Geelong’s new mountain bike trail revealed

A new trail to test young mountain bike riders’ skills has opened as the centrepiece of a suburban Geelong park.

Tom Ovens, a mountain bike rider and teacher from Oberon High School tests the downhill trail at Shoalhaven Park in Mt Duneed. Picture: David Smith

A downhill mountain bike trail is ready for riders to test at Mount Duneed.

The circuit is a sporting centrepiece of a $1.6 million park opened in Geelong’s southern growth corridor.

Shoalhaven Park is the 7500sq m centrepiece of the Warralily Grange housing estate.

It was designed in collaboration between Warralily and City of Greater Geelong’s open space and recreation team, with play spaces and equipment covering a wide range of ages and abilities.

Eli Wright on a platform jump.

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The elevated position is one of the southern-most positions in the Geelong urban area and provides an ideal location for the park’s mountain bike trail.

It’s designed with varying challenges to cater for novices through to advanced riders.

Tommy Pocock rounds a bend at Shoalhaven Park. Picture: David Smith

The trail is the second of its kind in Geelong and will cater for the growing popularity of mountain biking.

The other is The Hill Mountain Bike Park in Newcastle St, Newtown.

Geelong Mountain Bike Club president Alan Flaherty said it’s great to have tracks in the community that local kids can access themselves from home, without parents needing to drive them.

Oscar Fisher.

“It’s all about getting more people out on their bikes, having a go and having fun,” he said.

Oberon High School teacher and elite cross country mountain bike rider Tom Ovens road-tested the trail with students.

Mr Ovens said it’s hugely important to have spaces for children to get outside and be physically active.

“Time spent with friends is also important for their mental health,” he said.

Difficult and easy lines offer obstacles for riders of different abilities.

“Mountain biking is a great activity to bring kids together and is becoming a bigger community sport.

“Towns are starting to see the benefits of dedicated trails and this one will be great for local kids.”

The park also has a basketball-netball quarter-court, staking features and a kick-about space, plus play equipment.

Geelong councillor Ron Nelson planted a river redgum species indigenous to Mt Duneed to open the park.

Originally published as Geelong’s new mountain bike trail revealed