users is not their differing environmental impacts, but rather their social conflicts, which are quite real, thoroughly studied, and manageable."

Eight empirical studies are summarised in the report, which does not evaluate sociology studies.

IMBA publishes Freeride Guide
October 10, 2004

Conservation Volunteers Australia offers Volunteer Training
October 8, 2004

Australia has a great history of volunteering in many things and volunteerism in things to do with the environment is increasing. Volunteers need to be carefully managed so that their experience is positive both from social interactions with fellow volunteers but also in the nature of the work being done. Managing volunteers is a task that always needs specially trained people with the ability to do it with sympathy and with appropriate risk management strategies. It is something that will often pervade many aspects of our lives.

Conservation Volunteers Australia is an organisation that takes volunteers from around Australia and Internationally and gets them working on projects that are aimed to keep our natural areas in top shape. MTBA and CVA have signed a MOU that will provide benefits to both organisations. It will do this by bringing MTB advocates and enthusiasts into contact with the more 'traditional' conservationists and help 'sell' our story as well as help break down the stereotype of what they may think MTB and MTB activity is all about.

CVA have just announced dates and venues for Volunteer training courses all around Australia. Have a look at the schedule and if you have in mind to act as a volunteer leader then these training courses may provide some good groundwork.

Conservation Volunteers Australia offers Volunteer Training
October 8, 2004

Call to action: Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, Queensland
October 6, 2004

The recent article in Mountain Biking Australia by Gillian Duncan suggests that years of lobbying Brisbane City Council for MTB access has won results. Now we learn the struggle is not over. The Green lobby in Brisbane is mounting a campaign to ban MTB riding within BCC reserves, particularly targeting downhill.

The Lord Mayor has given an assurance that MTB access will be allowed but monitored at Mt Coot-tha Forest. Public opinion may influence this decision.

Currently MTB riding is not officially permitted anywhere within BCC reserves. Official MTB access to Mt Coot-tha will be a first.

In order to balance the campaign of the Green groups, Gap Creek Trails Alliance has presented the Lord Mayor, relevant Councillors and land managers with a submission. The submission can be downloaded .

Please C/C Gillian_Duncan@hotmail.com so a record may be kept of your support and where additional information about MTB in Brisbane generally can be obtained.

Call to Action: Kosciusko National Park
October 6, 2004

Plans for MTB access in Kosciusko National Park in disarray
The process for the development of the new Plan of management for KosciuskoNational Park has been going on for at least the last 12 months. A so-called "Community Forum", a group of people anointed by NSW Parks Service, have presided over the deliberations in formulating the new POM. Not surprisingly, perhaps, and despite intensive lobbying, MTB has not had a seat at the table, and the makeup of the Forum is largely couched in terms of conservative 'green' elements and traditional user groups.

Our interests have had some representation through the Forum members representing the Alpine Resorts, but even they have given up trying to make sense of the skewed politics of the Forum and and withdrew from the Forum in October 2003.

We were leaked a copy of the Draft Plan of Management chapter on Recreation. Of all the chapters in the DPOM this one will define the extent of MTB access to KNP. Draft Plan of management chapter on Recreation [PDF format - 912Kb]. Read our comments [PDF format - 58Kb].

If you are as incensed as we are on the process taken, the completely tokenistic attitude NPWS have taken to MTB recreation in KNP and their complete lack of understanding on what MTB recreation would mean for KNP, we encourage you to express your concerns to the head of the POM team: AnnMaree.OCallaghan@npws.nsw.gov.au

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Program Seeks New Team
October 5, 2004

IMBA is looking to hire a full-time, professional two-person team for the highly successful Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program. Application deadline is March 19, 2004.

This position requires a passion for mountain biking, excellent communication skills, a basic knowledge of trailwork and team compatibility. The Crew will travel nearly all year in a 2004 Subaru Outback. The application deadline is March 19, 2004.

For the last seven years, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews have traveled the world, sharing their trailbuilding expertise with volunteers, land managers and trail advocates. As a direct result, thousands of miles of appealing, environmentally sustainable trails have been built or revitalized. The crews have contributed to the trails community and mountain biking opportunities in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several European countries.

Sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by IMBA, the Trail Care Crews work with IMBA-affiliated mountain bike clubs, land managers, and other trail user groups to solve trail management challenges. The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crews improve trail conditions and trail experiences for everyone.

Now IMBA is looking for the newest team in a long line of dedicated trail professionals. Although the position is not for everyone, couples who enjoy travel and adventure, love to work outside and want to help improve trails and mountain biking are encouraged to apply. IMBA is asking the Crew make a two-year commitment.

Please send a resume and cover letter to Aaryn Kay at aaryn@imba.com or to IMBA, P.O. Box 7578, Boulder, CO 80306 by Friday, March 19. The selected applicants will start work in May 2004.

For more information on this position and the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Program, visit www.imba.com.

New Multi-use trail in Tumut being constructed
October 4, 2004

Inspired by the recent MTBA/IMBA sustainable trail building workshop held near Tumut, NSW State Forests (SF) with help from Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) have begun constructing a shared use MTB/walking trail in Tumut State Forest.

Tony Scott, President of MTBA said, "The IMBA Workshop was attended by representatives from both NSW State Forests and Conservation Volunteers Australia as well as MTB advocates around Australia. The 5-day intensive workshop was lead by Joey Klein, IMBA's head trails expert and consisted of both theoretical and practical instruction."

He added, "The workshop bought home to SF the fact that sustainable MTB trails can be achieved. MTBA and CVA, have been discussing for some time the concept of striking up a strategic alliance to promote and construct shared-use trails. Before the workshop neither group really had a clear idea of what the needs were for constructing a sustainable MTB trail. The workshop solved that."

MTBA encourages all land managers to consider multi-use trails as the norm when building or repairing trails on land that they manage.

Baw Baw National Park Draft Plan of Management
October 3, 2004

The Baw Baw area has been a destination for MTB for some time now. It is a great location for recreational MTB activity and is an area that has been used often for competition MTB use at all levels; from club all the way to national.

Have your say in shaping the future of MTB access and the more general issue of management at Baw Baw by commenting on the Draft Plan of Management.

Responses are due by October 31 2003.

IMBA comes back to Australia
October 3, 2004

Joey Klein, one of the very talented and influential trail gurus from IMBA, is coming to Australia again in October 2003. His visit, the second he has made to Oz, will be primarily to present a live-in 5-day trails workshop at Tumbarumba in NSW. The workshop venue is Laurel Hill Forest Lodge.

The workshop is already very well subscribed with MTB access advocates from Perth, Townsville, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Thredbo and New Zealand already committed.

In addition to the workshop two shorter visits will occur to Brisbane and Tasmania, either side of the workshop.

There are a very limited number of places still available for the workshop. To get more information and to register your interest in attending please contact MTBA outlining your role in MTBA access advocacy in your area and why you should be included.

Email MTBA at: info.mtba@mtba.asn.au

IMBA successful in reopening National Park Trail
October 2, 2004

IMBA and Local Advocates Lead Successful Push to Reverse Cactus Forest Trail Closure

The Cactus Forest Trail at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, is slated to reopen to bicycle use on Sept. 19. The 2.5-mile trail - the first legal singletrack open to bikes in a National Park - was closed in April 2002 following a legal threat by an environmental watchdog group.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association led the effort to reopen the trail. Buoyed by a grant from the Bikes Belong Coalition, IMBA enlisted the support of the D.C. law firm, Hogan & Hartson. IMBA leaders met many times with National Park Service leaders in Denver and Washington and also worked with Saguaro National Park staff. Local Tucson advocates also contributed to this positive resolution.

The trail, which had been a successful shared-use model for more than a decade, was declared off-limits to bikes when the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) challenged its legality, saying that the Park Service didn't follow agency regulations when it opened the trail to bicyclists in1992.

Off-road National Park bicycling opportunities fall under a rule that
mandates an expensive, elaborate and lengthy process to open any National Park trail to bicycle use. Park Service officials say this process often takes three full years. To their credit - and mindful of IMBA's input - NPS completed the Cactus Forest review in less than 16 months. The final rule that set the stage for the trail's reopening was posted Aug. 20 in the Federal Register.

