Forrest Skills Park open for summer holidays

MOUNTAIN bikers of all ages and abilities can sharpen their skills following the opening of a new skills park at Forrest in the Otways.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) committed $30,000 to construct a trail loop of obstacles mountain bike riders encounter on the 60 kilometres of trails around the Forrest township.

FFMVic Otway District Manager David Roberts said they were excited to be able to provide the facility for the Forrest community and the wider public.

“The skills park is part of the Forrest mountain bike trail network, which we have seen become more and more popular with locals and visitors alike in recent years,” Mr Roberts said.

“The park was first identified as a priority project in the Forrest Mountain Bike Strategic Plan in 2015.

“Trail building company Trailscapes was engaged to design and construct the skills park, in consultation with the Forrest Mountain Bike Club.

“The project took around three weeks to complete and involved creating the trail path and building structures out of rocks, timber and heaped soil.”

He said the new skills park included more than 500 metres of track, featuring a range of obstacles and challenges aimed at developing the skills riders need on the Forrest trail network.

“The park’s location, adjacent to the trailhead carpark on Forrest – Apollo Bay Road, provides convenient access for visitors.

“Riders will be able to practice their skills on constructed features, such as ladders and berms, as well as different trail surfaces, such as gravel and rock.

“People of all ages and abilities will be able to utilise the park to develop their riding skills in a safe environment that’s centrally located to the Forrest township and facilities.

“We’ve seen interest in mountain bike riding increase over the last five or so years, with many people visiting Forrest for its mix of trails.

“We hope the addition of the skills park opens the activity up to a wider audience, particularly to support participation of children and families in the sport.

“FFMVic thanks riders for their understanding while works were completed, and hopes the park brings a new perspective to mountain bike riding for the Forrest community.”