Flow, climb, cruise this weekend
A long weekend means trail time! Omeo has over 60km of flowing descents, gnarly climbs and easy loops for beginners. Don't just pack skis!
Almost time for a full shred
It's a hive of activity out on site as work on the Omeo MTB Park enters its final stages. Construction team Common Ground Trails is focused on completing the final three trails in the network - XC8, XC9 and GR5 - and has brought in additional crew and extended its work hours to help make it happen in double-quick time.
Some of the additional team members are former crew who have come back to Omeo to help complete the job, such is the draw of the trail and the town.
Right now, seven excavators are shaping trail, and progress is looking strong.
XC8 and XC9 are adventure-style cross-country trails that start and finish at the Oriental Claims and wind up through Dry Gully. XC9 will feature technical rock features, optional lines, and a layout that will appeal to riders looking for a challenging ride.
GR5 - now known as Pendulum - is the big sibling to the super-popular Flomeo. This Black Diamond-rated trail, which sets off from the Middle Gravity Hub, brings bigger jumps and more demanding features.
Riders are reminded that the last 100m of Flomeo is closed due to flood-remediation works in Livingstone Park. Please follow any detours in place as this work progresses.
And please remember that some trails are closed during construction hours - Monday to Friday, 7.00 am - 4.30 pm. These include Grim, Rowdy, Mine Bender, and the Livingstone Park Return Trail.
Turning one year old like a boss
Several trails have now celebrated their first birthdays and have passed a trail audit with flying colours.
It's great to see the trails holding up as intended and continuing to deliver a high-quality riding experience.
All of the trail audits have been completed across the network, so everything is good to go.
Starting with a Banger
Bangers N Thrash - a gravity trail that leads riders to the Mount Mesley section of trails including Beef Cheeks and Stampede - took less than a month to become our busiest trail.
Bangers is a short but action-packed trail that teams big berms with some optional rocky A-lines and roller jumps. Start from the Sam Hill trailhead.
Tour de Tambo
Saddle up for the Tour de Tambo on Sunday 6 July - a relaxed, self-guided bike ride from Swifts Creek to Ensay, starting at 10.30 am from the Swifts Creek Caravan and Tourist Park.
The route follows sealed roads beside the scenic Tambo River, offering an easy ride through farmland and bushland.
Riders can turn back at Doctors Flat or continue to Ensay Recreation Reserve for lunch and facilities.
Children under 16 must ride with an adult.
A shuttle bus and support vehicle from Snowy River Cycling are available to assist riders. Bike hire is offered, too!
Taking place on Brabralung land, the ride showcases peaceful riverside views and countryside, making it a gentler alternative to mountain biking.
For more, visit egwinterfest.com.au/event/tour-de-tambo.
Meet high-flying Hudson Tarling
Hudson Tarling, an 18-year-old downhill mountain biker from Bairnsdale, has been helping shape the Omeo MTB Trails - and is now racing in Europe. As one of Australia's most exciting young riders, he's passionate about what the park means for the region.
We caught up with him as he launches into a big season of international racing.
You've launched into a massive season, starting with a win at Crankworx Cairns, followed closely by a top-20 finish at the World Cup in France and with many more events to come. How are you feeling heading into such a packed international schedule?
Super excited. I was lucky enough to go over last year and compete in a couple of World Cups so that takes away the unknown factors. I know what to expect when I get there.
There's a chance you could be selected to represent Australia at the World Championships in Switzerland later this year. What would that opportunity mean to you?I would be stoked if I got selected for the World Champs team. Give me another opportunity to represent my country overseas on the international stage.
You've spent a lot of time riding and working at Omeo. What's your take on the park now that it's nearly complete, and how does it stack up as a training ground for elite riders?
As a fitness training ground, Omeo would be great. With over 100km of trails you could definitely get your fitness levels up. Plenty of different trails to choose from for whatever suits your needs.
You've been hands-on in helping build the Omeo MTB Park through your work with Common Ground - what's it been like being part of something that's changing the landscape of riding in East Gippsland?
I've been super stoked to be part of this project and it's been massive to East Gippsland to have such a quality bike park go in.
From a rider's perspective, what makes the Omeo trails exciting compared to other places you've ridden?
The elevation and length of the tracks is what makes Omeo great. The width of the trails is something we don't see often either so that's a bonus.
How has having access to a developing world-class facility like Omeo helped you prepare for international competition?
Working and living in Omeo has definitely helped with my preparation. Being around other riders has allowed me to ride more than I would at home. For fitness I got into a good routine with using the local gym and facilities. I've started running for fitness, also. Although I rode lots for fitness, these tracks are not designed specifically for downhill training.
You're part of a growing MTB scene in the region. What's the vibe like in Omeo now that the park's almost complete and more riders are discovering it?
Vibes are definitely high when people visit. I haven't heard any bad reviews on the trails, which says a lot. Everyone just seems to be super stoked to be up here.
What would you say to young riders in East Gippsland thinking about getting into mountain biking or heading up to check out the Omeo MTB park?
I think anyone that is into riding needs to come check it out.
Shuttle service getting closer!
Good news if you love gravity-fed flow runs.
Council is evaluating the EOI over the coming weeks with a view to soft launch shuttle service operations in June or July.
That'll mean no more grinding out those climbs when all you want is another lap - and more runs, more airtime, and more stoke.
Uplifts give riders a chance to swap stories, scope lines, and gear up for the next descent.
Thanks for the love!
We're blown away by the love the community has shown for our new MTB park!
From flowy trails to adrenaline-pumping descents, riders are loving every moment.
