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Port to Port giveaway - And the winner is...

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Big Congratulations to...

Hank!

Answer your PM for details of how to utilise the prize. Well done, and good luck!

To the rest of the entrants, sorry about that, but remember, you can still enter online the regular way here:

https://porttoportmtb.com/registration

P.S Looking forward to at least one race report and some happy snaps Smiling

Rob's picture

Port to Port MTB Stage Race - Entry giveaway here!

Entries now closed!

Win a complimentary ride entry into the 2017 Port to Port MTB race, May 25 - 28, valued at $440!

Port to Port MTB is one of the nation’s premium MTB stage races. A chance to experience some of the incredible tracks and trails we have in our backyard. OK - well, Newcastle's backyard, but it's not that far Eye-wink

The kind folks at Port to Port MTB Stage Race have given us a complimentary entry into this year's event to do with as we please.

While they suggest this could be auctioned off or used personally by an admin fairy I thought a more appropriate use would be to simply offer this entry to the community in a lottery.

If you would like to take part in this lottery simply comment (once or more, but multiple comments will not increase your chance of winning) on this thread before midnight on Sunday 23 April 2017 (AEST). The winner will be chosen at random the following day to give them plenty of time to register. NB: public registrations close May 23 so if you don't win but will still like to enter there's plenty of chance to do so.

NB: This is a multi-day MTB stage race. Please be sure you are able to complete the course and are able to meet other logistical requirements (transport, accommodation, meals and other incidentals are NOT included) before entering.

See the attached Ts&Cs from the event organiser.

... and good luck! Smiling

Rob's picture

February '17 Trail Advocacy Round Up

2017 - Knapsack Trail Day Schedule

Just a heads up on a few trail advocacy happenings mentioned in the forum lately.

First off, our friends over at BMORC have locked in 4 maintenance days this year, starting on Feb 25 with Knapsack Build Day - XC and DH. All the dates are in the calendar. See their announcement for more details and discussion: 2017 - Knapsack Trail Day Schedule.

Then we have a couple of consultations here or coming up in the local area:

  • Eastern Blue Mountains Escarpment Master Plan survey - Thanks to BikePhysio for the heads up, and as he says, "Please take time to invest in their very short survey and propose more cycling infrastructure including the reopening of the old Glenbrook tunnel."
  • OMV public consult coming soon - Your chance to have your say on restoration of public land around the existing OMV site. Naturally, the more voices asking for extended MTB infrastructure the better. Be heard! And thanks to Hawkeye for kindly volunteering to liaise on this matter - it's a pretty dry and thankless task but someone has to do it!
Rob's picture

2016 Xmas Ride - December 11

Did this come with bike?

There's not much 'real' news about these days, as can be seen from the 2015 Xmas ride still floating around on our front page!

So am taking the chance to remind everyone that this is actually a social site for organising MTB rides in the Sydney area. Who'd have thought Eye-wink

To that end, thanks to sikllama for posting up the NoBMoB xmas ride 2016. Come along and have some fun. Bike decorations are optional Eye-wink

And another gentle reminder: post it and they will come (eventually)... create a ride meeting regularly and, yes, eventually, you'll get some company.

Rob's picture

Oaks Single Track Closed

Just a heads up for those thinking of riding in the Blue Mountains: the Oaks single track has been closed by NPWS due to "...potential asbestos contamination". Doesn't appear to affect the rest of the trail though.

Full quote:

Glenbrook Single Mountain bike track will be closed due to potential asbestos contamination. Riders and walkers will not be permitted on the track during the closure. Woodford Oaks fire trail riders can continue down the Oaks fire trail to exit via Glenbrook. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Richmond area office on (02) 4588 2400 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Form more details see: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park...

Rob's picture

Old Mans Valley to Stay Open

OMV to Stay Open

In case you missed the good news, OMV to Stay Open.

There had been talk of shutting down an all too rare pocket of legal single track in our area, but long term closure looks to have been averted.

Rehabilitation work in the area around the track is due to start in July, so please keep an eye out for notices around this and respect any re-routing of the trail.

Full details in the link above. Thanks to Tristania for the heads up.

Rob's picture

Happy Holidays from the Mod

The obligatory Long Track photo

Once again it's that time of year where we will all (well, mostly all) have time to get out on the trails and enjoy whatever form of riding it is we love.

