Hailed as one of the most spectacular mountain bike trails in the country, the 56km Indigo Epic Trail has officially opened.
The trail connects the historic towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah with 22kms of brand-new single tracks with links to a number of existing track and trail networks.
The $2M project has been jointly funded by Indigo Shire Council and the Federal Government through its Building Better Regions Fund and will be the only all-season Epic trail in Australia.
It's estimated that the trail will attract an additional 12,500 visitors to the region, injecting more than $5M per annum into the local economy.
Mayor Sophie Price says the criteria for an Epic trail as described by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), is that it must be a demanding single-track adventure in a natural setting and be both technically and physically challenging.
"From all accounts, we've ticked all the boxes and the feedback from those lucky enough to test ride the trail have described it as one of the best they've ever ridden," Cr Price said.
The trail is a "helix loop design" with flowing descents and undulating climbs and can be tackled in its full length from Beechworth or Yackandandah, or cut into shorter loops making it ideal for all levels of riders as well as families who can choose their own adventure.
Riders can expect breathtaking scenery with the trail passing through the Stanley State Forest, Beechworth Historic National Park and the Nine Mile Creek Historic area, with a changing landscape of natural bushland, lush ferns and creeks.
Cr Price says the opening of the EPIC trail is the culmination of many years of planning and engaging with community and various government agencies to ensure all environmental and heritage impacts were assessed and addressed in the design and construction phases.
"We have worked very closely with Parks Victoria, DEECA and HVP Plantations as well as the local mountain biking community, which was instrumental in getting the project off the ground."
"The original concept to build a world class mountain bike trail in our region was put forward by the Beechworth Chain Gang and Yack Tracks MTB clubs, which have been the driving force behind making Epic a reality. They are to be congratulated for their vision and tenacity and both clubs will have an ongoing close working relationship with Council to ensure the trail is well maintained," Cr Price said.
Cr Price says the other important player in the ongoing promotion of the EPIC trail is Tourism North East, with the new trail a welcome and significant addition to its Ride High Country regional cycle brand.
