m e s s e n g e r
Spring/Summer 2009
Issue Number 19
News of Western Australia’s long-distance off-road cycling trail
Albany in 2012! The biggest news of the year for the MBTF has been the announcement of the Royalties for Regions funding which will mean the Munda Biddi Trail being complete to Albany in 2012! The official announcement of the funding was made jointly at the Mundaring trail head on 30th August by Regional Development Minister Brendan Grylls and Environment Minister Donna Faragher who stressed the tourism, employment and recreation benefits that the Munda Biddi offers to Western Australia. A total of $3 million will be contributed to the project collaboratively from the Great Southern and South West Development Commissions. Another $1 million will be coming from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) ensuring that the Trail will be complete by the end of 2012!
Ron Colman
Since the announcement of the funding earlier in the year, progress has been moving along full steam ahead. MBT Project Coordinator Kerstin Stender is currently holding community consultations along with Crystal Reed to ensure that the best possible alignment is selected between Nannup and Albany and the first drafts of the proposed route have started to appear. Construction on the Trail will be stepped up with crews working from both ends (Nannup and Albany) and new positions at DEC are currently being filled to ensure that the timeline is adhered to. Much talk has also been had about the inaugural end to end ride in 2012. This ride will mark a successful outcome from years of hard work by many individuals as well as a milestone in tourism and recreation in WA. Be sure to note this down in your diary so that you can join us on this monumental ride!
Jim Sharp, Mike Wood & Bruce Manning
Munda Biddi Office The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation’s usual office hours are Monday through Thursday 9am until 5pm. Our office is located at 862 Hay Street, on Level 1 upstairs in the Mountain Designs Building in Perth. Come stop in to purchase maps and merchandise, speak to us about trip planning, upcoming events or just to say hello. Please note the office will be closed for Christmas from 21 December 2009 till 6 January 2010
–T he Foundation office is kindly sponsored by Mountain Designs Hon. Brendan Grylls & Hon. Donna Faragher
In this issue: • • • • •
Events Season Pemberton Camp School - Business Showcase Volunteer Maintenance Program is in full swing Tales from the trail - Drew's Mawson Trail Adventure Volunteer Spotlight - David Tapscott
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MBTF now has two social networking pages! Both pages offer a great opportunity to meet other riders, share your own stories and pictures and keep up to date with news and events on the Trail. Check them out! Facebook – The world’s largest social network www.facebook.com – Search The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trail Talk – Western Australia’s Premier Trails Social Network. http://www.trailtalk.com.au/profile/Munda BiddiTrailFoundation
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“Nearly there, started nine days ago in Jarrahdale and will finish tomorrow in Nannup. Even if it was just a short section of my around the world trip and not very easy with my heavy loaded bike, it is still a highlight of my tour. Thanks a lot to everybody who built up and maintain the trails and huts. After 1 ½ years on the road this is the first time I saw such a great trail!” Dorothee Fleck, Germany
For information on trail conditions, or to report damage to the trail, contact: Department of Environment and Conservation Recreation and Trails Unit 17 Dick Perry Avenue KENSINGTON WA 6151 Phone: (08) 9334 0265 Email: tracksandtrails@dec.wa.gov.au www.dec.wa.gov.au
We welcome your letters, photos and feedback. Next deadline: February 26th 2010 Munda Biddi Trail Foundation PO Box 7445 CLOISTERS SQUARE WA 6850 Phone: (08) 9481 2483 Facsimilie: (08) 9481 2484 Email: admin@mundabiddi.org.au www.mundabiddi.org.au
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Behind the handlebars By Kerstin Stender MBT Project Coordinator
Department of Environment and Conservation, Recreation & Trails Unit Hi there. I have been coordinating the Munda Biddi trail construction for over 1 ½ years now, and is this my first ‘Behind the Handlebars’. For those who don’t know me my name is Kerstin Stender and I started acting as the Trails Coordinator with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in June this year. I am acting in this position while Megan Graham is on maternity leave. You may already have heard that Megan had a beautiful healthy baby girl Charlotte Abigail, born on the Sunday 14th June at 7.9 pounds. The core of my current role is the ongoing coordination of the Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track, in addition to working with DEC’s wider trails network around the State. It looks like this will be a short visit to the Trails Coordinator role though, as I have already started acting in my new role in coordinating the Munda Biddi Trail construction. You are probably aware that we recently received $3 million through the Regional Grants Scheme. Together with the DEC contribution of just over $1 million this will be sufficient funds to complete the trail to Albany in three years! It was certainly a surprise to be successful in our joint funding application with the Foundation. And it is great to see that the Foundation also received a substantial half a million of funding for their community development program. The next three years will be exciting and busy times. What this means for DEC is the establishment of a second office and work team in Albany. Shortly we will be seeking a second project officer position for the Albany end, as well as a second construction supervisor. Nick Detchon, who has been acting in the Assistant Trails Coordinators position since June, my previous role, will continue to work from Nannup. He will be assisted by our construction supervisor Scott Hunter. A part time admin officer will also be engaged to keep track of the extensive project administration. My Munda Biddi Trail Coordinators position will be based in Albany, as that is where most of the work will be.
