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Establishing the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Region as an international mountain bike destination

July 2015

JCrowe

Stamp

Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges MTB Destination|Final Report| July 2015 1

Acknowledgements

The report Establishing the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges region as an international mountain bike destination has been prepared by TRC Tourism (www.trctourism.com), Earthcheck and World Trails for:

Department of Environment, Water and Natural

Resources

Disclaimer

Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this document is made in good faith but on the basis that TRC Tourism, Earthcheck and World Trails are not liable to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to in this document.

http://www.trctourism.com/

http://www.earthcheck.org/


Executive Summary Introduction

The Adelaide Mount Lofty Region (AMLR) is an emerging mountain biking destination with some high profile trail networks and many high quality but less known formal mountain bike trails. In many parts of the world mountain biking trail networks have become significant visitor destinations which attract international visitors and contribute to economic sustainability and recreational opportunities for local and regional communities.

The South Australian Government has recognised the importance of the AMLR, and its future potential to contribute to the development of Adelaide and the region as a thriving nationally and internationally competitive place to live, invest and visit. The Government has committed resources to build the AMLR as an international-level mountain biking destination that they would like to see become an important driver of tourism and economic sustainability in the region.

This AMLR Mountain Biking Destination Implementation Plan (the Plan) provides the framework for building the destination over time through an integrated approach and collaboration between government agencies, local councils, the tourism industry, mountain biking organisations and the community.

The current situation

The AMLR already features an extensive network of trails suited to different markets including two quality, high profile mountain bike trail networks– Eagle Mountain Bike Park and Fox Creek (also known as Cudlee Creek) that offer downhill and cross-country riding across a range of difficulty ratings. Both networks also host large competitive events which have contributed to building their reputation as places to ride.

The AMLR region also has many lesser known, high quality, formalised mountain bike trails in places like Lynton, Belair NP, Sturt Gorge RP (Craigburn Farm), Cobbler Creek RP and Kuitpo Forest. Touring by mountain bike also occurs on shared trails throughout the AMLR. The region includes a number of popular long distance riding routes that the local community and visitors ride including the Mawson Trail (which extends to the Finders Ranges), the Amy Gillett track and the Coast to Vines.

It is estimated that the AMLR receives as high as 950,000 mountain bike visits each year consisting of:

» approximately 26,200 residents (estimated from the population within a 40km radius) who participate in mountain bike-related activities approximately 930,000 times a year.

» a visitor market of 13,300 (including domestic day, overnight and international visitors) who make nearly 18,000 MTB trips per year.

The potential

Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges will be an international mountain bike destination offering world class

experiences for a range of cycling markets

AMLR offer an excellent opportunity for the development of a world class network of mountain bike trails building on the existing well developed and popular trails. Their popularity with the local community is expected to increase significantly through higher participation in mountain biking as an activity.

Experience elsewhere in Australia suggests that interstate visitor numbers to the mountain bike trails are likely to grow with the development of ‘hero rides’, promotion amongst mountain bike networks, and the development of new events including a range of technical and mass participation events suited to different riders. New visitors encouraged to visit will promote the trails through their own networks and social media.


Achieving international recognition that converts into visitation to Adelaide specifically for mountain bike riding will be slower. It will rely on strong exposure through a range of channels and events as well as a collaborative approach with other Australian mountain bike destinations to grow awareness of the opportunities that exist for world class mountain bike riding in Australia. Achieving IMBA status for part of the network as an IMBA Ride Centre or an Epic Ride would grow positioning within the international mountain bike community. Getting the trails to the standard where they can attract one of the word class events has the greatest potential to leverage the international mountain bike market. Collaboration with successful New Zealand destinations (such as hosting an event in AMLR to coincide with major events such as Cranworxk in NZ) may also be worthwhile to position Australasia as a destination worthy of the visit for the long haul markets.

The greatest short term growth in international visitors using the trails is likely to be the ‘non-core riders’ that are attracted to SA for other reasons such as Tour down Under, other non-cycling events, or food and wine. With appropriate facilities, services and promotion, visitors may well be interested in one or two days of riding as part of their holiday. Promotion of riding as part of the broader tourism offering and a way to experience the different parts of the AMLR and nearby areas will be important to leverage this broader tourism market as will the use of images that portray the iconic nature of riding from the top of the AMLR to the city.

As show in the table below, based on a mid-range growth scenario, it is estimated that developing and promoting the AMLR as a world class mountain bike destination could achieve total overall expenditure of $18.1 million in the region by 2020. This would be achieved through implementation of priority actions in this document including some infrastructure development, attracting a range of events, and effective promotion.

MEDIUM SCENARIO

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

VISITORS

Locals 27,181 27,489 27,752 28,017 28,285 28,555

Day 11,933 12,161 12,375 12,594 12,816 13,041

O/N Domestic

2,851 2,897 2,942 2,988 3,034 3,080

International 1,088 1,125 1,162 1,199 1,234 1,269

Events (Nat/Int)

1,924 1,587 3,309 3,180 4,231

TOTAL 43,053 45,595 45,818 48,107 48,549 50,176

VISITS

Locals 942,103 980,834 994,475 1,008,287 1,022,272 1,036,432

Day 11,933 12,161 12,375 12,594 12,816 13,041

O/N Domestic

7,168 7,446 7,723 7,998 8,274 8,551

International 7,212 7,455 7,702 7,945 8,181 8,414

Events (Nat/Int)

4,879 3,953 8,690 7,923 10,814

TOTAL 968,417 1,012,776 1,026,228 1,045,514 1,059,466 1,077,252

SPEND

Locals $9,581,189 $10,160,623 $10,510,027 $10,888,297 $11,297,637 $11,740,482

Day $901,465 $961,626 $1,023,280 $1,085,701 $1,146,187 $1,205,962

O/N Domestic

$977,953 $1,063,413 $1,153,214 $1,245,279 $1,336,426 $1,428,196

International $543,279 $587,816 $634,994 $682,934 $729,531 $775,895

Events (Nat/Int)

$1,215,871 $1,011,928 $2,228,031 $2,120,817 $2,938,051

TOTAL $12,003,885 $13,989,348 $14,333,444 $16,130,241 $16,630,599 $18,088,586


What will it require?

While a destination may have world class trails within it, it is the combination of trails plus the overall visitor experience of the destination that combine to create a world class destination.

