HOT ON THE TRAIL: MTB plan gaining support

A PROJECT that would more than triple the length of formal mountain bike trails in Anglesea is picking up pace, following the approval of a concept plan between a local mountain bike club and various stakeholders.

The Surf Coast Mountain Bike Club (SCMBC) has received support from both major political parties for the plan to expand the trail network of mountain bike routes from 30km to 107km, providing more variety for beginners through to expert mountain bikers.

The plan has been identified as a priority of the Growing Adventure Tourism in the Barwon South West Region Strategy, the Geelong Regional Alliance Strategy and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

It was also developed in consultation with stakeholders such as the Surf Coast Shire, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Parks Victoria, local businesses, Traditional Owners, and the Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna (ANGAIR).

SCMBC representative Simon Barnfather said the plan would provide trails linking Torquay through to Aireys Inlet, but funding was needed to start a feasibility study and then construction.

“It’s all very exciting at the moment, but now our attentions turns to one of the upcoming federal regional development rounds to get the ball rolling on obtaining $3 million to complete the project.

“There is a willingness for the Shire to put a bit of money in, but we’ll need a bigger pot of funding to complete the development.”

Along with this larger project, SCMBC has been involved with the recent upgrade of the Bob Pettitt Park jumps track. It also supports the Anglesea Bike Park and is helping to plan for the future upgrade of the Spring Creek Bike Park.

Mr Barnfather said the club remained very active with about 300 club members – one of the largest clubs in Victoria – using the existing trails alongside non-members.

“The club provides regular, heavily subsidised skills clinics to members for riders of all abilities, including children- and female-specific clinics led by qualified coaches.

“We believe that we’re the only club in Victoria offering this, and we also offer monthly social rides at various locations in the shire.”

The club’s annual Anglesea Shifty Fifty Mountain Bike Race will also take place next month on May 13, when hundreds of riders converge on the Surf Coast for elite-level off-terrain racing.

For more on the SCMBC and its projects, head to surfcoastmtb.com.au