Blazing a Trail

A TRAILBLAZING

than by traversing a trail on two wheels. By SERENA KIRBY. There’ s no better way to immerse yourself in nature

hether it’s a gentle peddle or a blowyour-hair-back thrillseeking ride, mountain biking is an eco-activity everyone can enjoy. Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to access some of our State’s best bike trails as the Collie River region is just over two hours drive from Perth and only 45 minutes from Bunbury. You can clock off on a Friday afternoon, spend the weekend on the trails and be back in time for work on Monday feeling enlivened and exhilarated.

With many newly completed trails, and more underway, the bike riding options in and around Collie will ultimately create the biggest mountain bike trail network in our State. In fact, Collie is well on its way to becoming a ‘Trail Town’ due to a $10-million investment in the development of 180kms of world class hiking and mountain bike trails.

So clip on your helmet and let’s explore what’s on offer.

If you’re a newbie to trail riding, or simply want a leisurely outing, then get your wheels onto the Arklow Trails. This 35km network is made up of nearly a dozen trails of varying lengths and varying difficulty. You’ll criss-cross though ancient Jarrah forest, cruise over easy jumps, peddle up gentle climbs and even encounter a few log crossings. The numerous individual trails all lead off from the trailhead just 4kms from Collie on Harris River Road. You can also access them by riding out of town along the Munda Biddi Trail. Be aware though, there are no facilities along the Arklow Trails so make sure you take everything you need for your few hour’s ride.

Other options for beginners or intermediate level riders are the Collie Wagyl Biddi trails.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Collie is well on its way to becoming a Trail Town thanks to a $10-million investment in 180kms of mountain bike trails and hiking tracks.

You don’t even need to leave Collie to access these as they start right in town at Soldiers Park. With 9kms of connecting loops, novice riders can calmly cruise the banks of the Collie River while more experienced riders can fly over rocks and get their cogs cranking on the Marri Meander trail. Sprockets Rocket is also a bit of a grin giver.

Riders with a bit more experience can head for some of the more challenging trails in the Wellington National Park. Surrounded by magnificent Marri and Jarrah forests and picture-perfect valleys, riding here requires a bit more time and a bit more fitness. Located 30 minutes from Bunbury and 15 minutes from Collie, stronger riders can do these trails in a day or you can opt to linger longer with an overnight stay in rustic cottages or go glamping under the stars by Honeymoon Pool or Potters Gorge.

But if this is all still sounding way too relaxed and you really want to ramp up your ride, then head to sections of the Mount Lennard Trail network or some of the new trails at Wellington National Park. There are a number of ‘black’ and highly technical trails that have thrillseeker written all over them.

Of course all this physical activity will leave you hungry and you can justifiably reward yourself afterwards with lunch at a nearby brewery, a wine at a local vineyard or a coffee at one of Collie’s many cafes.

No bike? No problem.

If you don’t have a bike, need a few repairs or some extra gear, stop off at Crank’n Cycles in Collie. They can give you trail maps and loads of insider tips and even include a helmet and lock at no extra charge with every bike they hire. Melo Velo in Bunbury also hires out mountain bikes as does Kiosk at the Dam in the Wellington National Park.

So what are you waiting for… get to Collie and get on your bike! For more info and detailed maps check out www.projects. trailswa.com.au/maps/