Big shout out to all those who showed up to the Xmas ride recently and made it what sounds like a big success. And thanks to the other Rob for organising. Don't forget anyone can post up their social rides in the calendar for more of the same.

More thanks go to Tristan for his insightful post about the morning. Very good points for all those who have forgotten about the true meaning of Xmas... erm... I mean MTB Eye-wink

So, whatever your plans this holiday season, wishing you happy trails. Enjoy & stay safe.

Cheers Smiling

Rob's picture

Let's say that again - Please respect areas our trails pass by!

Don't be an ass - stay off Engravings Track

A while back we posted a gentle reminder to please respect for the environment our trails pass through.

Sadly the message doesn't seem to be getting through. Take a look at this sign snapped by Hawkeye (and his rather more strongly worded post).

Nothing more to say!

Rob's picture

Respect for the environment our trails pass through

Please! Stop riding Bantry Bay Engravings Trail: The selfish few threatening new trails

In case you hadn't seen Please! Stop riding Bantry Bay Engravings Trail: The selfish few threatening new trails... well... a gentle reminder of it's message:

It takes literally years to negotiate authorised access to trails in and around Sydney. When people don't respect the land trails pass by and deviate from them it jeopardises access for all. Both now, and in future projects.

Please respect the areas we have the privilege to be able to ride in and stick to formed, authorised trails only.

Thank you Smiling

Rob's picture

Post 50,000! Thank you!

While taking a break from that giant comical thread on MTB wheel sizes I've just noticed we were about to hit 50,000 threads. So here it is, post 50,000.

This is a small site and the number isn't particularly large compared to many others, but it's as good a milestone as any to thank everyone who contributes in both knowledgeable and often humorous ways. The mods here do their best to keep things clean, tidy and balanced. It's a credit to all that despite a lot of passion not much has to be done in that respect. Even when discussing wheel sizes Eye-wink

So thank you all. Here's to 50k more... Cheers! Smiling

Rob's picture

Happy Holidays - Bantry Bay Gahnia Track is now open!

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Amazing stonework/ rock armouring on this trail

Just in time for the holiday break another amazing win for local riders. Bantry Bay Gahnia track is now open.

Aimed at experienced riders this trail runs in a one way North to South direction from the Bluff Track entrance. See Gahnia Trail Map.

NPWS explains, "...the first 50 m of this track has been designed to test if your bike handling skill is at the level needed for tracks rated ‘more difficult’. If you find you are not yet competent at all the challenges in this section, then do not proceed any further along the track. It is permitted to go back up the track to the start from this section only. Do not cut through the bush to exit the track.

Thanks to Mario for the pictures (more after the break) - this stuff looks great.

Get out there!

More discussion here: Gahnia - Bantry Bay ready to ride Christmas Eve.

Rob's picture

Bantry Bay Serrata Track is Now Open. Stick to the Forestville side only please!

Great news for local riders! The new Serrata Track at Bantry Bay can now be ridden... on the Forestville side only please!

All trail work is complete and signage installed.

Please stay out of Gahnia on the Wakehurst Parkway side which is still under construction with more raised platform to be installed to get over highly sensitive sites.

Both tracks are due for ribbon cutting ceremony early next year by key government officials whom have supported this.

Huge thanks to everyone who made this happen. This track represents many years of lobbying and hard work by a lot of people.

More discussion in the forum here:

http://nobmob.com/node/49218
http://nobmob.com/node/49242

Rob's picture

This weekend (15/16 Nov) is NPWS Fee Free in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

I'm not sure if this applies to other NSW parks, but while out riding this morning noticed that this weekend (15/16 Nov) is NPWS Fee Free in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

The toll booths are closed and there's a sign up stating no fees for entry this weekend.

If you enter the park on a bike this doesn't make any difference of course Eye-wink

... however, beginners who baulk at the entry fee (come on though!) and for whom the ride up to somewhere like Bairne Track, Towlers Bay, etc. is a little far could take this as a chance to try out those locations.

Bairne Track is great for beginners for example. Towlers Bay maybe a little less so (just be careful on the way down and aware of the killer climb out).

Or use this as an excuse to take your non-cycling buddies out to some of the places we all love and enjoy.