Funding from the South West and Great Southern Development Commissions will be provided annually, $1/2 million each per year. The detailed payment and acquittal processes are yet to be finalised. I want to thank the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation board, staff and its members for their contribution and support in the process of seeking funding. It has been a long hard road that has required commitment and patience. Thank you also to the first round of volunteers for the trail maintenance program. I am looking forward to get some feedback from your sections in regards to maintenance requirements and the program. With the assistance of maintenance volunteers we have a much greater capacity to ensure that the trail is in a good and safe condition. Having the additional eyes on the ground identifies and fixes problems more quickly and reduces the burden on DEC staff, who are already very limited in time. You might be happy to hear that the next section to be opened will be from Jarrahwood to Manjimup, hopefully later this financial year. From then on there will be annual launches as the trail progresses, between Nannup and Albany. Community consultation will be held between Albany and Walpole later this year, and this will start the process of developing the trail from Albany. After our very successful community consultation for the Manjimup to Walpole section I am excited to be working with the communities east of Walpole, and I might see you at these meetings? Some exciting plans are already underway between Torbay and Elleker and we are hoping to link in with their community trail. As the rain is slowly lifting I encourage you to get out on your bike and enjoy the trail. This weekend I will be getting my bike ready for spring, with a new raised handle bar to minimise my neck problems. It is a shame that my job does not require me to ride more, but I am sure to see you out on the trail soon!
Behind the handlebars cont. By Crystal Reed
Executive Officer The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Times have been busy and exciting in the MBTF office the past 6 months with some fantastic milestones and funding approvals coming our way. We were successful with our application to Outdoors WA in becoming a certified Partnered Assessment Provider. This means that our Ride Guide Course is now recognised in the National Outdoor Leaders Registration Scheme (NOLRS); making the Foundation the first organisation in Western Australia to have this recognition. Following from this we have been granted some funding
through the Department of Sport and Recreation to train our volunteer Ride Guides to this nationally recognised level. Of course then there was the big one, the significant bonus we have received through Royalties for Regions. This is a joint commitment from both the South West Development Commission and Great Southern Development Commission which means that we now have the funds and commitment to have the Trail complete through to Albany by the end of 2012.
ALBANY HERE WE COME!!!! A number of volunteers have contributed to all aspects of the Foundation business and events program to which we are very grateful and appreciative of their efforts. Specifically I would like to thank Drew and Jana who helped Sarah while I was away in Europe for 7 weeks throughout winter. Thank you all for your support. Happy Cycling!
VOLUNTEER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Our Volunteer Maintenance Program has been in full swing since its launch in April of this year and the first two Volunteer Training Days have been held both of which have been a great success. The first Training Workshop started from Pickering Brook and though gale force winds and heavy rain were forecasted, several hardy Munda Biddi Trail Maintenance Volunteers donned their wet weather gear and came along to learn all they needed to know to get started out on the Trail. Therese Jones, Kerstin Stender, Stuart Harrison and Scott Hunter from the Department of Environment and Conservation welcomed the group and provided some theoretical information as well as the Volunteer Welcome Pack which included a handbook and a tool set for each volunteer. After that, the group got their bikes and set off for the Carinyah campsite getting the opportunity to try out their tools on the way as Scott gave the run down on pruning and trail maintenance. The weather cleared and a delicious lunch was had at the Carinyah hut before the group got stuck into a work bee on the campsite making it look like new and having a good laugh while at it.
The Volunteer Maintenance Program is an excellent opportunity to give something back and ensure that the Trail is always kept in peak condition. Other volunteer options include helping at events as a ride guide or doing registrations, assisting at displays or helping out in the Munda Biddi office. If you are interested in joining up as a volunteer please go to the Volunteer page of the website or call (08) 9481 2483. For stories from volunteers on the Trail – see page 10 of this issue!
Our second Volunteer Training Day was held in October and though the weather was fairer, the volunteers were just as hardy and enthusiastic. We now have 18 sections (out of the 43 available) that have been adopted and are being maintained by trained Trail Maintenance Volunteers!
