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Omeo Mountain Bike Trails Project update - July 2024

Despite icy mornings and challenging conditions, the dedicated trail crew at Common Ground has made impressive progress on Omeo's mountain biking trails, with 22 km already open for enthusiasts.

By news@gippsland - 25th July 2024 - Back to News

Despite mornings that have been cold enough to turn breath into snowflakes and make toes rethink their sock strategy, with temperatures around -5˚C, Common Ground's dedicated trail crew is making significant progress. Current work includes XC15 Up and XC15 Down on Sam Hill, and GR2 and GR3 on Mt Mesley. Despite a mountain of rockwork to do, the trails developed so far are impressive, with recent inspections receiving positive feedback.

Omeo receives a $6 million boost for 2024/25, funding trails, park upgrades, and street improvements, creating jobs and enhancing tourism and natural beauty

Plan your route with Trailforks

It all starts just 200m from the town centre and the gravity-descent trails lead you (almost) right back to the main street. Over 100 km of trails are planned, with much of the network set to be open this spring. And the 22 km of trails that are already open offer an action-packed weekend for any mountain biking enthusiast.

Before heading to Omeo, you can check out the trails and plan your mountain biking adventure. The Trailforks app now gives you the latest trail status updates - so you'll be first to know what's open. Please respect the trail builders and only ride on the open network as indicated on Trailforks. Stay connected.

Rolling hills, fast thrills await at Omeo MTB trails, offering 121 km of cross-country paths for beginners and experts

Stay in the loop!

The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails Facebook page has topped 500 followers and Ride Omeo on Instagram has sped past an incredible 1,500 followers.

• Stay updated: Get the inside running on project milestones, construction updates and completion timelines. Plan your future rides and visits as you see the trails come to life
• Join a thriving community: Engage with riders, share experiences, and exchange tips and advice
• Get insider access: Enjoy behind-the-scenes content, including photos and videos of the trail development process

Stay connected at Ride Omeo Facebook page and Ride Omeo Instagram.

Ultimate Omeo experience winner

Congratulations to the winner of the Flow Ultimate Omeo Experience giveaway! The lucky winner, Andrew Ryan of Campbells Creek, has secured an incredible package valued at $2100, which includes:

• Two nights' accommodation for four at Omeo Rise
• Mountain bike clothing voucher
• One-day shuttle pass with Ride Omeo Shuttles
• GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera
• $200 fuel voucher
• $200 voucher for the Golden Age Hotel in Omeo

"I'm super stoked to win this trip and get to experience the new Omeo trails. I've heard so much about the new MTB park there and can't wait to try them out! Thanks Flow and all the other sponsors!," Andrew said. Promoted by Flow magazine and backed by East Gippsland Shire Council.

Budget boost

Omeo's prospects are brighter than ever, with a substantial $6 million investment allocated for the 2024/25 financial year. Key projects include:

• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails: $3.48 million (total project value: $9.72 million)
• Livingstone Park upgrades: $2.18 million
• Main street improvements: $364,000

These investments are poised to create jobs, attract visitors, and showcase the town's natural beauty and hospitality. Upgrades to Livingstone Park will address flood damage, stabilise Livingstone Creek, and protect park infrastructure, including the pump track, ensuring the park remains a community hub and gateway to the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.

Meet Jamie Mills - our newest Trail Maintenance Officer

Newest trail maintenance officer

Born in the United Kingdom, where he was originally bitten by the MTB bug, Jamie moved to Australia with the intention of becoming a kite-surfing instructor. After mastering the kites, he got into landscaping, then agriculture - so he's handy with a shovel.

A move to Gippsland reignited his passion for mountain biking and after joining his local club he also discovered a passion for trail building and maintenance. Jamie says he's loving getting out on the Omeo trails with our two other maintenance officers, Jack and Jack, and we welcome Jamie to the team.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com