When AMLR is compared with other international destinations and Australian competitors, the following observations can be made:

» Like Whistler, Queenstown and Rotorua, AMLR has the potential to have a strong mix of trail infrastructure including opportunities for core and non-core markets combined with close proximity to accommodation for events and visitors

» The AMLR destination can offer a suite of trail hubs and linkages between them which can be promoted in a similar way to 7Stanes

» Long downhill flow trails, linkages between hubs and upgrading of trailhead infrastructure could enable an IMBA Epic Ride to be created with the associated international recognition by the mountain bike community

» One of the hubs (such as Fox Creek) could also be planned as an IMBA Ride Centre

» Whilst the close proximity of AMLR to Adelaide is comparable with Mount Stromlo to Canberra, the extent of trail infrastructure, number of hubs, and supporting tourism destination offerings will make AMLR a much more attractive mountain bike destination than Canberra

» The extent of trail infrastructure, and number of hubs currently offered, together with improvements that can be made at AMLR, will create a much stronger mountain bike destination than other Australian hubs such as Forrest and You Yangs

» While Mount Buller has a strong trail offering and Epic status, it is three hours from Melbourne and its international airport

» The proximity of AMLR to Adelaide and its accommodation, plus the pre-existing awareness of the Tour down Under provides a solid base for events and their promotion.

Weaknesses of the AMLR region compared with other major domestic and international mountain biking destinations are:

» The scale of Adelaide as a major population centre is small compared with those in close proximity and easy access to other international destinations (like USA to Whistler and UK to 7STanes)

» there is currently virtually no means of uphill transport with the exception of a small number of roads where vehicle self-shuttles can occur

» trailhead facilities are extremely poor and unattractive for visitors

» to date Adelaide is not positioned as an adventure sports or highly popular tourism destination (like Whistler, Queenstown and Rotorua) and is hence starting from a low base

Approach and Priority actions

There is already considerable investment in trail infrastructure in AMLR and there is a good range of levels of difficulty across several hubs. Priority needs to be given to consolidating the trail hubs that offer the greatest potential to achieve the vision, and creating longer rides through appropriate linkages. To facilitate this, the trails in the region have been recommended as lead, supporting and local trails.

» Lead trails - a small number of outstanding trail experiences that have the pulling power to persuade a visitor to come to the AMLR and generate the greatest economic benefit.

» Supporting trails - a less prominent visitor offering but provide a quality visitor experience to support leading trails and hub and important recreational opportunities for local communities.

» Local trails - important to the local community, and often have developed through local action.


The following four guidelines form the basis for decisions about priorities in investment.

Lead trail experiences – give priority to those hubs and trail experiences that can attract new markets

Strategic development– a small number of high quality experiences at the highest standard is better than multiple hubs and poorly maintained trails

Consolidate before expanding – get the current trail network to the highest standard before expanding

Value adding linkages – prioritise links that will be meaningful for markets and encourage access.

Priority projects are as follows:

Governance and funding

» Establish and resource a Governance model that provides for coordinated implementation of this plan by multiple stakeholders and identification and implementation of sustainable funding mechanisms for long term development, promotion and maintenance of the network.

Community and partnerships

» Develop a communications plan and engage with the community in a range of ways to encourage support and participation in the trail network

» Implement a range of partnerships with recreational user groups, the private sector and tourism industry to progress the plan.

Trails and trailhead infrastructure

» Refine and improve the lead trails networks and hubs to create a strong world class network including prioritising infrastructure that will enable an IMBA ride centre and/or Epic Ride to be created

» Undertake feasibility assessment to determine the best hero descending trail as an experience that will be attractive to a range of markets

» Implement high quality trailhead facilities befitting a world class trail network

» Develop a world-class example ‘urban bike park’

Tourism and marketing

» Work with the private sector to ensure appropriate consumer focused support services and new businesses as the visitor numbers grow

» Develop a strategy to attract world class events to the region

» Work with SATC and the regional tourism organisations to embed mountain biking into the brand essence of the region and implement collaborative marketing

» Establish a brand identity for the mountain bike network and use this as the basis for new on line and other appropriate collateral.

What will success look like?

We will know we have been successful if, by 2020,

» we have a vibrant tourism economy with new and expanded bike friendly businesses servicing our visitors

» we are known elsewhere in Australia and internationally for our excellent network of sustainable trails and we have grown our visitor numbers

» we are hosting events that attract mountain bike riders from interstate and overseas.


Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 7

2 REGIONAL CONTEXT 8

2.1 The Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges region 8

2.2 The region’s visitors 10

2.3 Mountain biking in the region 11

2.4 Planning Context 11

3 MOUNTAIN BIKING TRENDS AND MARKETS 13

3.1 Trends 13

3.2 The global MTB market 13

3.3 Economic impacts of other MTB destinations and events 14

3.4 Types of mountain biking 16

3.5 The Australian MTB market 17

4 BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL MTB DESTINATION 20

4.1 What makes a world class mountain bike destination? 20

4.2 WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF THE AMLR REGION AS AN INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION? 22

4.3 Moving towards an international mountain bike destination 25

5 ECONOMIC IMPACTS 34

5.1 What is the potential growth for AMLR mountain biking? 34

6 OUR VISION 38

6.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 38

7 ACHIEVING THE VISION 39

7.1 Governance and funding 39

7.2 Community and Partnerships 40

7.3 Trails and trailhead infrastructure 41

7.4 Tourism and marketing 43

7.5 Implementing the Infrastructure recommendations 45

8 MAPS 51

APPENDIX 57


1 Introduction The Adelaide Mount Lofty Region (AMLR), which extends from the Barossa Valley to the tip of Fleurieu Peninsula, is a significant natural, cultural, recreational and economic resource for the people of the region and its domestic and international visitors. The South Australian Government recognises the region’s current importance and future potential to contribute to the development of Adelaide and the region as a thriving nationally and internationally competitive place to live, invest and visit.

Mountain biking has become an increasingly popular way for people to enjoy and appreciate natural areas. In many parts of the world mountain biking trail networks have become significant visitor destinations which attract international visitors and contribute to economic sustainability and recreational opportunities for local and regional communities. The AMLR is an emerging mountain biking destination with some high profile trail networks and many high quality but less known formal mountain bike trails.

The South Australian Government is committed to building the AMLR as an international-level mountain biking destination that will be an important driver of tourism and economic sustainability in the region.

The attributes of the AMLR make it well suited for development as a mountain biking destination. The region’s scenic landscapes, varied terrain, existing natural and cultural tourism attractions and existing trail and transport infrastructure close to a major city provide a strong basis for building mountain biking experiences attractive to a range of visitors.

This AMLR Mountain Biking Destination Implementation Plan (the Plan) provides the framework for building the destination over time through an integrated approach and collaboration between government agencies, local councils, the tourism industry, mountain biking organisations and the community.

