Mountain bike club launches new way to care for Jacks Ridge trails

A NEW “Adopt-a-Track” scheme at Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park is giving local riders the chance to help care for one of the best mountain bike destinations on the east coast of New South Wales.

The six-month trial was launched by the Nambucca Valley Mountain Bike Club in mid-February and has already attracted strong support from club members.

Located just seven kilometres from the Nambucca Visitor Centre, Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park sits within Nambucca State Forest and features more than 26 kilometres of hand-built cross-country trails through bushland.

The park caters for riders of all skill levels and is well known for its impressive wooden features, including Phil’s Flyover and the legendary Big Boris.

Founded in 2011 as the Nambucca Valley Cycle Club, the club now trades as the Nambucca Valley Mountain Bike Club to better reflect its focus.

Club volunteers have always maintained the park through organised working bees.

However, feedback from riders revealed many people wanted to help but could not make the scheduled times.

The Adopt-a-Track scheme was created to provide a more flexible option.

Under the program, volunteers choose a section of track to look after, decide when they want to do the work and can even choose who they do it with.

The minimum commitment is just two hours a month.

“People told us they wanted to help, but work, family and other commitments meant they couldn’t always get to a working bee,” Nambucca Valley Mountain Bike Club member Ruth Miller told News of the Area.

“This scheme gives people the freedom to contribute in a way that suits them, while still making a real difference to the park.”

Volunteers complete a short induction before starting and sign on and off each time they work on the tracks.

Track safety signs are used and volunteers wear appropriate protective clothing, particularly for their eyes and ears.

Club membership also includes AusCycling volunteer insurance.

The work itself is straightforward.

Volunteers rake or blow leaves from the tracks, clear drains, trim light overhanging foliage, move sticks and branches and brush-cut grass that is starting to creep onto the trails.

The trial has already produced impressive results.

In the first four weeks, 12 people signed up and completed 15 track maintenance sessions.

Together they contributed almost 39 hours of work and have adopted an estimated 6.6 kilometres of track, around a quarter of the entire network.

The extra maintenance has made the tracks safer, easier to follow and more enjoyable to ride.

The club has also noticed improved emergency access to some areas.

On the Roller Coaster emergency exits off Big Boris, volunteers discovered trees blocking the access routes and quickly cleared them.

“Having more people out on the tracks more often means issues are picked up earlier,” Ms Miller said.

“It might be a blocked drain, a fallen tree, a damaged timber feature or simply a section of trail that needs some attention.
“It also means our members can choose the cooler parts of the day or work around the weather, which makes it much easier for people to get involved.”

The club says the scheme has also created more opportunities for members to connect with one another and talk about the tracks.

It is hoped the program will also help promote the park to a wider audience through social media and encourage more people to visit.

Recent visitors to Jacks Ridge included the Ride to Fly mountain bike fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The club believes having more of the network in top condition at any one time will help ensure visitors continue to leave with a positive impression.

“Jacks Ridge is already regarded as one of the best mountain bike parks on the east coast and this scheme will help us build on that reputation,” Ms Miller said.

Anyone interested in joining the Adopt-a-Track scheme or learning more about the club can contact Ruth Miller at ruthmiller5212@gmail.com.

By Mick BIRTLES