Trailforks Trail of the Month: Monkey

With much of the northern hemisphere in the middle of their winter, it's only fitting that we head down under to explore Australia and what it has to offer. This month we focus our attention on Awaba Mountain Bike Park and the Monkey trail. Awaba Mountain Bike Park is located 45 minutes drive from Newcastle in New South Wales. Being in one of Australia's most populated regions, Awaba has become a popular destination for both XC and DH. The park has been host to many of the country's top race series and seen its fair share of top riders, including big names like Troy Brosnan, Sam Hill and Tracey Hannah.

Awaba State Forest is a 4400 Hectares of land currently managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW. Like most state forests, timber for profit is the main attraction and this holds true for Awaba. This all changed back in early 2006 when a dedicated group from the Hunter Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) approached the then Forests NSW with an idea. HMBA proposed a plan that would see them lease land from the state for the purpose of building and maintaining dedicated mountain bike trails for both club use, and hosting state and national XC and DH race events. By hosting these events, they could generate revenue to help offset costs associated with leasing the land and maintaining the trails. A win-win for everyone including the local economy which would see a benefit when race events come to town.

In early 2007 an agreement was signed that would see Forests NSW lease 300 Hectares of land to HMBA for the purpose of dedicated mountain bike trails. The plan was to start on a downhill trail first, with the hopes of getting it complete so HMBA could host an upcoming round of the New South Wales State DH series. The association with the support of Forestry Corporation set out looking for the perfect location for the new DH trail. It didn't take long to find a site where they could use the naturally steep rocky terrain to create their masterpiece.

Once the environmental impact studies were completed and the green light was given, members of HMBA started the task of laying out the new trail. Using existing features and natural fall lines they flagged out what would soon become known as one of the gnarliest tracks in the region. HMBA members and all its volunteers put shovel to dirt and with hard work and dedication they were able to bang out the new trail in record time and host the 4th round of the 2007 State Gravity Series.

Since that first event eight and half years ago the track is still considered one of the wildest downhill tracks in Australia. Thanks in part to HMBA and its crew of volunteers that work effortlessly tweaking and adjusting the trail year after year. Adjustments and improvements are made on a regular basis to ensure the sustainability of the trail and to address any safety issues that arise. Late last season HMBA took on the major task of adding a new over/under bridge which will see the XC course travel under the DH course, allowing both XC and DH events to take place without interfering with each other.

With over 20 km of singletrack, including a newly added kids loop and of course, Monkey Trail, Awaba Mountain Bike Park has become a destination worth checking out. HMBA has dedicated many hours to future planning, which will see the park evolve even further. To make any of these future plans A reality, HMBA needs the continued support of the mountain bike community. To find out how your can help, check out the Hunter Mountain Bike Association's website or earn some Trail Karma by donating to HMBA through Trailforks.

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