Critical factors in the development of the destination are:

» the protection of the region’s significant biodiversity, natural resources and natural and cultural values

» development of experiences that appeal to the range of local, domestic and international mountain biking markets

» the delivery of benefits to local and regional communities and contribution to the tourism experiences available in the Adelaide and the region

» an integrated, cross tenure approach to destination development and management among the region’s numerous land management, tourism, recreational and community stakeholders

» development of stakeholder and community support and stewardship for an international-level mountain biking destination.

The Plan is based on a structure that includes:

» Background information on the Adelaide Mountain Lofty Ranges

» A review of mountain biking and trends over recent years

» An assessment of the likely potential growth in the AMLR and the economic potential this could generate

» A review of what makes an international mountain bike destination and how AMLR performs against this

» Recommendations for moving towards a world class destination.

The preparation of the Plan was guided by a Project Reference Group of senior Government officials. Input was also provided by a DEWNR project team and operational representatives from various land management agencies, the tourism industry, cycling and mountain bike user groups, NGO and survey data.

As a first step a Strategic Directions Paper was distributed to the Project Reference Group for consideration of a suggested vision, guiding principles and strategic directions for implementing the concept of an international mountain bike destination. The feedback received guided the refinement of the core elements of this plan.


2 Regional Context 2.1 THE ADELAIDE MOUNT LOFTY RANGES REGION

For the purposes of this project, the AMLR region encompasses an area that extends from the Barossa Valley in the north and along the Mount Lofty Ranges which flank the Adelaide metropolitan area to Cape Jervis at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula in the south (see map in Figure 1). The region covers 6,581 square kilometres of land and includes the Adelaide metropolitan area. A population of 1.2 million people (or 80% of South Australia’s population) live within the region.

The AMLR region (see Figure 1) includes the following local government areas (LGAs) - Adelaide Hills, City of Mitcham, City of Playford, City of Tea Tree Gully, Campbelltown City Council, City of Burnside, City of Onkaparinga, District Council of Mt Barker, Alexandrina Council and Barossa Council. Yankalilla and Victor Harbor are also in the region but not involved in the project. Freehold land within the region includes residential and commercial properties and some larger tracts of land held by organisations such as universities.

As well as land managed by the LGAs, the region includes 2 National Parks, 44 Conservation Parks and 11 Recreation Parks administered by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources as well as extensive tracts of undeveloped land managed by Forestry SA and SA Water.

In addition to the community in the region, other stakeholders also have a significant interest in the project including SATC, the three regional tourism associations (Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula), Bike SA and other recreational user groups and commercial businesses.

The AMLR region lies within the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula tourism regions. While outside the region, Kangaroo Island is a significant tourism destination adjacent to the AMLR region that attracts considerable international visitor numbers and may, in the future, be able to assist in growing awareness of the nearby mountain bike opportunities.

The region is regarded as one of South Australia’s most biologically diverse areas.1 It is a mosaic of remnant bushland and agricultural land supporting a diverse range of wildlife, native plants, rivers, swamps, wetlands and spectacular scenery. Half of the State’s native plant species and three-quarters of its native bird species occur in the region. About 60% of the water needs of metropolitan Adelaide are sourced from the region and it also contains some of the State’s most productive primary industries which supply local and international markets.

The area’s agricultural landscapes and associated world-renowned food and wine production have high cultural significance linked to the colonial settlement of the area and are being considered for nomination as an agrarian landscape World Heritage site under UNESCO’s cultural landscape criteria.2

1 Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board (Nov 2013),

Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Plan, Volume 1 – Strategic Plan, 2014-15 to 2023-24 2 www.mountloftyranges.org; Mount Lofty Ranges Working

Group and EconSearch Pty Ltd (June 2012), Exploring UNESCO World heritage Site listing for the Mount Lofty Ranges agrarian landscape. Prepared for the Adelaide Hills Council, Barossa Council, District Council of Mount Barker and City of Onkaparinga.


Figure 1: Map of the AMLR region


2.2 THE REGION’S VISITORS

The AMLR region provides a wide range of visitor attractions and activities within a short drive from Adelaide. The visitor offer includes:

» nature and wildlife experiences in the numerous conservation and recreation reserves in the hills and coastal experiences and marine wildlife (Little Penguins, whales) on the Fleurieu Peninsula

» trail networks for walking, cycling and horse riding

» quaint historic villages (such as Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills) and other heritage sites

» world class wineries and local produce throughout the region

» art and culture – the Adelaide Hills is a centre for artists

» a wide range of character accommodation and other accommodation.

Visitation to the AMLR region is predominantly from residents of South Australia, with Adelaide forming a major source of both overnight intrastate visitors and domestic day visitors.

This reflects the proximity of the AMLR region to Adelaide metropolitan area. In the year ending September 2014, based on the National and International Visitor Surveys (see Table 1):

» intrastate overnight visitors comprise about 72% of total overnight visitation

» interstate overnight visitors comprise 23%

» there is a small international visitor component – about 5%

» a very large day visitation – a total of 3.884 million visitors or about 4 times the overnight visitation.

Holiday and leisure and visiting friends and relatives are the major purposes of domestic overnight and day visitation. Holiday and leisure visitation forms 53% of Barossa domestic overnight visits, 37% of Adelaide Hills visits and 23% of Fleurieu Peninsula visits. The visiting friends and relatives market is especially important in the Adelaide Hills, where it forms 48% of domestic overnight visitation. Visiting friends and relatives is 29% of Barossa and 23% of Fleurieu Peninsula domestic overnight visitation respectively.

Table 1: Visitor numbers and nights to the AMLR region, year ending September 20143

Region Intrastate Overnight Interstate Overnight International Domestic Day Trips

Visits Nights Visits Nights Visits Nights

Barossa 144,000 231,000 74,000 363,000 12,000 61,000 690,000

Adelaide Hills

72,000 215,000 51,000 225,000 10,000 128,000 902,000

Fleurieu Peninsula

488,000 1,268,000 101,000 427,000 23,000 159,000 2,292,000

TOTAL AMLR

704,000 1,714,000 226,000 1,015,000 45,000 348,000 3,884,000

3 South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) (2014), Visits to South Australian Regions: Year Ending September 2014.


How local people view the proposal for an international-level MTB destination

DEWNR invited the South Australian community to take part in an online survey to collect ideas on how to establish the Adelaide Hills as an international MTB destination. More than 370 people responded, with an overwhelming majority supporting the project. They considered Adelaide’s proximity to the trails was a positive feature, as were the other nature-based and cultural experiences such as quality food and wine products.

