News

Wow! Holy flying fox batman. Cairns and the Tablelands ooze MTB potential on all fronts. As you may know Cairns was the site of the 1996 World MTB Championships and while the legacy has never lived up to the visions of the organisers of that iconic event, there is certainly some momentum to get Cairns back on the MTB map now.

Over the last two days, IMBA Australia with the help of trail specialist Joey Klein has provided the platform for land managers, trail builders and bike riders to get together, meet on common ground and discuss ways to improve sustainability, safety and to an extent, capitalise on the regions awesome MTB potential for tourism, events and recreation.

I am still buzzing from all the positivity and refreshing conversations, but as we all know, the really important step now is to ensure that the local riders and DERM staff (Queensland Parks) can keep the momentum moving forward. IMBA Australia is committed to providing support and advice, even encouragement to keep it rolling for MTB here in FNQ.

As well as some comprehensive workshop days, the Cairns Convention Centre put on a cocktail function with some of Cairns most important business people and entrepreneurs to discuss MTB tourism and what it could do for the region. In true IMBA style, Joey also discussed the benefits for the regions residents and young people and how truly amazing bike parks can be created in limited spaces under challenging circumstances. Both the Cairns Regional Council and Tablelands Shire Council Mayors attended the event and were extremely receptive to Joey’s presentation. Another aspect of the evening was the refinement of Cairns and the Tablelands bid for the 2012 IMBA World Summit. Ambitions yes, realistic, absolutely. The region has so much to offer. With the energy and drive in the room last night, I have no doubt that the region can put on a World Class Conference and develop some exceptional trail networks in the lead up to 2012.

Both Joey and I are confident that we have made a difference here in FNQ. And we will be back for more fun and trail work in the near future. Next time I want to do some more riding!
Right now I need to chill and get ready for the next phase of the tour. We are riding in Townsville with the Rockwheelers tomorrow.
I will post up some photos of Cairns and the Tablelands tomorrow, or maybe the next day.

A very special thanks to our sponsors and supporters:

• Cairns Convention Centre – venue, this place is the bomb
• Novotel – I can dig these digs
• Avis – love the van man
• Pump and Pedals (Avanti Plus) – sick bikes, great guys
• James Cook University – the place to study, rad bike park next door
• Cairns MTB Club – love your work!
• TIMBA – the dudes in the hills with the big ideas and the drive to make them happen
• DERM – great support and participation, thanks guys
• World Trail – Glen, you are the man!
• SkyRail
• Rainforest Station
• Great Adventures
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park

Think that’s it.......