ISO mountain bike trails and tribulations

by JOZICA KUTIN
7th December 2020

A YEAR OF ISO and a year of discovering the local mountain bike trails.
Warrandyte Mountain Bike Club (MTB3113) members will travel — far and wide — to test their skills and their bikes.
But not during ISO.
The 5km ring of steel and one-hour time limits meant riding had to be efficient and nearby.
Good thing we live in Warrandyte.
All well and good if you regularly ride the fire trails in the various pockets of State Park around Warrandyte.
Not so good if you are new to Warrandyte, connecting the dots can be tricky.
The signage is limited, nearly every track is called a “Bridle Trail”.
Unlike riding on rail trails, the Main Yarra Trail or other bike paths, there is at least a few signs (even though they still might require specialist geographical knowledge).
You only need to look to the Netherlands — the gurus of bike path signage — you cannot get lost there at all.
I digress, back to riding the hills in Warrandyte.
The State Park fire trails in Warrandyte are somewhat of a mystery.
I know there is always Google Maps, Strava, Trailforks and other online GPS mapping apps, but I like a good old map.
When I go to a new destination, I like to Google the local mountain bike club  — and check out their maps.
I do not really want to get lost out at Wombat State Forest or Warby-Ovens National Park.
We do not have a map of MTB trails in Warrandyte.
You cannot ride all the walking trails.
You need to know where you are allowed to ride.
Especially if you are starting out, or want to take your kids, or you are from “out of town”.
A nice little map — a map in town at our Warrandyte MTB trail head — a downloadable map on the MTB3113 website will, in my opinion , encourage more riding, and make sure you do not accidently find yourself struggling up “gut buster” or lost asking Colin for directions on Fourth Hill.
MTB3113 riders you have explored every corner of Warrandyte, you have created your favourite 5, 10, 15 and 20 kilometre routes, time for action.
Send us your favourite routes and with our expert team of cartographers and trail riders we will create those maps you’ve always wanted.
Send in your routes and loops to contact@warrandytemtb.com.au

Other MTB3113 news

Join the Facebook page to hear about local rides: www.facebook.com/groups/1464589467107634/
New jerseys available to purchase – pre order here:  www.warrandytemtb.com.au/shop/344/
Dirt Devils (weekly MTB skills for kids aged 8 to 14 years) has started up again under COVID-Safe protocols.
Led by qualified MTB coaches.

More information:
www.warrandytemtb.com.au/events/80589/

Stay tuned for the Christmas social ride and BBQ.
If you are interested in joining our family friendly club this is a great way to meet everyone.
Kids and adult social ride, then BBQ, at Westerfolds Park.

More information:
www.warrandytemtb.com.au/home/

Join MTB3113:
www.warrandytemtb.com.au/registration/