Would you like to help out in the MBTF office? Crystal and Sarah are currently looking for a volunteer that would be able to come in once a fortnight to do memberships and some general office work. No previous office experience is required. As a volunteer you are covered by insurance and are eligible for both MBTF and DEC volunteer benefits. Please contact Sarah on (08) 9481 2483 or admin@mundabiddi.org.au if you are interested in this position.
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EVENTS Come and join us out on the Trail for some fun. This events season has been another huge success with two new events featuring on the calendar; the Munda Biddi Super Charged ride which was a challenging but rewarding ride for experienced riders and Up n’ at Em which saw riders head out on the Trail at first light. Both rides were well received and will be sure to be included on future calendars. This season also had two overnight rides; one enjoying the comforts Nannup has to offer and the other getting out on the Waterous Trail. Overnight events are a great way to prepare for longer trips on the Trail so be sure to look out for them in the next calendar. As always a big thank you goes out to the volunteer ride guides who give their time to ensure that all the events are a success; from the glowing reports below we can be sure that they are doing a great job!!
Just some of the feedback from the participants of the MBTF events… “I just wanted to say what a fabulous event you organised on the weekend! Thanks so much for all your efforts- it was tremendous. Roy and David were really amazing group leaders and I felt really safe riding with them. I know it was a lot harder than I expected, and their response to that was really fantastic and really made the weekend great for me. I really appreciate the efforts Roy, David, Crystal and Sarah put into the weekend and thanks again” Best wishes (A little sore) Jenny (Munda Biddi Experience – October 2009)
“Once the bike ride started, we were all so enthusiastic! The ride was long but a lot less hills than we were used to. We enjoyed riding over the 3 bridges & it was interesting terrain. It rained a little but it was a cool change to the sweat & the dust. I did a little skid on my bike (going down a hill on a corner), stubbornly didn't really want to use my brakes & I paid the price - a good sized bruise on my calf muscle. Once we returned back to the cosy B&B accommodation, a quick hot shower was the perfect ending to a hard bike ride. Then came the delicious gourmet wood fired pizzas (including a dessert pizza!) & plenty of interesting conversation with some great company with lots of old bike riding stories over a few nice wines.... The next day was spent easily riding the local Nannup roads & then the most indulgent cheese platter lunch at the local cheese factory. And a hot chocolate to warm the insides too. The bum was a little sore the next day but the satisfaction of bush riding a whole 52 kms on the Munda Biddi was the best feeling (well to brag to my work-mates anyway!). Again, thanks for organising such a great trip, can't wait till the next one!” Liza Hogan (Gourmet Getaway - October 2009)
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“Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that I had filled in the survey, but it doesn't really provide any space for raving about the trip! I had such a great time and I think you and Crystal, and Roy and Dave, did such a wonderful job of making everyone feel welcome and safe/comfortable. It really was the best cycling experience and I'm really keen to do more.” Deb Mayrhofer (Munda Biddi Experience - October 2009)
“Great family day out. Thanks!” The Herrington Family (Bush, Bikes and Brunch – October 2009)
“Hi all, The weekend in Nannup was lovely! Everyone involved was really great - Wayne and Cathy at our accommodations, Sue and Michael at the Blue House, Charlie the pizza man, Alan our ride guide and the Sheep Cheese couple. The food was generous and delicious and the accommodations were excellent. We didn't ride on the Sunday because the ride on Saturday was a bit too long and there were open gardens to visit. It was all very enjoyable.” Thanks again, Carmel (Gourmet Getaway – October 2009) “I loved every minute of the trip!”
“Loved the combination of cycle, lunch & massage. Thanks!”
Janice Bertram (Up n at Em – November 2009)
Kelly Hind (Indulge Yourself – September 2009)
The Munda Biddi Trail User survey is now ready to go and we need your help! This survey is a collaborative project between the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The purpose of the project is to obtain data about the Munda Biddi Trail that can be used to indicate the levels of trail usage, market segments (types of trail users), their frequency/patterns of use, satisfaction levels and spending patterns for future planning, management, maintenance, sponsorship and marketing purposes. This survey will only take a few minutes to complete and your answers are confidential and will be analysed independently. Please note that the survey can only be completed if you have ridden on the Munda Biddi Trail within the last FOUR weeks. Go to http://mundabiddi.org.au/trail-info/general/munda-biddi-trail-survey.html to complete the survey. We are also looking for volunteers to help conduct the paper version of the survey. You do not need to be a cyclist to volunteer for this position and it’s a good opportunity to get out in the bush. If you are interested in being part of this program please contact the office on (08) 9481 2483 or admin@mundabiddi.org.au
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Foundation matters mbTF Annual general meeting and sundowner The MBTF Annual General Meeting and Sundowner was held on 27th October at the MBTF office and was a well attended informative evening. The Sundowner kicked off at 6pm and gave members and volunteers a chance to visit and celebrate all that has been happening with the Munda Biddi. MBTF Chairman Ron Colman chaired the meeting which included a report from DEC’s MBT Project Coordinator Kerstin Stender who gave attendees an update on trail construction including a sneak peak at a draft proposed route for the Trail from Walpole to Albany. A presentation was also given about the TopTrailsWA project by Linda Daniels – Executive Officer of TopTrailsWA. Thank you to all of you that came along to the AGM and helped make the evening a great night!
