Whether you’re a pro on two wheels or want to give something new a go, the world of mountain biking is at your fingertips in northern Victoria. ANNA MCGUINNESS reports.
Not only is it fantastic exercise and a way to clear the head, mountain bike riding is a great way for the whole family to experience our own backyard.
So dust off your bike and get ready to hit the trails.
Greater Shepparton
With more than 10km of cross country trails for all abilities, Mt Major is a must on the bucket lists of mountain bike enthusiasts.
Just under half-an-hour drive from Shepparton, Mt Major is near the town of Dookie and has a purpose-built mountain bike park with a variety of downhill and cross country circuits.
The Shepparton Sports Precinct is also home to a world-class BMX track, catering for all levels and playing host to a number of state, national and international events.
Beechworth
Take your pick from a myriad of trails on offer around Beechworth.
There’s the mapped and marked trails at the Mountain Bike Park and the Flame Trees Trail, or get off-road and hit the fire trails ready to be explored.
While for families, the Beechworth Gorge Scenic Drive is suitable for children aged eight and older, due to a hill climb, and finishes at the Newtown Bridge.
The Explore Beechworth website has information about the local trails, including colour ranking for difficulty.
For information, visit: www.explorebeechworth.com.au/mountain-biking
Bright
Mystic Mountain Bike Park at Bright is a haven of 50km of diverse trails dropping from 800m.
From Shred Kelly’s Last Stand to the Hero Trail — marketed as having changed Australian mountain biking — there is something for everyone to have a crack at.
The trail network is free to ride and many of the trails are accessed from Coronation Avenue. There is a fee for private vehicle entry and shuttle buses are available at peak times.
For information, visit: www.mysticpark.org.au/
Echuca-Moama
A 10-minute drive from Moama’s town centre are 7km of purpose-built mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels.
Spend the day exploring all the features on offer, wall rides and drops, pump track and jumps and rollers.
The park is easily accessed on a shared bike and walking path along Perricoota Rd that links back to Moama or over the bridge to Echuca.