Trail riders jumping for joy

Scores of local mountain bikers flocked to the opening of a new free-ride jump trail near the Pines off-road cycling hotspot earlier this month.
The new track, developed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife service ,is the first in a series of planned improvements to support mountain bike tourism and local recreational needs in the region.
“The newly completed freeride jump trail is the first new trail to be constructed from the concept plan,” the DBCA said.
“The trail was designed, built and funded by the Margaret River Off-Road Cycling Association in partnership with the Parks and Wildlife Service.”
The new trail was part of a proposed 17km network replacing unauthorised trails removed during pine-harvesting operations.
“More trail construction in the pines area is planned for the 2020-2021 financial year,” DBCA said.
MTB enthusiasts have pondered the long wait times for progress on local trails while watching new MTB trails fast-tracked in Collie.
Biker and photographer Sean Blocksidge noted residents were thrilled at the track’s opening on July 4. “It’s no secret we’ve gone a bit backwards in recent years with a net loss of trails in the last decade, despite the Margaret River area being one the fastest-growing bike-riding regions in the State,” he said.
“Looks like a few people finally rattled the cage at a government level and things are starting to happen all round the State, with some really exciting trail development in Collie and Dwellingup.”
Mr Blocksidge said about a hundred people turned up to test the new tracks.
“With every surrounding carpark and trail access point full to overflowing most weekends, it doesn’t take too much brainpower to realise bike riding now eclipses surfing as the most popular sport in the region,” he said.
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