new board for 2010 The AGM also saw the announcement of the new Board for 2010! Three new members will join the team – Megan Hodge who will fill a new permanent Tourism WA position on the Board as well as David Tapscott and Nathan White who are joining as community representatives. We welcome the new members to the Board and look forward to another eventful and productive year. A big thank you goes out to David Hey, Paul Hedzik and Robbie Maxwell who have all contributed substantially over the last few years and are retiring from the Board this year.
staffing Positions at mbTF Changes have been made to the MBTF's staff job titles so that they better reflect their roles in the office. After over a year as Acting Executive Officer, Crystal has been promoted officially to Executive Officer. She will also continue to organise the Events and Marketing assisted by Sarah who has now also taken on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. In the new year MBTF will also be looking for a new staff member to implement its Community Development Program between Nannup and Albany; further details of this position to come in early 2010.
membership Drive Our Membership Drive which has been running over the last three months came to an end with the draw for the winners of two sets of Deuter Dry Shield Rack Pack panniers. New MBTF members John Ingham and Dominic Palumbo were both very pleased with their prizes and we look forward to seeing pictures of them out on the Trail putting them to use. The Membership Drive attracted over 80 members to the Foundation and has helped to boost our numbers closer to out target of 1000. Thank you once again to Deuter for donating the panniers and for the on going support. For those of you that were not lucky enough to win a set of your own, remember that panniers can be hired for just $20/ week for members. Contact the office on (08) 9481 2483 or admin@mundabiddi.org.au for more information.
Finalists in WA Tourism Awards! MBT has been announced finalists in two categories (Adventure Tourism and Tourist Attraction) in the 2009 WA Tourism Awards. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 21st November so fingers crossed for a great result! Results will be posted on the website and printed in the next newsletter.
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Become a Friend of the Trail Membership fees
Annual Fee
3-Year Renewal
Individual
$35
$95
All members
Concession (student, senior cardholders)
$25
$70
Family
$60
$160
Life member
$600
‘Cycle Friendly’ - Organisation
$195
$525
‘Cycle Friendly’ - Business
$295
$795
Non Member
Members
• Being part of the ongoing development and success of the Munda Biddi Trail • Munda Biddi Messenger (three issues each year) • E-News Updates (monthly) • Trip planning advice (phone, office or email) • Members Information Pack – including a fridge magnet and sticker • Members discount card to use at participating outlets (see website) • At least 10 per cent off all events, activities, maps and merchandise • Seasonal Events Program (mailed direct)
n/a
$____ . __
$9.95
$8.50
$30.95
$28.00
$4.95
$4.50
$14.95
$12.50
$36.95
$34.00
$11.00
$9.50
$9.00
$ 7.65
$16.95
$ 15.00
$12.95
$ 10.00
Order form ❑ New membership/Renewal * ❑ Individual ❑ Concession (Student, Senior cardholder) ❑ Family ❑ Life Member ❑ ‘Cycle Friendly’ - Organisation ❑ ‘Cycle Friendly’ - Business
❑ ❑ Northern Map Set (Mundaring to Collie) ❑ Sidings Rail Trail Map ❑ Touring the Munda Biddi Trail ❑ Value pack (three-map set and Off-Road Cycling Guide) ❑ Individual maps (enter map number _______ ) ❑ Waterous Trail Map ❑ Cap ❑ Water Bottle Off-Road Cycling Guide
Postage and handling $3.00 (Additional postage of $1 for two or more items)
Total enclosed: Name
Life members All members plus • Life members certificate • Webpage acknowledgment • Life member’s badge and certificate
‘Cycle Friendly’ - Organisation All members plus • Business line listing in the - Munda Biddi Messenger (three issues) - Foundation webpage in the Trip Planning Section - NEW! Tourism Map in the Munda Biddi Guide. • Free advertorial (quarter page)
‘Cycle Friendly’ - Business All members plus
Telephone Address
Postcode
Payment details
❑ Cheque ❑ Cash ❑ Money Order ❑ MasterCard ❑ Visa
Send form and payment to:
Munda Biddi Trail Foundation PO Box 7445, Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850
Name on card Amount $
Membership benefits
Exp Date
/
• Business advert in Munda Biddi Messenger (three issues) - choice of three 55mm x 90mm adverts or one 165mm x 270mm advert • Members Discount Program - offering a percentage members’ discount and promotional nights to members - option to advertise promotions and special discounts in the E-News Updates • Website (html) link from webpage in the Trip Planning Section • Business card advert on the NEW! Tourism Map in the Munda Biddi Guide • Cycle Friendly - Munda Biddi Affiliated Organisation Cerificate • Free advertorial (half page)
