Head to Uki Mountain Bike Park and win a GoPro

TENS of thousands of riders have flocked to Uki Mountain Bike Park in its first year, cementing its place as a top destination for mountain biking in the region.

The decade-long project, developed in partnership with Tweed Valley Mountain Bike Riders Club and Tweed Shire Council, features 6.4 km of trails catering to everyone from beginners to experienced riders. The park boasts a mix of green, blue, and black diamond trails, along with a pump track designed for children aged 5-12.

Club president Eddie Roberts said the facility has exceeded expectations.

“We knew it would, but it’s great to see,” Roberts said.

“It’s good to see so many families there. Even when there are a lot of visitors, it never really feels too busy, there’s lots of room to spread out.

“It’s a very flowy trail, as well as going up the hill you can use gravity almost the whole way down.

“There are lots of opportunities for air, which makes it a fun trail. Though if we do have rain, it’s worth giving it a day to dry out before making plans to ride.

“We share the management with Tweed Council, which has been amazing. They have done an excellent job in establishing and supporting it.

“Build it, and build it well, and they will come,” he said.

Club secretary Lauren Saunders has been mountain biking for 15 years.

“Things got serious about

seven years ago while riding in Queenstown, NZ, and I realised I didn’t want to feel any other way. I felt empowered, alive and in control,” Saunders said.

“I love the adrenaline, the community, and the achievement in conquering a new feature or simply turning your day around. It can be a time for reflection or a rowdy time with mates or people you’ve just met in the carpark.

“Everyone is so welcoming in the MTB community. You never regret getting out on the bike.

Women in mountain biking are alive and well, Saunders assured this masthead.

“We see women from all walks of life – from seasoned riders to mums out with the family and teens and young girls just getting started.

“We have quite a strong community of women at Uki, and we’re super passionate. I urge anyone on the fence to get in touch with the club and get involved,” she said.

The park is running a video competition to win a GoPro Hero Black 13 donated by sponsors Mt Warning IT. Open to all ages, it invites riders or spectators to submit up to three minutes of footage from the park.

Entries close on January 30 at 5 pm and the winner will be drawn on January 31.

To enter, visit facebook.com/tweedmtb or tvmtbr.com.au