With the finishing touches in construction and the installation of new signage recently completed, the Hobart City Council is proud to announce the opening of Stage 1 of the North-South Track on Mount Wellington.
The North-South Track is a shared use track for mountain bikers and bushwalkers which specifically provides for mountain bike access. The impetus for building the track developed in response to the growth in mountain biking on the Mountain. There was also a need to provide designated tracks for mountain bike riders to avoid conflict with bushwalkers. In particular, there was a need for mountain biking access from Shoobridge Bend, on the Pinnacle Road, to Junction Cabin. Stage 1 of the North-South Track will provide this. From Junction Cabin, riders can choose from a number of existing trails to continue their journey. A map of the track can be viewed.
The North-South Track has been a significant and long-running project for Council having commenced in November 2005. It has been constructed through the combined efforts of the Council’s track crew and two Green Corps teams. Over two years and close to three kilometres later, the track demonstrates the teams’ commitment to creating a challenging recreational experience and sustainable track asset, amidst the harsh but beautiful environment of Mount Wellington.
The track has been designed in accordance with the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) guidelines. It features a main trail which provides a challenging ride for experienced cross country riders, whilst optional technical features such as jumps and log rides have also been constructed to challenge more capable (and adventurous!) riders. The track manages shared usage by mountain bikers and walkers through advisory signage at track heads and along the track.
Late in 2007, with the completion of the track approaching, Council engaged one of Australia’s most experienced mountain bike track designers to audit the track with respect to its safety, useability and sustainability. Feedback from the audit indicates that the North-South Track is outstanding in terms of its high quality construction, scenic value and provides adequately for the safety of appropriately skilled riders, also suggesting that the track will attract considerable interest from interstate riders and become something of an icon. This is not hard to imagine as you ride the track across the rock scree section, taking in superb views up to the Organ Pipes and down to the city and beyond. The track also features long stretches through the beautiful forests of Mt Wellington.
Further stages of construction will see the track connected to the Springs and continued across to the boundary with Glenorchy City Council. Here several existing fire trails provide a link to the Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park.
Next time you visit the mountain, make sure you check out this superb new track for yourself and ride your bike for a bit of extra adventure and excitement!