Fiona Kerwin, Richmond River Independent
It has been a busy 12 months for Kyogle Mountain Bike Club.
Three trails have been added to the network, two others were refurbished and a pump track was built in Anzac Park – thanks to two grants from Kyogle Council.
The increase to the trail network made it possible for the club to host events.
The inaugural race at Kyogle Mountain Bike Forest was held in September 2020 and since then the park has been the venue for a further two events.
In the past year the club has also run several bike skills workshops, a trail building workshop, started regular shuttle days and started a program to eradicate lantana in that section of Boorabee State Forest.
Club members have participated in several race series.
Through an incredible effort by a small but tenacious bunch of riders, the club managed a fifth place overall in the NSW vs Qld Borderline series.
This year, club founding member, Lachlan Black stepped down from the executive team.
Lachlan was instrumental in establishing the club as well as ensuring its ongoing success through the development of the Kyogle Council Mountain Bike Strategy providing a long-term vision for the growth of the sport in the Kyogle LGA.
Throughout the year the trails have been cared for and maintained largely by volunteers, not all of them are members of the club, but the hardworking group gave their time to keep the trails safe.
Thanks to a grant from Healthy Communities Northern Rivers, the club was able to buy several bikes that are available for loan to teens wanting to try mountain biking but who do not have access to a bike.
In the coming months a shipping container and shade shelter will be added to the park.
The club will be adding signs to help people navigate the park.
Kyogle MTB Forest is at the top of Yongurra Rd and is open year-round for everyone to use. There are trails suitable for most levels of rider ability. Check out the club Facebook page or contact the club by kyogletrackandtrail@gmail.com for more information.
This article appeared in Richmond River Independent, 29 September 2021.
