Published: 13 August 2024

Mark your calendars and pump up your tyres – the eastern section of Mogo Trails opens on Saturday 17 August.

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher is gearing up to hit the dirt.

“So many of us are itching to check out these new mountain bike trails; I can tell you - they’re looking mint,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“We’ve been working hard with trail builders, Rocky Trail, to complete the eastern network and there’s still more to come, but word is out there about the quality of these trails, and we want to get riders out there to experience it for themselves.”

Rocky Trail’s Martin Wisata said his work crews from Next Level MTB are getting 70 kilometres ready to ride by Saturday.

“If the weather is kind to us that might well be 80 kilometres,” Mr Wisata said.

Mr Wisata said the trails are modern, innovative and inclusive.

“These trails are truly special; from the super-easy white trails to the most challenging double blacks, the network is designed to cater to every riding and racing ambition, whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker, a gravity enthusiast, an adaptive rider, or a newbie looking to hone your skills,” he said.

“We’ve made sure everyone gets back to the start without having to tackle tracks beyond their skills.”

For now, the eastern trails will continue to roll out to a total of around 90 kilometres. Eurobodalla Council’s Mogo Trails project manager Shane Spicer said some trails originally planned for west of the highway had been moved to the east.

“We’re bringing more of the trail closer to communities and facilities and taking advantage of favourable east-side geology,” Mr Spicer said.

“But don’t worry, the west side will still be epic, with an awesome remote drop point and trails with a real sense of adventure.”

Mr Spicer said the official date for the complete network of about 130 kilometres will be in early-2025.

“With such a huge network of trails, there’s a lot to consider before opening,” Mr Spicer said.

“We want to make sure everyone who visits has an awesome experience - this means not just having amazing trails but also getting the parking, restrooms, and signage just right.

“Building a bike park of this scale is relatively new in this country. It has brought its own set of challenges but nothing Council’s and Rocky Trail’s teams couldn’t handle. We’re pretty proud of what we’ve done so far and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Mogo Trails is funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the Restart NSW Growing Local Economies fund.

Mayor Hatcher said Mogo Trails was more than just a new recreational opportunity: “It’s a fantastic economic driver for the region’s recovery.”

“After the devastation of the bushfires, these trails will bring visitors and investment, helping to boost our local economy and support the community well into the future,” Mayor Hatcher said.

“It’s great to see local businesses gearing up for the influx of visitors, thanks to Council’s ride-ready programs and initiatives.”

Mayor Hatcher said Eurobodalla Council and Batemans Bay Mountain Bike Club will host a community ride day to provide tours for all rider levels.

“Save the date for Saturday 5 October; we’ll share details on the event soon. Keep an eye on Council’s website,” Mayor Hatcher said.

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