"We're glad the trail is about to reopen," said IMBA executive director Tim Blumenthal. "But when we review all the steps that had to be followed, we come to one conclusion: what a waste of taxpayer money and Park Service staff time.

"The Cactus Forest Trail has been ridden safely and without resource impacts for 11 years," Blumenthal continued. "The Park Service conducted public hearings before opening it and monitored the trail carefully during its first year. Local mountain bikers helped maintain it. The trail has been successful from day one and should never have been closed."

PEER also questioned the legality of other National Park bicycling
opportunities - a claim that IMBA successfully countered. As of this
writing, no other NPS trails have been closed to bicyclists.

IMBA continues to work with the National Park Service and Hogan & Hartson to improve bicycle access on appropriate National Park dirt roads, doubletracks and trails. IMBA views mountain biking as a National Park solution that gets visitors out of their cars, outdoors, and away from congested parking lots and visitor centers.

MTBA Policy Statement 1: Land Access
October 2, 2004

Policy Statement 1
This policy seeks to define the position of MTBA on the issue of cycling in areas that are not urbanised. Such areas include Land Reserves, State and National Parks and Wilderness areas.

Freeriding - should we be concerned?
September 30, 2004

Freeriding is a growing aspect of MTB life. Freeriding means different things to different people. Freeriding is more about one's 'mind-set' rather than what one does on their bike or the style of MTB riding done.

Freeriding, then, is about the freedom to ride one's bike in a manner not constrained by the norms of traditional MTB activity.

This freedom brings with it great responsibility on the proponents of freeride to ensure that their freedom does not compromise the delicate balance of MTB access and advocacy occurring in Australia.

Should we be concerned about the freeride movement?

This article appeared in the April 2003 edition of the US MTB magazine "Mountainbike Action". You may not agree with all the comments made but the general tenor of the article rings as true in Australia as anywhere else in the World.

It provides some food for thought for all of us about where MTB will be in the future and more importantly how freeride may impact that future.

Freeride is in its formative stages in Australia. The time is now to work to ensure that all aspects of MTB are seen as viable and sustainable recreational activities - freeride included.

Send MTBA your comments on freeride.

What is the Minimum Tool Rule?
September 29, 2004

Land managers have different ways of dealing with people who want to use the land that they have control over. And, depending on which recreational bucket you are placed in, the way access is granted or denied can vary greatly.

In all cases we would advocate for use of "Minimum Tool" guidelines that seek to give land managers a well defined set of 'rules' by which access decisions can be made.

Read all about the Minimum Tool Rule in this IMBA publication.

Technical Trail Standards
September 26, 2004

MTB is nothing if not innovative. North Shore type technical trails are popping up everywhere in Australia over the recent past and it is time to begin thinking about standards. Standards will help ensure that land managers will feel easy about not being dragged into litigation if a structure collapses and riders will feel better about riding them and confident that they will not collapse down when they do.

Make sure you get the land managers permission first and then have a look at the 2002 Whistler Trail Standards as a guide to building your technical trails.

If you have a land manager approved techical riding area let us know.

MTBA signs landmark agreement with Parks Victoria
September 20, 2004

A landmark Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by both MTBA and Parks Victoria today. To our knowledge this is the first statement of cooperation made between a State land managing agency and a MTB organisation in Australia.

Tony Scott, president of MTBA said, "This MOC represents the first step in ensuring that land managers in Victoria and Victorian MTBA affiliates can work together for the long term sustainability of Victoria's valuable natural areas while also providing for sustainable MTB opportunities. We are hopeful that this document will provide a template for other State land managers to use in developing working relationships between themselves, MTBA and it's local affiliates."

Parks Victoria manage over 4.1m hectares of land in Victoria, representing 16% of Victoria's land area. MTBA is the peak MTB body in Australia and is represented by over 70 affiliated clubs and over 1850 members Australia wide. MTBA currently has 12 Victorian affiliated clubs.