Signature of cardholder
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TALES FROM THE TRAILS This edition we feature long time ride guide and volunteer, Drew Herrington’s trip to the Mawson Trail in South Australia Day 4 we cycled from Riverton to Burra, a distance of 87km. This was one of my favourite days on the Odyssey as we peddled along the Riesling Trail through the beautiful Clare valley. The landscape changed so much on day 4 as we passed through some beautiful little wineries and then onto some bald hills and flat open agricultural plains. Lunch was provided on top of a climb called the Camels Hump and after lunch an exhilarating 5km of downhill was like an orgasm for any mountain biker. I felt like re-climbing the Camels Hump and downhilling again. At Burra we were hosted by the Burra Football Club who allowed us to camp on their oval and use their clubroom and shower facilities. They opened their bar for us and their hospitality was splendid. Day 5 was a rest day in Burra and time to catch up with some washing, clean and service your bike or see the sights of Burra. Some decided to ride around town to see the sights but my choice was to keep my bum off the bike seat. Burra is a pretty town with some good pubs and cafes and many small shops with treats and trinkets galore. This town is known for its copper mining history and for the filming of the movie “Breaker Morant”. My name is Drew Herrington and I am a lover of the Munda Biddi Trail. The venture that I recently embarked on though, was the 2009 Outback Odyssey on the Mawson Trail in South Australia. It was a bicycle SA run event with 12 days riding of the 900km trail broken up with 2 rest days. I had pre conceived thoughts about what the Odyssey would be like, before I left Perth. I returned with totally different knowledge of the reality of the Odyssey. The crew of 120 riders and about 30 volunteers gathered at Bike SA headquarters in Adelaide for a short briefing and our start to the 2009 Outback Odyssey. Day 1 consisted of a 33km ride out of Adelaide to Cudlee Creek. Sounds fine until you hit a hill called Castambul. The ride along the Torrens River cycle way was very picturesque and in no way prepared you for the imminent climb. Castambul rises 600m in less than 10km and from the base it hurts your neck to look up. By the top your legs are burning but the view back is breathtaking. At Cudlee Creek, bike SA was also hosting the “Dirty Weekend”, a 24 hour mountain bike challenge. We were fortunate enough to be able to pitch tents and then settle into the bar and watch these tyros churn out laps throughout the night.
Day 6 had a riding distance of 83 km from Burra to Tooralie Homestead, a working farm in a region that produces the highest quality Merino Wool in Australia. The cycling today was through more open agricultural country but passing many historic sights such as the birthplace of Sir Hubert Wilkins , an epic Australian adventurer, pilot and Arctic explorer of the 1900’s. Each evening at dinner, Bike SA gave us an overview of the following days ride as well as a detailed historic guide of the regions through which we were cycling. They were very informative and thorough.
Day 2 and the “Dirty Weekenders” were still cranking around their circuit, but our destination was Chateau Tanunda 80km away. We were warned that the countryside was undulating and as we passed through Lobethal and Rowland Flat each climb wore your legs down. Grape vines and more grape vines, yes we were in the Barossa and another phase of South Australia’s varying countryside. We camped on Chateau Tanunda’s cricket ground which is home to an annual international charity cricket match and were treated to some famous Tanunda wines to taste. A black tie dinner was a highlight in the Grand Ballroom, making it easy to forget you were on a 900km bicycle challenge. Day 3 was a 78km jaunt from Tanunda to Riverton, where we were to pitch tent at the Riverton caravan park. We passed through the towns Nuriootpa and Kapunda whilst seeing sights such as Penfolds Winery and heritage buildings from the old copper mine days. Also, you guessed it, more grape vines. The tracks were very different from the surface of the Munda Biddi Trail. They were shale and quartz in composition and quite often well graded. Thus the surface was excellent for cycling and you could make very good time. A 78km day on the Munda Biddi can be challenging however it was not as daunting on the Mawson Trail.
