Remembering Oxford Falls - Video

For over 20 years, the Oxford Falls Freeride Trails have been one of Australia's most iconic Freeride spots. Located in the Northern Bushland of the Beaches, Oxy was a perfect strip of land riddled with 4wd tracks right next to a perfect shuttle road - with an elevation difference of 90 meters. Though not huge, this made for one of the best places for anyone to enjoy the whole hill, even without a car.

This small bit of bushland has become home to thousands of mountain bikers; downhillers, freeriders and dirt jumpers. With a wide variety of amazing trails and features all packed into a tight package, Oxy was the place to be.







From the very beginning, Oxy has been about going big. Features all over the hill grew exponentially over time; peaking with the construction of one of the most serious hand-made lines of the era; 747 and A380.









Claims to Fame

Oxy has had its share of pro riders grace its dirt back in the early to mid 00's. People still speak of the skills day they attended back in 2001 run by Cedric Gracia, and how much it inspired their passion. Before the 2009 World Champs, the crew had an unexpected visit from Fabien Barel and Gee Atherton.

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Between us, we could cover any two-wheeled category; from Wriggles throwing down choice backflips every run, to Hughesey who always managed to find a way to make a gap or drop even bigger than necessary, on anything from dirt jumpers to downhills. Unfortunately, we were unable to convince our local law enforcement Kel to hit the Slopestyle on his cyclocross - it will have to wait until we have a Bike Park.

Despite conflicts and changing crews over the years, the passion and excitement stemming from the features and trails of Oxy transcended any barrier. We only hope we can continue this legacy and tradition in other trails, bike parks and jump spots.

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The real tragedy of the situation began to unfold as the week went on; as there was no contact or communication made by the land owner, the community was confused and upset as to what had happened. People started running into members of MLALC in person at Oxy, which was more contact than what had been achieved in over 2 years. Despite very positive conversations, the damage had already been done - they had already put up signs and fences, and Road Track was totally flattened.

Unfortunately, the day came when a contractor discreetly turned up one quiet Wednesday after school holidays ended. The weeks leading into this destruction, there was increased activity and trail destruction from even the CEO of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council himself. Carpets were ripped off all the jumps, lips were damaged or torn down, drainage destroyed and wooden structures' supports cut. As many riders worldwide can attest, losing your favourite trail is one of the most heart-wrenching things to ever happen to you. I came across a few riders brave enough to have a look in the next few days, fighting back tears and gritting their teeth.

It's never a pleasant feeling to see a community almost in mourning; upset and confused about where we could all possibly ride now. With a bike park over the hill in the fairly distant future - we are wary but hope is not lost.


The real tragedy of the situation began to unfold as the week went on; as there was no contact or communication made by the land owner, the community was confused and upset as to what had happened. People started running into members of MLALC in person at Oxy, which was more contact than what had been achieved in over 2 years. Despite very positive conversations, the damage had already been done - they had already put up signs and fences, and Road Track was totally flattened.

It's never a pleasant feeling to see a community almost in mourning; upset and confused about where we could all possibly ride now. With a bike park over the hill in the fairly distant future - we are wary but hope is not lost.

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From the Archives



'Lie of the Land' was a short film I put together last year while on a 4 month injury break - I tried to give a bit of a cross-section of the amazing trails and community others may not realise are here in Sydney. So much of my time I spent filming was at Oxford Falls, as that was where so many of my friends and the community went regularly.

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