They believed development of quality mountain biking experiences would be assisted by:

o a trail linking existing tracks with additional loop trails to provide an ‘epic’ or ‘hero’ product

o a trail linking the coast and the hills o a trail through metropolitan Adelaide

which also provides off road access to the trails

o trails from towns adjacent to the AMLR region

o improved transport options (trains, buses, shuttle services)

o world class events

o improved trailhead facilities.

2.3 MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE REGION

The AMLR region is currently an emerging mountain biking destination which is supported by strong local participation and advocacy from the mountain biking community and organisations.

Across the region there are three Mountain Bike Australia affiliated mountain biking clubs each with a different focus and with a total membership of over 500 people. There are frequent mountain bike competitions particularly during the cooler months from April to December. Adelaide based industry bodies such as BikeSA and the South Australian Mountain Biking Association have been instrumental in rolling out a number of mountain bike projects in the region and other parts of the State and in lobbying for improved trail access and infrastructure.

There are at least two successful mountain bike tour operators in the AMLR region who offer a range of services to visitors and the mountain bike community, including skill development classes and guiding.

There are two quality, high profile mountain bike trail networks in the region – Eagle Mountain Bike Park and Fox Creek (also known as Cudlee Creek). Both networks provide trails for downhill and cross-country riding across a range of difficulty ratings and were designed, built and are maintained with input to core mountain biking enthusiasts and the local riding community. Both networks also host large competitive events which have contributed to building their reputation as places to ride. Eagle Mountain Bike Park hosted the Australian National Mountain Bike Championship from 2010 to 2012.

The AMLR region also has many lesser known, high quality, formalised mountain bike trails. These include trails in places like Lynton, Belair NP, Sturt Gorge RP (Craigburn Farm), Cobbler Creek RP and Kuitpo Forest. Touring by mountain bike also occurs on shared trails throughout the AMLR.

The region includes a number of popular long distance riding routes that the local community and visitors ride including the Mawson Trail (which extends to the Finders Ranges), the Amy Gillett track and the Coast to Vines.

There are many other commonly used trails where mountain biking has not been formally approved or endorsed by the responsible land manager. Many of these informal trails have been built by the local riding community without approval of the land manager.

Appendix A and Map 1 identify the majority of mountain biking opportunities in and around the region.

2.4 PLANNING CONTEXT

The development of the AMLR region as an international mountain biking destination will take place within the existing land uses and land management regimes. Mountain biking development will need to be compatible with, and able to be coordinated through, the legislative, policy, planning and land management requirements that apply in the region. The details of the planning requirements are provided in Appendix B.

Improved tourism and recreation opportunities and the development of supporting infrastructure and services in the AMLR region are supported by the broad goals in South Australia’s Strategic Plan 2011 and the South Australian Tourism Plan 2020. Those Plans envision the development of Adelaide and environs as a vibrant place to live and visit that competes nationally and internationally for people and investment. The Linking Adelaide with Nature


Strategy guides development of an improved and sustainable trail network between Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges.

The development of mountain biking in the Mount Lofty area is an aim of the state-wide People and Parks Strategy and is identified in the (Draft) State Wide Trails Master Plan 2015 as a medium term priority. The State Wide Trails Master Plan provides guidelines for planning, design, project delivery and management of sustainable trails that will apply to how mountain bike trails are developed in the region. There is a range of local council bike plans that apply to parts of the region.

Opportunities and constraints for mountain biking development in the region’s parks and reserves are contained in the relevant statutory management plans adopted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Some management plans identify recreation zones suitable for mountain biking and conservation zones where mountain biking is prohibited. The National Parks and Wildlife (National Parks) Regulations 2001 govern approvals and licences for commercial tours, competitions, selling and hiring goods and conducting events that might be associated with mountain biking.

Other legislation that may apply to the development and management of mountain biking includes legislation for cultural heritage protection, Crown Land management and local council development plans.

A nomination to UNESCO for declaration of part of the AMLR region as a World Heritage Area has been proposed by the region’s local government councils, Regional Development Australia, community stakeholders and the University of Adelaide for the Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Valley and the Mount Barker and Maclaren Vale areas. One of the aims of the World Heritage bid is to increase the attraction of the region for tourism and investment, with a flow on to improved tourism products and local employment and business opportunities.

Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges MTB Destination|Final Report| July 2015

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3 Mountain biking trends and markets

3.1 TRENDS

Mountain biking is a growing recreation activity that has increased in popularity in recent decades. It has developed from a fringe sport to a mainstream activity with several different sporting genres, organised competitions and events and popularity as a way to tour through natural environments. Cross-country mountain biking is now an Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games sport.

Tourism involving mountain biking is considered to be growing globally. A 2014 global benchmark survey of cycle tour companies conducted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)4 estimated that mountain bike tours form 20 per cent of total cycle tours – 13 per cent on dirt tracks/roads and 7 per cent on single track. It found that mountain bikes are provided by 57% of the surveyed tour companies – suggesting there are unsealed road/track components in non-mountain bike specific tours.

Mountain bike trail networks and bike parks offering a range of trails and events attracting local, domestic and international visitors have been developed in many locations. These include iconic international destinations such as Whistler (British Columbia, Canada), 7Stanes (Scotland) and Rotorua (New Zealand). In Australia, popular mountain bike destinations include the trail networks and associated facilities at Melrose (South Australia); Mount Buller, Forrest and the You Yangs (Victoria); Thredbo (NSW); Stromlo Forest Park (ACT) and Atherton and Smithfield near Cairns (Queensland). New networks are being established in Tasmania.

Numerous other small and large-scale mountain bike networks and facilities exist around Australia and are being developed for local and wider tourism usage. Mountain biking also occurs on back roads and management trails in many natural areas.

4 ATTA (2014), Bicycle Tourism – 2014 Survey,

www.adventuretravel.biz

Long distance mountain bike trails include the 1,030 km Munda Biddi Trail between Mundaring and Albany in Western Australia and the 900 km Mawson Trail between the Adelaide Hills and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.

Mountain biking clubs and organisations have emerged at the local, national and international level to advocate for the sport, assist in building and managing trail networks and organise events. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has guidelines for trail design and construction. The peak body for mountain biking in Australia is Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA), which is affiliated with IMBA. MBTA is linked to Cycling Australia and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body for cycling. Membership of MBTA provides insurance, and allows members to compete in MTBA affiliated/organised events and to earn points that are recognised by the UCI.

3.2 THE GLOBAL MTB MARKET

Mountain biking occurs throughout the world. As an indication, IMBA has individual members who live in over 30 countries5. The countries with the highest mountain biking participation rates are thought to be Canada, the US, European countries, Australia and New Zealand.

Data on participation in mountain biking is incomplete due to limitations in national survey data. Like other outdoor activities (such as hiking, climbing, surfing) mountain biking is predominantly unstructured and geographically diverse. Only a percentage of participants focus on competitions (which is where it is easiest to collect participation data).