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Day 7 started with a pea soup fog at Tooralie and some testing mountain biking with almost zero visibility. We had 56km to ride to Spalding. The terrain was stunning and plenty of wildlife spotted today. Wedge tail eagles, echidnas, kangaroos and emus were all seen today. We were also introduced to a dreaded plant called calthrops which is renowned for its prickles and punctures to mountain bike tyres. I was fortunate enough to be running thorn resistant tubes and did not sustain a puncture the entire journey. Others were not so lucky falling victim to the calthrops. Spalding was an interesting town which has the engineering marvel of the Bundaleer Channels. It is also a town in drought with a declining population of around 300 people fighting for survival. In true country
folk spirit the Spalding people all provided a dish for dinner and fed the troops for the night. It was our best meal for the trip. In turn they ran the bar in the town hall and we were encouraged to drink our fill. The effort by Bike SA to input into this small town’s economy was very sobering and I see the same effort by the Munda Biddi Foundation towards WA towns. Day 8 took us from Spalding to Laura, a ride of 83km along the Never Never Range and through the Bundaleer Forest. Again it was varying yet stunning landscape. In Laura we camped at the local caravan park and took in many of the local craft, galleries and antique shops. The Laura people also treated us to an evening meal in the civic centre. Day 9 was a 57km ride from Laura to Melrose through some single track and a 20km stint through the Wirrabara Forest. We had many gates to pass through today and as per the country rule, leave them as you found them. Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and is unmistakable as you approach it as it rests at the foot of Mt. Remarkable, a huge mountain extending towards the clouds. Day 10 was another rest day in the pretty town of Melrose. This town is known for thinking outside the box. During tough farming times they have developed 30 odd km of single trail mountain bike runs of varying abilities on Mt. Remarkable and turned their town into a Mecca for mountain bikers. A local businessman has started a dedicated mountain bike shop “Over The Edge Sports” to which I have seen no equal. They host many cycling events and generate tourist dollars for the town with their alternative approach. I shall return to Melrose for the mountain biking there. Again I stayed off the bike on the rest day as I gave my muscles a well earned rest. Others went onto the mountain trails and unfortunately one rider punctured a lung after flying over his handle bars. His Odyssey was over.
Day 13 from Hawker to Rawnsley Park was 91km. This was an especially tough day considering we had just backed up from a 104 km day. We are headed for Wilpena Pound and in the real outback. The terrain is desolate and in places very rocky. We were told that this is one place it would be difficult to support you with backup and not a good place to get into trouble. Of course it is where the bottom bracket of my bike failed. I had a 13km walk to reach the nearest help. I was very pleased to see the mechanic at the end of my walk and happy to know he had the part to make my repairs. The landscape through this region was simply stunning as we passed through the Moralana Scenic Drive and the Wonoka Creek. With the Flinders ranges surrounding us it seemed like a pre historic setting we were riding through. There was time for reflection on the morning of Day 14, our last day. To think of the friends I had met and the achievement which awaited at the days end. The 93km was to be an extremely tough day. The mornings ride circled Wilpena Pound as the sun rose up above this mountain range towering into the heavens. Mid morning was a wonderful 15km of down hill single trail the likes of which I will never forget. It was real mountain bike terrain with some great technical sections. It seemed to go forever. As cycling goes however there is always payback for some downhill. A huge climb from a deep gorge was our punishment and I can honestly say it hurt. The afternoon saw more subtle climbs through the Heysen and ABC ranges to our final destination of Blinman. The Bike SA volunteers and the other finished cyclists were on the porch of the Blinman hotel to cheer us home and the feeling would be akin to winning an Olympic marathon. The last Mawson trail marker is on a post of the Blinman hotel and directs you into the front bar, a welcome place for all who rode. The celebrations continued for many hours, and the longer they went the bigger heroes we became.
