Photo: Easy Street, Jan 2010

Townsville Rockwheelers have just embarked on a new $79,000 programme, of trail development and infrastructure at their 2 most popular local venues. This is on top of the $30,000 of club money already spent in the previous 12 months.

The project to design and construct cross country mountain bike trails at the Douglas Mountain Bike Reserve and Lake Ross is jointly funded by the Queensland Government Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Program ($54,000) and Townsville Rockwheelers Mountain Bike Club ($25,000).

The club has experienced rapid growth in the last three years with membership doubling. This has meant an increase in juniors, females and beginners and hence a need for some , less technical “Gateway” trails, to get them off-road more easily, as well as providing  flexibility with trail layout, for various competitive events.

Lake Ross has been the traditional Rockwheelers Cross Country racing and riding venue and extensions and improvements will continue to be made there. However the Douglas Mountain Bike Park, which has been featured in National Mountain Bike magazines; with its convenient location and easy access for all riders; will see most of the changes. The city, ocean and mountain views from the Ridgelines at Douglas are spectacular and will now be achievable by many more riders.

It is well known that Mountain biking as a form of adventure tourism; attracts riders from all around the world; not just domestic. Townsville’s climate is perfect for 9 months of the year and still rideable for the other 3 months. Many Northern hemisphere countries can only ride for 3 months total.

Bridges over creeks; more  machine made, wide flowing single track trails, as well as off street car parking and practice and racing loops, are all in the future plans.

The hillside contour trails can also serve as access for fire management, helping to preserve the biodiversity of the area, as well as safety for the local residences.

With up to 30% more bikes than cars being sold, and bike commuting up by 22% in Australia, the demand for fun, safe, beginner off-road riding areas is ever increasing. Providing for an environmentally sustainable sport, which assists in building a healthier and more active population, as well as attracting and holding tourists, can only have positive outcomes for the Townsville community.