Mountain biking participation rate estimates for various countries were reported in a 2010 study for Parks Canada to range between 2 per cent and 8 per cent of the population6.

5 IMBA website – www.imba.com

6 Corporate Research Associates (March 2010), Secondary Research

– Mountain Biking Market Profiles. Report prepared for Parks Canada.


14

Table 2: Estimated size of mountain biking markets in selected countries

7

Country Number of Mountain Biking Participants

% of Population

Canada 1 million 3%

United States

6 million to 45 million

The latter estimate is likely high. A 2009 Outdoor Participation Report (based on a Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Survey) estimated 6 to 7 million US mountain bikers.

2% to 15%

United Kingdom

5.5 million (2003 IMBA survey)

8%

New Zealand

Almost 200,0008 6%

Estimates of participation at iconic international mountain biking destinations are:

» Whistler, British Columbia, Canada – Whistler Mountain Bike Park is an iconic mountain biking destination, particularly for downhill and cross country MTB. It offers 200 kms of trails and 1,200 metres of vertical drop together with extensive service facilities and competitions. A summer destination (as it is a ski resort in winter), bike park visits grew from 18,583 in the 2000 season and reached 100,000 in 20089. Over 60% of riders come from outside Canada

» Squamish, British Columbia, Canada - This region (ranked among the top 25 MTB destinations by Mountain Bike Magazine) has about 200 kms of varied MTB trails which are used by both local residents and visitors. Traffic counts and visitor surveys show that trail use quadrupled from an estimated 591 riders a week in 2006 to 2600 riders a week in 2013[1]. 40% of visitors stayed overnight and stayed an average of 2.5 nights

» 7stanes, Scotland –7stanes is a network of 7 mountain bike locations spread throughout the south of Scotland and providing a wide range of MTB trails and facilities. A 2007

7 Corporate Research Associates (March 2010), Secondary Research – Mountain Biking Market Profiles. Report prepared for Parks Canada. 8 NZ Ministry of Tourism (Sept. 2009), Tourist Activity – Cycle Tourism, Tourism Sector Profile, Series B5. 9 www.whistler2020.ca [1] Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (2014), Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in Squamish.

study estimated just under 400,000 visits annually to the total 7stanes network. Most trail users come from the UK, with an estimated 8% international visitors10

» Rotorua, New Zealand – A network of trails through 50 hectares of the Whakarewarewa Forest caters for a wide range of riders from beginners and family groups to experts. In 2007, mountain biking accounted for 85,000 of the 282,000 recreational visits. Over half of mountain bike visitors to Rotorua came specifically to go mountain biking

» Taupo, New Zealand – A network of over 200km of trails spread around Lake Taupo, the Waikato River, Wairakei Thermal Resort and Craters of the Moon Reserve. Over 50,000 riders are using the Great Lake Trail after only 3 years since opening

» Queenstown, New Zealand – Over 50,000 riders per annum are estimated to be using the Queenstown Trails Network (in excess of 100 km). The Skyline Gondola alone attracts over 75,000 rides (descents) per annum.

3.3 ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF OTHER MTB DESTINATIONS AND EVENTS

The economic impact from mountain biking has been measured at a small number of destinations. In New Zealand, the direct output (expenditure) from mountain biking in Rotorua was estimated at $10.2 million per annum. At Lake Taupo (less than an hour drive from Rotorua), cycling activity is worth in excess of $8.3 million per annum of which mountain biking accounts for approximately $3 million. In a town of 25,000 residents there are five bike shops and over 200km of trails. In Queenstown, mountain biking is anecdotally considered to generate in excess of $5 million per annum in direct expenditure. The benefits to communities from mountain biking include employment, transport, retail, bike hire, food and accommodation businesses.

The following table provides some indication of the economic contribution events may have in a region. In addition to direct and indirect impact, events also have a strong impact in terms of growing awareness of a destination and the trail offering.

10 EKOS Limited (October 2007), 7 Stanes Phase 2 Evaluation, Report for Forestry Commission Scotland.


15

Table 3: Examples of economic contributions of events

Event No. of Competitors

No. of Spectators

Economic contribution to the region

AUSTRALIA

Bike Buller MTB Festival 2013

11

3 day event with a range of races for different skill levels held at Mt Buller, Victoria

691 1,300 Total economic impact of $2.3 million on Mt Buller. Generated 7,800 bed nights at Mt Buller over the event period.


12

439 1,201 Total direct economic impact of $1.146 million on Mt Buller. Includes pre-race and race visitor expenditure and local race-related expenditure by the organisers. Generated 3,443 bed nights at Mt Buller over the event period and 639 pre-race bed nights.


13

491 (492 MTB, 19 trail runners)

1,146 Total direct economic impact of $1.668 million on Mt Buller. Includes pre-race and race visitor expenditure. Generated 4,364 bed nights at Mt Buller during the event and 1,201 bed nights pre-event.

Giant Odyssey 201414

One day 100 km MTB marathon (with lesser distance options) held at Forrest MTB trail network, Victoria

1,249 2,062 Total direct economic impact of $3.417 million on the Forrest area. Generated 6,513 bed nights in the Forrest area over the race weekend and 2,158 pre-race bed nights.

NEW ZEALAND

World Single Speed Championship Event 2010

15

40 kms course at Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua

850 + Not provided

Estimated average expenditure of NZ$788 per competitor in Rotorua.

World Mountain Bike and Trials Championships, 2006

16

A week long event with a range of riding events held at Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua

666+ 11,371 tickets sold for the week.

Total expenditure over the period of the event estimated at NZ$12.2 million or NZ$2.7 million a day. An additional NZ$4.2 million in expenditure is estimated to be derived from pre-event expenditure by competitors and their teams who stayed in Rotorua an average of 2 wks.

11 Rapid Ascent, Bike Buller 2013 Event Report. 12 Rapid Ascent, Bike Buller MTB Festival 2014 – Post Event Report 2014. 13 Rapid Ascent, Bike Buller MTB Festival- Post Event Report 2015. 14 Rapid Ascent, Giant Odyssey 2014 – Post Event Report 2014. 15 APR Consultants (November 2010), World Single Speed Championship Event Survey 2010 – Event Impact Analysis. Prepared for Events & Venues Rotorua 16 Hogh L (November 2006), Perceptions of the World Mountain Bike and Trials Championships, Rotorua, 22-27 August 2006. Waiariki Institute of Technology.