Further information about MTB advocacy can be obtained by contacting MTBA: info.mtba@mtba.asn.au. Further information about MTB advocacy in Victoria can be obtained by emailing MTBA's Victorian MTB advocacy team: vic.advocacy@mtba.asn.au.

Walkers' Perceptions of MTB in NZ
September 13, 2004

This is great reading material to reinforce the idea that shared use tracks can be built and managed and that it is all about perceptions and MTBers promoting positively themselves (advocacy).

Develop working relationships with Land Managers
September 3, 2004

MTBA has developed a short paper on how to develop a working relationship with Land Managers

This document outlines 12 steps to get your 'foot in the door' and how to access available monies and form a close relationship.

MTB Trails Access Working Parties
August 27, 2004

Some ideas to help you get the assistance you need - Jul 1 2001

A critical factor in obtaining the help you need to build or repair a trail is, to employ an over-used word, the culture of the local mountain bicycling community. There are, however, some fundamentals that may be helpful in getting and retaining trail workers...

Mountain Walking Track Management - The Invitation
August 20, 2004

Mar 29 2001

Thank you for agreeing to participate in the debate "Walking tracks are only for walkers". The debate is scheduled to be held at Mount Buffalo Chalet at 4:15pm on Monday March 26...

An overview of the 2001 Alpine Walking Track Forum
August 18, 2004

Debate Topic: "That Walking Tracks are only for Walkers"
August 12, 2004

Memorandum of Understanding Between MTBA and IMBA
July 31, 2004

Trail Access Links
July 22, 2004

Do your bit for mountain biking
July 18, 2004

Conservation Volunteers Australia offers Volunteer Training courses
May 30, 2004

Conservation Volunteers Australia offers Volunteer Training courses
Australia has a great history of volunteering in many things and volunteerism in things to do with the environment is increasing. Volunteers need to be carefully managed so that their experience is positive both from social interactions with fellow volunteers but also in the nature of the work being done. Managing volunteers is a task that always needs specially trained people with the ability to do it with sympathy and with appropriate risk management strategies. It is something that will often pervade many aspects of our lives.

Trail Access Articles Archive

First class mountain bike trail to be built in WA's Great Southern regionMay 6, 2009

Interview with Gillian Duncan - podcastApril 23, 2009

2009 World Mountain Bike Conference Rescheduled to 2010April 9, 2009

World Trail to Host a Volunteer Trail Day at Glenrock State Conservation Area, NewcastleMarch 11, 2009

MTBA offers awards to attend World Mountain Bike Conference on SustainabilityMarch 3, 2009

Brisbane City Council MTB user survey - UPDATE1February 11, 2009

Brisbane City Council survey on mountain bike ridingFebruary 6, 2009

How about the IMBA World Summit in Australia?October 28, 2008

Trailmix opens at Lysterfield ParkOctober 27, 2008

Have your say on MTB trails in Hornsby ShireOctober 11, 2008

NPWS leads MTB tour - Morong FallsOctober 10, 2008

You Yangs wins awardOctober 7, 2008

Sustainable Mountain Biking in Tasmania's Parks ReservesSeptember 16, 2008

Forrest website now liveAugust 16, 2008

SUBMISSIONS TO TOURISM IN NATIONAL PARKS DEADLINE EXTENDEDJuly 16, 2008

MTBA attends IMBA SummitJuly 14, 2008

Tourism and NSW national parks - call for submissionsJune 24, 2008

Help needed to update BNT information for cyclingJune 5, 2008

Canberra Off Road Cyclists joint winner in 2007 Cycling AwardsJune 5, 2008

RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING in SE QUEENSLANDJune 5, 2008

SW Scotland hosts World MTB Conference in 2009June 3, 2008

A ONCE IN A DECADE CHANCE TO OBTAIN BETTER CYCLING ACCESS TO SYDNEY CATCHMENT AUTHORITY MANAGED LANDS.May 28, 2008

Trail News from around AustraliaMay 18, 2008

MTBA president wins award for MTB advocacyMay 18, 2008

10 YEARS OF MTB ACCESS GRANTED FOR TOWNSVILLE’S CITY FRINGEMay 6, 2008

Trail Blazers on BNT for Queensland Cancer CouncilApril 29, 2008

MTBA offers grants to attend 5th National Tracks and Trails ConferenceFebruary 6, 2008