Day 11 was quite a flat ride from Melrose to Quorn, a distance of 71km. On the way we passed through a small town called Wilmington and the Richman Valley region. Quorn has many historic sites to visit, but probably it’s most interesting attraction is the local school’s solar powered cycles which have been entered in the World Solar Cycle challenges. We were treated to a viewing of their solar entries. Day 12 was the longest days riding on the Odyssey, a 104 km ride from Quorn to Hawker. We were lucky enough to sight the fabled Mawson man, a naked cyclist wearing only his helmet. He tore past at our morning tea stop at an alarming speed with men in awe and women drooling. Apart from this superb entertainment the day was about settling into a rhythm, enjoying the wonderful countryside and putting the 104 km behind you. The Hawker caravan park was a welcome sight at the days end. My journey on the Mawson Trail was one of the best experiences of my life. The friendships I made and the challenges I achieved were most satisfying. The cyclists ranged from 15 to 70 with an average age of 53. There were 30% of us were women and the ability of the group was wide ranging. Many people have asked would I do it again and my answer is I can’t wait. In 2 years time when the Odyssey is on again I hope to be a starter. I must pay tribute to Michael Bridge and his Bike SA team who were very friendly and professional. Without their organisation and knowledge the ride would not have been as successful as it proved to be. I hope that the future of the Munda Biddi Trail is to host events of this class. I know we have the Trail to showcase and I hope we have a Western Australian organisation that can step up and run the same quality event here. Currently it is organisations from other states that run cycle events that highlight our states jewels. My Mawson Trail memories are golden. Drew
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Volunteering on the Trail Board Member Spotlight
Murray Wynne Board Member and Volunteer Ride Guide I was born in WA and up until 11 years of age lived in East Victoria Park, I then moved to Morley. I went to John Forrest Senior High School and after completing my achievement certificate I did an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner with Telecom Australia and worked in the trade with various employers until about 1992. I then worked as a Sales and Contracts Manager in the visual communication field for 15 years before resigning in 2007. I have since been self employed doing home renovation and maintenance work and get great satisfaction from my happy customers. I have played Baseball, Australian football, Lacrosse and Indoor Cricket but gave up weekend team sports to pursue surfing which I did for about 20 years. As a kid I was always on my bike and did a bit of off road riding not knowing at the time that I would still be riding in the bush when I was nearly 50 year of age. I started mountain biking about 14 years ago and did my first MBT trip in November 2002. The fantastic experience that my wife Claire and I had on the ride from Mundaring to Dwellingup inspired me to put something back towards this awesome trail so we joined the MBTF.
About six months later I started doing some volunteer work for the MBTF, and then a bit later I joined the Board. We have since done two rides from Collie to Jarrahdale. We have taken a week to complete each ride as we like to stop at all the campsites and will spend a rest day in a town like Dwellingup on the Collie to Jarrahdale ride. Our last trip was in October 2007 and we had Claire's three nephews and our brother in-law with us. The additional people put a different perspective on the trip as it was our first time touring on the MBT with other people. The nephews who where 12, 14 and 16 years of age put in a great effort to complete the 300 odd kilometre trip. We are planning to do a Nannup to Mundaring or a Mundaring to Nannup trip in the near future, hopefully this spring. I also can't wait for the trail to be finished to Albany and to do an Albany to Mundaring ride. In my spare time I am part of the Project Management Group coordinating the construction of the Kalamunda Circuit Mountain Bike Trail. The Kalamunda Circuit will be a loop of about 22 kilometres and is aimed at intermediate to advanced cross country riding with some black diamond technical trail features for the bit more extreme riders. This will be a fantastic trail when finished! If any one is interested in volunteering to help build the Kalamunda Circuit please send your details to kctrailbuilder@iinet.net.au and we will send you details of trail building days. My ambition is to have a sustainable mountain bike trail network in the Perth hills that will rival any trails in the world.
Volunteer Spotlight David Tapscott After riding on tarmac and smooth roads for many years, I found the bush and decided that the slower pace and greater challenge was for me. After a few trials runs my first real adventure on the Munda Biddi was a 13 day ride from Perth to Nannup and back up to Collie in November 2008. I did this ride with my brother-in-law and we did almost 700 kms and learnt a great deal, especially that you can survive on 2 minute noodles, but only just. Since then my 12 year old boy and I have done a number of overnight rides, most recently the Waterous trail, and because I wanted to learn more and share the trail with others I did the ride guides course in Dwellingup, riding from Perth and back for the course. My first trip as a ride guide was taking a group of American sailors out from Dwellingup. Take 8 American's, coop them up on a ship for 6 months and let them loose in the Australia bush and the result was 4 hours of hard and almost suicidal riding and 20 minutes of skinny dipping in the Marrinup Falls. Much to the amusement of Robbie, my female co ride guide. Riding for me is a lot better when it is a shared experience and being able to see how the Australian bush is so beautiful and changes so drastically as your ride the track is why I volunteered as a ride guide.
