ForestrySA to sanction trails in Mount Gawler Forest Reserve, Kersbrook, for official mountain bike use
It was once a well-kept secret, but after mountain bike riders were forced out of their usual trails by the bushfires, Kersbrook is overrun. Now it’s going to be a dedicated trail network.
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It was a well-kept secret among the mountain biking community for years.
But Mount Gawler Forest Reserve at Kersbrook is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for thrillseeking riders.
The 1886ha reserve has been inundated by local downhill and enduro riders for the past five months, with close to 100 cars lining Mount Gawler Rd on weekends.
Riders have been forced to seek alternative trails, such as Kersbrook, since December 20, when the Cudlee Creek fire devastated the state’s mountain bike park at Fox Creek.
The surge in popularity has prompted a call to action by ForestrySA, which is seeking to sanction the trail network for official mountain bike use.
A draft proposal is expected to be put forward by July 30 and will provide a road map of future management, upkeep and development of trails.
“ForestrySA has engaged TrailScapes to undertake an initial trail audit, to identify trail grading and classification, environmental, sustainability and safety issues and critical signage requirements,” Forestry SA manager of community services Monique Blason said.
“A Kersbrook trails plan will be prepared for the site, including the locations of existing, and proposed new trail sites.
“The exact vision is yet to be determined, but will likely centre around provision of a range of challenging trails for experienced riders, while conserving the area’s unique native habitat.
“The volunteer trail builders have also expressed a desire to stay true to their grassroots build style, which we respect.”
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Ms Blason said the trail audit would also identify environmental, sustainability and safety issues.
“Mount Gawler Forest Reserve is one of the strongholds of two nationally endangered spider-orchids … which are subject to a national recovery plan,” she said.
“The trails plan will include measures to reduce risk to the orchids and other native species and habitat.”
TrailScapes company director Garry Patterson said while there had been a huge surge in mountain biking over the past two decades, it had really accelerated in the past three months.
“During this lockdown, people have been looking for things to do and of course, many have discovered bike riding,” Mr Patterson said.
“So it’s a huge industry in the country at the moment … and Kersbrook just adds to that.
“Kersbrook, at the moment, seems to be a location riders just can’t get enough of. So with auditing these trails, we’ll hopefully be able to expand on it.”