IMBA to Australia in MarchJanuary 8, 2008

5th Biennial National Tracks and Trails ConferenceJanuary 8, 2008

The World’s Longest Marked Multi-use non motorised trail holds meeting at Bucca, Queensland.September 24, 2007

Gap Creek Trail Care, Saturday 22 SeptemberSeptember 19, 2007

2008 World Mountain Bike Conference on SustainabilitySeptember 8, 2007

IMBA and Partners Announce 2008 World Summit in Park CitySeptember 1, 2007

MV Australia changes company name to World TrailAugust 29, 2007

WAMBA receives $110,000 in Lotterywest FundingAugust 23, 2007

The new trails at Stromlo have started!August 14, 2007

Qld Parks and Wildlife Service accepts MTB accessJuly 25, 2007

Townsville club works to create Recreation ReservesJuly 19, 2007

Stromlo set for trail expansionJuly 9, 2007

MTBA Launches New Trails ForumJune 25, 2007

MTBA bankrolls the formation of IMBA AustraliaJune 25, 2007

North Wales MTB Project Manager, prospecting for jobs!June 25, 2007

NSW Community Conservation Advisory Committee - EOIJune 5, 2007

Queensland Mountain Bike Forum - Newsletter 1June 4, 2007

2008 Tracks and Trails Conference - UPDATE 2May 29, 2007

2008 Tracks and Trails Conference - UPDATE 1May 24, 2007

Trail Day at RNPMay 11, 2007

New Times reports on benefits of Urban MTBMay 10, 2007

Recreational Trails in Natural Areas - Managing for All: An interactive Master ClassMay 9, 2007

Trail care dates currently posted with TerracareMay 3, 2007

2008 Tracks and Trails ConferenceApril 9, 2007

Canberra Trail DaysApril 8, 2007

Mountain Bikes and Equestrians at Lysterfield ParkMarch 8, 2007

Tracks and Trails Conference - Sunshine Coast, March 2008March 6, 2007

IMBA Launches new Book - Managing Mountain BikingMarch 1, 2007

RNP Volunteer Days - and moreFebruary 13, 2007

New MTBA trail advocacy cardsNovember 5, 2006

New Study Examines Mountain Biking Impacts (from IMBA news)November 3, 2006

Mt. Stromlo MTB Park updateOctober 25, 2006

MTBA elected to sit on Bicentenial National Trail BoardOctober 12, 2006

MTBA to speak at 2006 International Conference on EcotourismOctober 11, 2006

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Program Seeks New TeamSeptember 19, 2006

Queensland Mountain Bike Forum LaunchedAugust 22, 2006

Mountain biking in National Park single track? Yes, it can happen!August 11, 2006

Nominate for the 2006 Bicycling Achievement AwardsAugust 5, 2006

Wollemi Wandering: One riders time on part of the BNTAugust 5, 2006

Car Parking and Organising Events at Lysterfield ParkAugust 3, 2006

Royal National Park MTB Reference GroupJuly 19, 2006

A quick update for you on the Glenrock POM process.June 27, 2006

MTBA invited to speak at the 2006 World IMBA SummitJune 15, 2006

Bicentennial National Trail: Cairns to HealsvilleJune 15, 2006

Mount Stromlo is coming - are you going to be there?June 10, 2006

MTB in the MediaJune 1, 2006

Otway Ranges Mountain Bike Trails Project UpdateMay 25, 2006

US National Park Service Report Examines Trail Impacts and SolutionsMay 19, 2006

Illegal trail blazers in Glenrock State Conservation Area warnedMay 5, 2006

Adelaide MTB Club Trails Access Web pageApril 28, 2006

CORC takes trail advocacy to new heightsApril 28, 2006

Join the Mountain Bike Volunteer Program in Royal National ParkApril 18, 2006

First class mountain bike trail to be built in WA's Great Southern region
May 6, 2009