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business showcase Pemberton Camp school
Pemberton Camp School is a Department of Education facility offering a residential camping experience. The camp is located 335 kilometres from Perth and we are situated in the heart of the Karri forest next to the Pemberton Pool and within walking distance to town. The camp school provides dormitory style accommodation for 59 people with central heating and log fires for winter and alfresco dining in summer by the barbecue or overlooking the forest. The camp is fully catered. We offer camp programs that are fun, provide adventure and are safe and secure. Programs include team-building, initiative, self-esteem and trust activities, plus environmental education and outdoor education activities. We design your program to suit your needs and budget, plus book all local attractions except those enroute to the camp school. Accommodation is configured: Campers 4 x 12 beds 3 cubicles x 4 beds Staff Rooms 2 x 2 beds 1 x 3 beds and 1 x 4 beds. Disabled access is available. Facilities include a recreation room, (disco) dining room with stereo, TV/video, library and outdoor dining area, barbecue, campfire pit, oval and low ropes course. Pemberton Camp School has been a long time supporter of the Munda Biddi Trail and is currently working at creating a network of trails on site, helping to make Pemberton a mountain biking destination.
Pannier Hire Looking to do some overnight riding but not ready to commit to buying the gear just yet? Thanks to sponsorship from Deuter, the Foundation now has several sets of panniers available for hire. Both the waterproof (DrySheild) and standard (RackPack) panniers are available as well as rear racks for either disk brake or V brake bikes. Price: Munda Biddi Members $20/ week, Non members $40/ week Contact the Foundation for bookings or more information.
The munda biddi Trail is a TopTrail! Well we already knew that, but the Munda Biddi Trail has now been counted as one of Western Australia’s top trails according to TopTrailsWA which is a marketing initiative funded by the Australian Government under the Australian Tourism Development Program. TopTrailsWA has selected just over 50 of WA’s finest trails including cycling, walking, snorkelling, horseback and of course off road riding. Information on the selected trails is listed on both the TopTrailsWA website and booklet which provide a fund of information for both locals and those visiting from interstate and overseas. Have a look at the website on www.toptrails.com.au or come by the office to pick up a booklet.
Have you been volunteering with the MBTF? Don’t forget to log your hours online! If you have been volunteering with the MBTF, don’t forget to log in to the online database to enter your hours. This will ensure that you receive the benefits coming to you as a volunteer as well as helping the Foundation keep track of what hours have been done. If you are unsure of how to log your hours or have any queries, contact the office on (08) 9481 2483 or admin@mundabiddi.org.au
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Foundation partners and supporters Cycle-friendly businesses These companies support the trail and many offer discounts to members. Outdoor stores Mountain Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9322 4774 Accommodation and supplies Blue House Bed & Breakfast Nannup . . . . . . . . 9756 Collie River Valley Tourist Park . . . . . . . . . . . 9734 Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park . . . . . . . 9538 Loose Goose Chalets Nannup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9756 Mundaring Weir Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9295 Peppermint Lane Lodge Wellington Mill . . . . . 9728 Taddy Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9285 Pemberton Camp School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9776
3091 5088 1157 1170 1106 3138 1727 1277
Bike shops Cycletrek, Lowden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9721 4216 Fleet Cycles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9430 5414 IdealCycles.com, O'Connor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9337 7670 Crank'n Cycles, Collie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9734 1471
Tour companies and hire bikes About Bike Hire, Perth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9221 2665 Dwellingup Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9538 1127 Other services Yoho Pizza Pty Ltd, Nannup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9756 Western Gastroenterology, Nedlands . . . . . . . . . 9389 Cambray Cottages & Sheep Cheese, Nannup . . . 9756 Northcliffe Visitors Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9776
0616 7101 2037 7203
Other corporate members include: Bibbulmun Track Foundation, Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), Department of Sport and Recreation, Mundaring Tourism Association, National Trust WA, Scotch College, WestNet, Shire of Collie, Shire of Murray, Shire of Mundaring and Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire. Board advisors: Reg Holmes, Finance.
Looking for the perfect Christmas Present? Munda Biddi maps, cycling jerseys, polo shirts and membership all make fantastic gifts for the cyclist in your life. We now also have Munda Biddi caps and water bottles which make great stocking stuffers! Visit the online shop or stop in the office to pick up your Munda Biddi gear today!
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Check out our new Online Shop!!! You can now purchase all Munda Biddi Maps and Merchandise, register for events and sign up for membership through our new online shop.
www.mundabiddi.org.au
Department of Environment and Conservation Department of Justice This newsletter is produced by the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation and proudly supported by Alcoa Australia.
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Valued Munda Biddi Trail project partners: