The Story Of Some Unapproved Trails With A Happy EndingI went out with a mate to Plenty Gorge to take some photos for a school project and thought I might put them up on Pinkbike to help the trails get some more recognition.
Berm explosion!
A Video of the trails from a few months ago.
Doing a warm up whip.
I've only been riding and building downhill trails for about a year but my mates have been riding and building for over 5 years. They were the original builders of the downhill trails in the park and we've been so lucky to have been able to build and keep the trails for so long. As with most things the better you get, the more you are willing to try, so we built bigger drops, jumps and trails. Because the trails were getting too big and dangerous, the local council and Parks Victoria had decided that they were a health and safety risk.
You may have heard of Sik Mik, well this is Sick Nick!
Almost railing the tyre right off the rim.
Speeeeeeed!
One of my mates (Sean Milligan), contacted the main Park Ranger, Barry Coombes, to create a committee to help keep the trails running. The committee started last year after Parks Victoria decided to remove a gully crossing, as it was dangerous. The riders decided it was time to have formal talks and get the XC tracks and downhill trails recognized before the network became too large. Luckily, the council allowed local riders and builders to keep most of the trails and modify most of the jumps into table tops.
Whipping it out on the first jump.
Nick putting a bit of style on the third jump, with some pink markings/plans on the lip.
Soaking up a small jump and the morning air.
Nick hanging it out all the way to the landing.
Nick blasting a berm with the front wheel in the air!
You can never have too many whips.
Nick roosting the sh
#t out of the main berm.
Dust, style and a bit more dust!
Today was the first day of redesigning and fixing the trails. You might have seen some markings on the backs of jumps and on poles, with pink marking paint, which indicate the changes to the new trail network. Photos taken on Sunday 8th of September 2013.