Stage 1 of a brand-new mountain bike trail system has just opened in the small town of Omeo in the province of Victoria, Australia. The first stage of development boasts 50km of professionally built bike-specific trails spanning all ability levels.
The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails have been built by Common Ground Trails at the base of the Mount Sam State Forest in an area that is well-suited for both cross-country trails and downhill runs. The parcel of land boasts over 500 vertical meters of elevation relief (1,600ft+).
4 gravity trails totaling 17km of singletrack have just opened
In the first phase of development, a switchbacked climb has been built up Mt Mesley, leading to four ripping gravity trails that drop “over 500 vertical meters from Sam Hill summit linking to Mt Mesley and culminating in Livingstone Park,” according to the East Gippsland Council.
Here are the four main runs to choose from in order of difficulty:
- Log Slide – Muster – Crikey
- Flomeo
- Grim
- Crank Dog
Notably, the new Flomeo trail is now “one of Australia’s longest blue rated Air Flow trails at almost 6km from the Highpoint Hub to the pump track!” according to Ride Omeo.
Grim and Crank Dog are both black diamond “tech flow” trails, with plenty of gnar to challenge advanced riders. Mountain bikers will find off-camber sections, A and B line options, technical rock gardens, and some high-speed exposed sections on these advanced trails.
At this time, riders have to pedal up the climb trail to reach the top of the descents, but “we hope to have more information on shuttles in the new year,” said Ride Omeo on December 5, 2024.
XC trails and supporting infrastructure
There are plenty of additional trails available for more XC-oriented riders, including “a loop parallel to Great Alpine Road leading to the historical Oriental Claims area.”
In addition, the first phase of development required the supporting infrastructure to be built, which consists of “state-of-the-art facilities at the Livingstone Park trailhead, including showers, change rooms, a bike wash, trail maps, skills park and a pump track.”
Omeo is committed to trail maintenance
Unfortunately, we’ve seen many top-tier mountain bike trails eventually fall into a state of disrepair due to lack of enthusiasm to maintain the trails. To head off that eventuality, the Council has hired three full-time and one part-time staff member to “ensure that the trails are in top condition year-round.”
Construction of Stage 2 is already underway
The second and final stage of development calls for another 50km of trails, bringing the network to 100km of singletrack. Stage 2 is already fully funded and under construction. Funding for the project was secured “from East Gippsland Shire Council, $3 million from the Australian Government, and the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund via Regional Development Victoria.”
“This project is about so much more than trails; it’s about fostering a sense of community, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting year-round tourism. Stage 1 is just the beginning of our vision to make Omeo a major mountain biking hub and provide economic growth and social benefits for the entire community,” said Mayor Cr John White.
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