Rob's picture

Mt Annan, Sunday, 10am: Social ride for beginner/intermediates

Another creek crossing

This one's for all the lurkers out there: a reminder that Grary has posted up a Social Ride for newcomers and intermediate level riders at Mt Annan this Sunday.

Check the calendar for more details:

http://nobmob.com/node/48929

Many thanks for organising Grary.

So don't be shy guys, click the "change to show you're in" link on the calendar entry above and get out there! Smiling

Rob's picture

Congrats Jason English: Solo 24 World Champ for the 5th time!

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Racing often takes a bit of a back seat here. We're a community site, mainly here to have fun, but recognition of some sporting feats in the world of MTB really have to be congratulated.

Over the weekend Jason English became the Solo 24 Hour World Champion... for the 5th time! For much of the race Jason was out front but victory was sealed a couple of hours from the end when he put in a two blistering laps, destroying all hope of a catch the second place rider may have been holding onto. Boom!

Special mention to Brett Bellchambers too, for taking out the SS category.

There are many new recreational riders online here, so for those that don't know, this event works as so: Midday on Saturday one steps onto a MTB. They ride round a circuit (this year in Fort William, Scotland) until midday Sunday. Non-stop. Solo. The rider to finish the most laps in the shortest time before that Sunday cut-off wins. Yes - 24 hours without a break - Insane! Eye-wink

Rob's picture

Profiles updated - pick a ride, any ride!

Just a quick note to say that this morning I've gone through and given the ride profiles section a well overdue clean up. A filter has also been added so you can focus on just a specific area.

All profiles now have to be entered with GPS data. This means they all get a map and altitude data to users can see exactly what's what before heading out. There are more plans afoot that this is required for - stay tuned!

As always, this is a community site and everyone is encouraged to share their favourite routes through local trails. If you can add some pictures and encouraging words then all the better.

Enjoy! Smiling

Ride profiles here: http://nobmob.com/rides/profiles

Rob's picture

Saturday, October 4 is IMBA's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day

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IMBA will celebrate its eleventh-annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (#TKMBD) on Saturday, October 4, 2014. This is a great opportunity for you to share your passion for pedaling with kids!

Details here: https://www.imba.com/kids

Of course this isn't restricted to North America though. Why not arrange your own kids ride? Don't forget to post it up in the caldendar.

Rob's picture

Bare Creek Bike Plan - Dedicated MTB Facilities for the Northern Beaches. Help Required Now!

Do you want a purpose built bike park on the Northern Beaches - one that is dedicated Mountain Biking? A plan is proposed for such a facility at Belrose Waste Management Centre after it closes soon, but...

Help is needed to get this plan approved. Can you help by emailing the local councillors and expressing your views? Just something simple that explains you are behind the plan is all it would take.

The next council meeting is 27th May, so these emails need to find their target before that date. If you could attend the meeting to show support all the better.

The councillor's email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

More background can be found in this thread: Bare Creek Bike Park.

Thank you.

Rob's picture

Ever thought about entering an MTB marathon?

Cycologically Challenged!

Many thanks to all the keen competitors from last weekend's Convict 100 race who took the time to blog about the event and share their stories. There were indeed some fantastic efforts and great yarns.

It's not fair to single anyone out - every participant makes an event - but is always good to share a photo so here's Tristan riding the infamous bridge. Have a look at Cycologically Challenged! to hear how he went.

Great to see so many riders keen to share like this, and so many comments of appreciation, encouragement and congratulations. This is what MTB is about to many - a huge challenge out in the (relative) wilds with mates and strangers alike. Strangers who, after a ride along the Woomerah Range, somehow you will have a special connection with forever. If you've been there, done that you know exactly what I'm talking about! Eye-wink

For those not sure about trying an event like this, take a look at the blogs on the Convict 100 2014 page. Just don't be put off too much. Remember: nothing worth doing in life is ever easy!

Also remember that blogs like this build into a handy reference of event results in a tab on your profile and you don't have to write an essay to do that.

Rob's picture

An important request from the Mayor of Warringah - remember to share the trails with courtesy

We have received an important request from the Mayor of Warringah regarding concerns some residents in the area have about riders behaviour on the track around Narrabeen Lagoon.

Please take a moment to review this and take on board his message (and one that we have been supporting for many years) that the trails are there to share.

Obviously this is a particularly family friendly trail and not only should riders take care when approaching and passing walkers and joggers, they should also be aware a large number of young children learn to ride (and to love riding) right here.