16

3.4 TYPES OF MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain bike riders can be broadly divided into core and non-core riders:

» Core mountain bikers tend to be more experienced riders who may differentiate into one or more different genres. They tend to have high levels of mountain bike participation, are high spenders on gear and equipment, are willing to travel to mountain biking destinations and have a high likelihood of participating in competitive events

» Non-core mountain bikers who include novices, families seeking safe enjoyable places to ride away from cars, school groups (often guided by tour operators), off-road bike tourers (from rail trails to trails in steeper and more difficult terrain) and people seeking a different outdoor experience or adventure (such as undertaking a guided experience or hiring a bike while on holiday).

Anecdotal observations and profiles of core or experienced mountain bikers compiled in Tasmania suggest that the majority of experienced mountain bikers (excluding the younger group of dirt jump riders and extreme downhill riders) in Australia (and likely in other countries) are primarily male, aged between 20 and 40 years, tend to have above average incomes and are willing to travel for quality mountain biking experiences.

Activities undertaken by core mountain bikers have evolved into a range of mountain biking types or genres, each with different characteristics, trail/facility requirements, bicycle equipment and competitive circuits. Currently, the core mountain biking types or genres can be described as:

» Cross-country

» Downhill / Freeriding

» All Mountain / Gravity Enduro

» Dirt Jump / Pump Track

» Trials

Cross-country mountain biking (the oldest type of mountain biking) remains the most popular type of mountain biking activity. It can be undertaken in a variety of places and terrain, from management trails to shared trails to purpose-built single track. The next most popular activity that has emerged more recently is All Mountain / Gravity Enduro. This type of riding is characterised by long, moderately steep (5-15% grades on average) descents, with some short uphills along the way. On well-designed trails, this type of riding can appeal to both experienced riders and inexperienced riders. It is currently attracting a lot of attention from riders and in social media. While competitions are held, many enthusiasts have little aspiration to participate in races.

A survey conducted by World Trail of 1,306 people in Victoria in 2013 provides an insight into the popularity of different types of mountain biking17 (see Figure 1). In the survey, respondents were asked to indicate the types of cycling in which they participated. Respondents could nominate multiple forms of cycling.

Figure 1: Relative popularity of different mountain biking genres (Victoria, 2013 survey)18

17

World Trail (2013), 18

World Trail 2014


17

Non-core riders are a much broader market and can, by their activity, generally be assumed to overlap with tourism markets in a destination. In practice the distinction between disciplines is often blurred and a large proportion of people who ride mountain bikes (non-core mountain bikers) do not identify with any particular genre. This includes off-road touring.

The different types or genres of mountain biking are summarised in Appendix C. Off-road touring is included at the end of the table as it is a potential market for the AMLR region.

Mountain bike trails are described using four grades as identified in the text box.

The (Draft) South Australian Trails Master Plan has defined off road touring as follows:

» Family and Leisure Cyclists

» Enthusiast Mountain Bikers

» Sport Mountain Bike Riders

» Mountain Bike Trail Riders

» Gravity Focused Mountain Bikers

» Off Road Cycle Tourers

Further details on these segments are provided in the draft SA Trails Master Plan. Once the draft strategy is endorsed across Government it may be useful to use these categories to assist in tactical approaches to marketing to different segments.

3.5 THE AUSTRALIAN MTB MARKET

The size of the Australian mountain biking market has been estimated based on existing data on cycling participation and tourism. There is no consistent Australia-wide reporting that distinguishes MTB from cycling in general.

The size, activity patterns and needs of the Australian MTB market fall into two broad categories:

» local mountain bikers – residents who regularly ride a mountain bike within a 40 km radius of their home. This is the definition of day visitors used in the National Visitor Survey (NVS) conducted by Tourism Research Australia

» mountain bike tourists – overnight visitors who rode a mountain bike during their holiday. This is based on a proportion of all visitors who went cycling as estimated in the NVS.

3.5.1 Local mountain biking market

The recently published Australia-wide Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation by ABS for the 2013-14 financial year reports that 2.2% of Australians participate in ‘cycling/BMXing’ with 0.2% in ‘trail bike riding’. This proportions mountain bike participation to approximately 9% of the overall ‘cycling/BMXing’ category.

In 2000, an ABS study on Leisure and Cultural Participation was conducted in Tasmania, which cited a 4.2% participation rate in ‘off-road cycling or mountain bike riding’ by Tasmanians. If we apply this to Tasmania’s cycle participation value, it equates to mountain bike participation sitting at approximately 73% of the overall category.

For the purposes of this report, the following assumptions have been made to define the market:

» The true value of the mountain bike market likely sits between the above estimates and therefore an average value of the above values have been adopted, with an estimated national average of 3.5% calculated using these adjusted averages (Table 1); and

» Cycle activity participation frequency rates (Table 1) are uniform across all segments (i.e. road and MTB rates are the same).

Trail Grades IMBA international standards for mountains bike trails:

o Green Circle

Wide single track (~1m) ideal for beginners

and riders looking for an easy mountain

biking experience.

o Blue Square

More challenging rides for intermediate

mountain bikers.

o Black Diamond

For the experienced riders with the skills

and experience to negotiate tough trails.

o Double Black Diamond

For experienced riders with good MTB

skills and experience and a general

acknowledgement that they will not get it

right every time, and that this usually

results in some pain.


18

Table 4: Estimated local Australian MTB market per State

0 Cycling/BMX Participation (ABS 2011/12)

Estimated MTB % from resident population

Estimated Frequency of Participation (times per year)

NSW 6.1% 2.5% 48.3

VIC 8.8% 3.6% 47.5

QLD 7.5% 3.1% 55.1

SA 6.8% 2.8% 45.7

WA 8.8% 3.6% 51.2

TAS 5.7% 2.4% 53.5

NT 9.0% 3.7% 48.5

ACT 15.3% 6.3% 54.6

AUS 3.5%

3.5.2 Mountain bike tourism market

As the NVS and the International Visitor Survey (IVS) (the main sources of Australia-wide tourism data) do not distinguish mountain biking from the general category of cycling while on holiday it is assumed for the purposes of this report that mountain biking comprises 20 per cent of all cycling trips (see Table 5). This percentage is derived from the 2014 ATTA bicycle tourism trends survey which found that mountain biking took place on 20 per cent of all bicycle tours globally. It is also assumed there is an even distribution of mountain bike tourism across domestic overnight and international visitors.

This is a broad estimate only. Cycle tourists are defined as visitors who cycled at least once during their trip – they may not have cycled in every located they visited.

