Mountain bikers finally find a home

The Milton Ulladulla District Mountain Bikers Club has been seeking approval to build a track on Forestry Corporation land since 2009. 

Last week, it was given the green light to build a six-kilometre track on a nine-hectare parcel of land off Wheelbarrow Road. 

Club president Jason Colusso, who has been a member since the club’s inception in 2009, said it was “really rewarding” to finally see the plans come to fruition. 

"We started the club so we could gain some legal trails in the area,” he said. 

“There are trails in the area to ride on but nothing legal and nothing that the club has control over and can maintain. 

“This is a big one for the whole community.

“There has been a great committee working together to get this result. There has been a fair few community members who have worked on this plan as well.”

Club secretary Paul O’Brien said it was “fantastic” news for the club. 

“It is going to be great for the community. It will be a place to be able to come and ride and for visitors to ride on,” he said. 

Vice President Matt Forbes said the track would suit all levels. 

The club was given a $27,000 grant from the NSW Government in 2013 to build a mountain bike course. Most of that money has been used on an environmental study and the track design, with the left over being put towards building the track.

The club hopes to have the track completed by Christmas 2017. 

“The track is a stacked loop, which incorporates four loops on the nine-hectare block,” Mr Colusso said. 

“It starts with a really easy one for beginners and kids to ride on, then it will go on to harder loops. 

“You can add on each loop as you ride through six kilometres of track.”

Currently, 11 members are in the club but Mr Colusso hopes news that the club now has their own home will attract more people to join. 

“I think this news will really get the club going again,” he said.

“Now that we have a headquarters and somewhere to ride on a regular basis, more people will become involved.”

To join, visit https://www.mtba.asn.au/ and sign up to the Milton Ulladulla Districts Mountain Bikers club.