Full details can be found here: Cyclists on the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. Please follow up on that thread.

Rob's picture

Mowbray Park Farm track official opening tomorrow (Saturday 18th) - family friendly rides ahead?

Just a reminder for those who might have missed the Mowbray Park Farm track official opening calendar entry.

Enjoy the heat? Why not go and check out this new trail to the South of Sydney (near Picton) this weekend? For those that don't, might be worth a visit at another time?

The site looks like a pretty promising option for riders who may feel guilty about leaving the family at home while they indulge in the pleasures of MTB. There appear to be a tonne of family friendly activities for the significant other & kids. Kudos for the initiative guys!

All the details are on the calendar page linked above. Note club membership requirements before planning your trip!

Rob's picture

Manly Dam consultation sessions: Free BBQ and a chance to have your say!

Reverse angle drainage

Here's a bit of welcome news: Warringah Council are running two consultation sessions on the future of Manly Dam. Even better, these are to be run at the Dam and accompanied by a free BBQ lunch.

If you haven't been to the Dam in a while perhaps this is the perfect excuse? Take a ride, grab some well earned post-ride lunch and let the council know what an important venue this is for riders.

Dates are in our calendar and are:

Sunday 12 January, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Saturday 1 February, 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Details from council here:

http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/your-council/pla...

This is all part of the consultation process which will end on Monday 10 February, so if you can't get there be sure to give your input in some other way on how the park (and of course mountain bike track) should be managed.

More details on the consultation here:

http://yoursaywarringah.com.au/manlydam

Rob's picture

Garigal NP/Bantry Bay to get authorised trails - it's official!

Back in June it was announced that NPWS had put out for comment amendments to Garigal National Park that, amongst other things, included provision for an authorised trail at Bantry Bay (see Garigal NP/Bantry Bay Proposed Trails - Act Now!).

The great news is that yesterday these amendments were officially announced and include a map of proposed trails pretty much unchanged from that put out for comment (see attached).

The full plan with these amendments can be found on-line at the Environment & Heritage site here:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parkmanagement...

It includes some nice phrases such as...

Easily accessible mountain bike riding is also provided for in Garigal National Park. This activity will be enhanced by the purpose-built track proposed for construction in the Bantry Bay area of the park. There are opportunities to link tracks in the park to adjacent natural areas, thus creating a district track network.

The experience provided will be an authorised, cross-country / all-mountain mountain bike route, approximately seven to ten kilometres in length as shown on Map 4. The track will comprise mostly a 'one-way' route from beginner up to intermediate levels. The route will include attractive landscape features, such as view points. It will allow separation of mountain bike riders from bushwalkers. It will be supported by basic local government visitor infrastructure such as car parking space and toilets and will aim to attract local and regional visitors who may wish to enjoy a few hours exploring the park and surrounds.

Happy days Smiling

Rob's picture

Common 'newbie' queries on buying or upgrading a bike. How do a few local shops fair?

A lot of questions are asked in the forum here relate to buying a new bike for the first time, or (more often I think) upgrading from that first ride.

We'd like to think of the average user here as pretty knowledgeable, and that you'll find plenty of good advice in places like our MTB Gear Forum. That said, we were interested to find out how the pros in some local bike shope would respond to some common queries:

1. I'd like to take up MTB riding and have a limited budget, what's the best 'cheap' bike for me to buy to start?

2. I've been riding some local firetrails on my Huffy hardtail and feel ready to take my riding to the next level, take on some rougher terrain & maybe small drops. Say I have $2,500 to spend, what should I be looking at? Talk me into spending more if you can!

3. My 'significant other' has recently taken up MTB riding. They don't have much gear. In fact they ride in old tees, board shorts and trainers. What's the best gift under $100 you can recommend giving to a relatively new rider?

4. Store's choice (optional): aside from the above, what's the most common type of query you get and what does the customer usually end up buying?

Head on over to Local Bike Shops: Responses to common newbie queries to find out how they went.

Rob's picture

Have you tried our new Trails Finder?

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As we mentioned a while back the trails DB on this site has had a bit of work done recently. With points of interest and other features now able to be classified we've been able to build a complete trails finder page.

On there, you can filter and search by features and instantly see on the map where those trails are.

Best Mountain Bike