REVAMPED BIKE TRAILS GET TOP MARKS

A massive summer of works on the Mt Buller bike trail network is nearly complete, and feedback from riders is a resounding thumbs up for the improvements.

A $1.25m investment and months of sweat, digging and dirt has delivered a dramatic transformation across approx. 70 kms of XC, gravity and flow trails at Mt Buller.   Trails stemming from the village, around Corn Hill, along the Delatite River and down the gravity network have been expertly restored over the summer.  The refurbishment has produced a more modern and exciting trail network for the resort, while improving the resilience of the trails themselves through functional design updates.

The recent re-opening of Stonefly – 10kms of beautiful, alpine single track - puts this popular trail back on the menu this autumn. 

Watch the Contour Works crew testing their handiwork:

YES - I NEED VIDEO

The XC trails restoration schedule is in the capable hands of Evan and Ryan from Contour Works who can take much of the credit for the superior experience riders are already savouring on trails including Gang Gangs, Soul Revival, Clancy’s Run, Split Rock, One Tree Hill, Wombat, Medusa, Misty Twist and Woolly Butt.   Contour Works’ efforts are currently focused on finessing the downhill section of the legendary Australian Alpine Epic Trail, with hopes to have it back open for Easter riders if possible. 

“It’s wonderful to hear the buzz up here as riders come off the shuttles and are genuinely excited about what they’ve just ridden,” says Resort CEO Mark Bennetts. 

“This funding from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund has enabled us to update the network and uplift the offering for riders.   Mt Buller Mt Stirling can now confidently reclaim its status as a ‘must ride’ Australian MTB destination.  The feedback from participants in recent events such as the Alpenflow Epic and Vic Downhill Series has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“After a few difficult years for our community this is a much-needed boost.  We are delighted the refurb is enticing riders to come back to Mt Buller again – and to hear they love the changes.”

There is still a month in the autumn season to get up to Mt Buller and test the freshly minted trails with more eagerly awaited trails coming online soon including Outlaw. 

David McCoombe from the resort Environmental Services team has been working with the trail construction crews and is thrilled with the transformation, “We’re ahead of schedule and the rains this summer have worked for us to get trails compacted and ready to ride sooner than expected.  It’s been great to get them open for everyone to enjoy what Contour Works, Trailscapes and James Civil have been working so hard on.  There’s no question the ride experience has stepped up to a new level. All the trails, for all levels are a whole lot more fun to ride.”

Trails are open until the end of April and this Easter is set to be a busy one with riders booking stays to make the most of the autumn weather. 

The Mt Buller Trail Report has the latest on what’s open, events and shuttle information >>> here

SOME NITTY AND GRITTY:

Clancy’s Run is a great example of the improvements to the XC network.  It had become rough, rocky and relentless so was popular with hardcore riders but too much of a bone-shaker for many.  The refurbishment of this section has seen the meticulous removal of many of the smaller rocks, generous widening of the corners and an overall reshape to help riders carry more steady speed along the trail.

Popular flowy XC trail Stonefly has been overhauled and reopened earlier than expected.  While trying to preserve some of the original charm, riders are reporting plenty of new highlights along the 10km loop, especially the final half of the descent that has riders thinking about a second lap so they can do it all again.

Gravity trail lovers have Trailscapes to thank for the improvements on all things downhill, improving the alignment of aging trails with the logistics challenges of working in the ski area.

The Australian Alpine Epic remains a work in progress on the downhill section which is currently closed.  Updates closer to Easter will keep riders on posted on whether it’s ready – stay tuned. Riders wishing to get in some Epic-ness can still use the Stonefly ascent.

Works on Outlaw trail are now complete and settling. Some autumn rain will help bed it in and an update on when it’s ready to ride will be coming soon.  One to put on your Easter list to get reacquainted.

Copperhead fans will find there have been major improvements to the middle section and will find more jump features in the mix.  Overall the ride is now more fun and friendly for riders keeping to the main line.

• New Riders are advised to start with a few laps of One Tree Hill and head to Gang Gangs onto Split Rock to make a loop as confidence builds
• Intermediate riders will be really happy with the changes on Copperhead and Outlaw in the Gravity Zone and Clancy’s Run and Misty Twist in the XC trail network
• Advanced riders will love the extra speed to be found all over the network with more playful features and jumps sprinkled through and some fresh new lines on International and Outlaw to mix things up.