Rail Trail opening a blast

By Jo Kennett

THERE WAS a huge turnout for the official opening of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, with more than 2,000 people flocking to the trail on the weekend of March 25 and 26.

There was live music at all the main stops along the trail, a cultural immersion experience, and a wildlife show from the Wildlife Twins at Mooball was a big hit.

Mayor Chris Cherry thanked everyone who helped out over the weekend, with a special mention for Cycling Without Age volunteers, whose hard work pedalling allowed many who would otherwise miss out have an opportunity to enjoy the trail.

“The enthusiasm of the many locals and visitors who came to the Rail Trail to share in the fun was palpable and made for a fantastic, positive vibe across the weekend,” Cr Cherry said.

“Trail guests keep telling us how friendly everyone was and how their positive experience had been underscored by the quality of the trail, the scenic and shaded trail experience and how impressed they were by the local villages along the way.

“This was a true celebration of the natural beauty of the Tweed, our Aboriginal culture and rail heritage, and I’d like to thank the community members and organisations who helped make the weekend such a success for the trail and our villages.”

The trail has brought a welcome boost to business, especially for bike hire companies like Better By Bike which offers E-bike rental with shuttle transport to and from the Crabbes Creek to Murwillumbah section of the trail Better by Bike executive directors Matt Hirst and Campbell Shepherd are full of enthusiasm for the experience.

“The Tweed council has developed an amazing tourism asset for the region and Better By Bike will make sure those customers coming to Byron Bay, Tweed Heads or Kingscliff for a holiday don’t miss out on this wonderful experience,” Campbell said.

“Riding the trail on an E-bike is a great way to get off the beaten track and be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with its native forests and lush farmland that the hinterland is famous for.”

Matt Hirst said the trail is suitable for all ages and riding abilities.

“The bikes come fully set up with helmets, a gel seat for comfort, panniers to carry your stuff, a light for the tunnel, map, and the bikes are personalised for fit to ensure you have a great ride,” he said. “Before you set off on the trail you are given a safety briefing for the trail and operating instructions for the E-bike.

“One of our recent customers Lynn, aged 70, who had not been on a bike for 15 years, said she truly had the best day ever.”