Table 5: Estimated Australian MTB tourist market

Total

Cycle Tourists (from NVS and IVS) 2,963,035

Estimated MTB Share of Cycle Tourists

20%

Estimated MTB Tourists 492,607

The NVS and IVS results for the year ending September 2014 indicate that 0.9% of all Australian visitors participated in a cycling activity during their trip. The percentage of cycle tourists has steadily increased over the past five years (Figures 2 and 3), representing an increase in visitor numbers and visitor nights of 25 per cent and 16 per cent respectively from 2009 to 2014.

Cycle Visitors

80% MTB 20%

MTB 20%

Local annual MTB participation for AMLR is estimated to be around

26,200 local residents who conduct 930,000 MTB trips a year

The current Australian MTB tourism market is estimated to be

nearly 500,000 visitors a year.


19

Figure 3: Percentage share of total Australian visitors who participate in a cycling activity

Figure 4

3.5.3 Estimated mountain bike visitation for the AMLR

Using information about the local population and the estimated visitor markets from sections 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 and Appendix D, it is estimated that the AMLR receives as many as 950,000 mountain bike visits each year (Table 7), comprised of:

» approximately 26,200 residents (estimated from the population within a 40km radius – see Figure 5) who participate in mountain bike-related activities approximately 930,000 times a year.

» a visitor market of 13,300 (including domestic day, overnight and international visitors) who make nearly 18,000 MTB trips per year.

Figure 5: The estimated local market - 40km radius of AMLR

Table 6: Estimated AMLR MTB Market

Locals Domestic Day

Domestic Overnight

International TOTAL

Visitors 26178 10,032 2,402 116 38729

Visits per year

930049 10,032 7,049 899 948029

* Due to small sample size data on cycling participation in the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges region, estimates on cycle tourist proportions (0.26% of total visitors) have been used.

-

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

-

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Cycle

MTB

0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 1.0%

1.2% 1.1%

0.0%

0.2%

0.4%

0.6%

0.8%

1.0%

1.2%

1.4%

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

% S

har

e A

US

Vis

ito

rs

YE September


20

4 Building an International MTB Destination

4.1 WHAT MAKES A WORLD CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATION?

A range of factors combine to make world class mountain biking destinations that attract both core and non-core mountain bikers and other visitors who might undertake a casual mountain biking experience as part of their holiday.

While a destination may have world class trails within it, it is the combination of trails plus the overall visitor experience of the destination that combine to create a world class destination.

The following characteristics have been drawn from successful international and Australian mountain bike destinations. They can be divided into:

» the trail infrastructure, design, support facilities and management

» the wider tourism/visitor experience offered, both on and off trail.

4.1.1 Trails and support facilities

The key attractant for the range of mountain bikers is the trail network. Its ability to attract visitors relies upon the quality and quantity of trails, its accessibility and the challenges and interest it poses. Critical factors are summarised below.

» High quality, sustainable trail infrastructure. Trails need to be designed and constructed to be durable, suitable for purpose and to minimize environmental impacts. IMBA provides widely accepted guidelines for sustainable mountain bike trail design in its publications Trail Solutions and Managing Mountain Biking. Where mountain biking trails are shared with other users (such as walkers), consideration needs to be given to the needs and safety of all trail users. For example, the W2k Track at Taupo, New Zealand attracts 50% of its use from walkers. Off camber corners and other trail design features limit bike speed on downhill sections, while

providing a challenge for riders and improving walker safety19.

» Diversity of trail types and styles for a variety of users. Providing a diversity of trail types appealing to the range of mountain biking genres adds credibility to the trail network and ensures the broadest appeal to mountain bikers and other visitors. For example, an average trail gradient of 5% will appeal to a broad range of users while trails with higher gradients and technical challenges will be required for Downhill/Freeride and All Mountain/Enduro riding. At Mount Buller, Victoria the Copperhead Trail has been designed to be ridden on a downhill or cross-country bike and is suitable for a beginner downhiller or an intermediate cross-country rider.

» Sufficient riding opportunities to fill 2 to 3 days. There need to be more trails in a location than an average mountain biker can ride in one day – this is referred to as the ‘tipping point’. It is hard to define the total trail length that equates to the tipping point as it depends on factors such as the terrain and shape of the trail network. However, in most cases the tipping point for a successful network is probably around 30 to 40 kms of trails. For iconic locations, there would preferably be sufficient riding opportunities to fill 2 to 3 days.

» Range of different difficulty levels. A range of difficulty levels will attract a wider range of riders and cater for beginners, non-core mountain bikers and tourists. The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System is widely used to categorise the relative technical difficulty of trails.

» IMBA recognition. Designation as an IMBA Ride Centre may be beneficial in attracting mountain bike visitors through IMBA’s extensive global network. Ride Centres are designated by IMBA to recognize the range and variety of trails and associated riding experiences under a 3-tiered system. Currently, Mount Buller in Victoria is a bronze-rated Ride Centre and Bike Taupo in New Zealand is rated at the silver level. Similarly IMBA Epic Rides may form a draw for mountain bikers. Epic Rides are demanding rides in a natural setting, composed of more than 80%

19

TRC Tourism (March 2013), Potential for Mountain Biking in North Eastern Tasmania – Market Demand and Economic Assessment. Prepared for Northern Tasmania Development.


21

singletrack and at least 32 kilometres in length20. The only IMBA Epic Ride in Australia currently is the Australian Alps Epic which is located at Mt Buller and opened in December 2014.

» Provision of transport. Uphill transport (such as shuttle vehicles, chair lifts) provides access to the beginning of downhill runs and other trails in hilly terrain. For example, a regular shuttle bus service carrying both people and bikes operates between various trails on the Whakarewarewa Forest near Rotorua, New Zealand 21. and in Queenstown there is a successful bike taxi service operating.

» Accessibility. Trails that are easily accessible receive higher use. Trails need to be easily accessible from population or tourism centres and transport hubs. Consideration needs to be given to ways in which different types of visitors will wish to access trails and their points of origin. In addition to access from roads, consideration should be given to the need for train and bus transport to facilitate one-way journeys or for visitors to a region who do not have motor vehicles. Buses and trains need to have facilities for transporting bikes. Good accessibility will also make a trail network more attractive for events.

» High quality pre-trip information. Quality websites, maps and apps are required to provide prospective visitors to a trail destination with reliable information on the trail network and services.

» High standard trailhead or nearby facilities. Important facilities include:

a) an appropriate level and standard of car

parking for a particular trail or trail hub

b) adequate signage – orientation and way

finding, trail information, trail

standards/difficulty ratings

c) water and toilets in convenient locations in

a trail hub (not necessarily at trailheads).

» Sustainable management of trails and infrastructure. Trails need to be managed in a way that maintains their quality and usability and protects the environment. Trail maintenance should be carried out by professionals or by volunteers managed by experienced professionals. It is critical that a sufficient budget is allocated for ongoing trail management and maintenance. One way to contribute to maintenance budgets is to allocate a proportion of revenue gained from trail tourism to trail maintenance.

20

www.imba.com/epics/rides 21

www.southstaradventures.com

4.1.2 Events

Both competitive and recreational events can be central drivers of a trail network, assisting to attract visitors, position a trail network in the marketplace and stimulate business interest in developing linked products.

» The tourism/visitor experience. The off-trail experience will also be important to mountain bikers who will spend a proportion of their time at a destination doing other activities. They will help to bring the destination to life. A strong overall destination experience is also needed to attract non-core mountain bikers and other visitors to undertake mountain biking and support commercial mountain biking products and services. Central aspects of a mountain biking tourism/visitor experience are summarised below.

» An attractive landscape, natural beauty and cultural attractions. Spectacular settings and places of interest on or near trails can be a significant attraction for mountain bike visitors. Many iconic mountain biking destinations are in attractive natural settings. Natural and cultural attractions also provide activities for spectators and family and friends accompanying competitors at mountain biking events.

» Range of bike-friendly accommodation options. Several mountain bike and other cycling destinations advertise accommodation operators who cater for cyclists by offering bike-friendly amenities and packages. Examples include Italy Bike Hotels (www.italybikehotels.it)and Whistler’s accommodation listings provide information on accommodation which offers secure bike storage, cameras and motion detectors, bike wash areas, ‘tuning stations’ and laundries. Visit Scotland’s Cyclists Welcome Accommodation Scheme, for example, includes over 1,000 establishments offering bike-friendly services.

» Cafes, food, beverage and retail businesses.

» Supporting bike-related services. These include bike hire, transport and shuttle services, bike equipment and repair shops, car rental companies that provide bike racks, bike storage, and bike wash down facilities. Bike shops can also be a centre for the local mountain biking community (such as at Melrose, South Australia) and a source of trail information.

» Quality commercial tours (guided and self-guided). Mountain bike tour products (whether specifically for mountain biking or part of a larger tour package) can help attract non-core mountain bikers and widen the appeal and diversity of a destination.


22

» Community engagement and support. Successful mountain bike destinations demonstrate support for the trail network and related experiences among both the mountain biking community and the wider community which is involved in providing a total destination experience. Mountain biking at Whistler is a partnership between Whistler-Blackcomb (the resort and Whistler Bike Park), local government (the Resort Municipality of Whistler), Tourism Whistler, other local businesses and the community (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association, SORCA). The local community supports mountain bike tourism and is aware of the social and economic benefits.

» Strong positioning as a mountain bike destination. The destination positioning needs to be delivered consistently across the destination through quality of product, customer service, and imagery.

» Coordinated destination marketing and promotion. Collaborative promotion is required to include maintain biking in destination promotion. For example, Visit Ruapehu (New Zealand) features mountain biking across its region in its promotion and on its website and works with tourism operators to develop packages and marketing collateral (www.visitruapehu.com). A consortium of bike parks in British Columbia (Canada) promotes bike park experiences to a range of markets (www.bikeparksbc.com).

4.2 WHAT IS THE POTENTIAL OF THE AMLR REGION AS AN INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION?

The following table summarises improvements and approaches necessary if we are to match the characteristics of successful world class destinations. A summary SWOT analysis is also included at Appendix E

Case studies of best practice international mountain biking destinations are provided in Appendix F.

Examples of mountain biking destinations in Australia that potentially compete with the AMLR region are provided in Appendix G.

BENCHMARK SNAPSHOT

Visit Scotland worked with the Cyclists Touring Club and the Scottish Cyclists Union to produce a scheme to meet the specific needs of cyclists in their holiday

accommodation.

For non-accommodation businesses (e.g. Visitor Attractions) there is an expectation that such businesses will display a commitment to looking after cyclists and have an appreciation of their particular requirements.


23

Trail infrastructure and support facilities

High quality, sustainable trail infrastructure

With refinement of trails and some additions plus links between hubs, AMLR can have outstanding trail infrastructure. Ensuring long term sustainable management at the same high standard will be critical to the long term success of the destination.

Diversity of trail types and styles for a variety of users

With several trail hubs offering different standards of riding plus links between hubs, and the addition of long distance flow trails and promotion of existing recreational touring trails, AMLR will have the best diversity of trails in Australia.

Sufficient riding opportunities to fill 2 to 3 days

There will be more than enough opportunities for the majority of riders to fill 3 days.

Range of different difficulty levels

There will be a good mix of all levels of difficulty across the network.

IMBA recognition There is potential to apply for IMBA recognition FOR Fox Creek as a ride centre once recommended improvements are made to the trail system. A Feasibility study to confirm the potential of an Epic is required.

Provision of transport There is inadequate uphill transport. Options to resolve this include: Commercial sector providing shuttle services improvements to public transport to allow bikes continuation of current private transport where suitable roads exist development of a chairlift - must ensure suitability for bike transport

Accessibility The AMLR is readily accessible to Adelaide and the airport but ensuring bike friendly transport between the airport and the AMLR would be important

High quality pre-trip information

Additional high quality information is required including pre trip and on site orientation. Downloadable apps and maps with GPS data to readily locate trails needs to be combined with signage on site

High standard trailhead or nearby facilities

Trailhead facilities are inadequate to match the international destination status. Toilets, water supply, car parking and trailhead information are all essential at key hubs and visitor nodes

Sustainable management of trails and infrastructure

Effective governance structure and appropriate resourcing for capital improvements and ongoing maintenance needs to be established

The tourism/visitor experience

An attractive landscape, natural beauty and cultural attractions

This exists and is the backdrop of the trail network. Creating the linkages and positioning of the AMLR as a place where you can enjoy bike riding and the landscape and attractions will be important

Range of bike-friendly accommodation options

There is a need to work with the tourism industry to create an awareness of what bike riders need and to extend the accommodation options outside the metropolitan centre including guest houses, pubs and camping.

Cafes, food, beverage and retail businesses

As rider numbers grow it is likely additional businesses will become established and these are essential to a vibrant mountain bike destination

Supporting bike-related services

There is a need to work with the tourism industry to create an awareness of what bike riders need including bike hire, transport and shuttle services, bike equipment and repair shops, car rental companies that provide bike racks, bike storage, bike wash down facilities

Quality commercial tours (guided and self-guided)

A small number of operators currently exist, and form a good base for supporting growth in guided and supported activities. Additional operators are likely to become established as the market grows and diversifies.

Community engagement and support

Ongoing engagement of the community and the tourism industry and commercial sector to ensure recognition of the benefits and value of mountain biking will be essential to a successful destination.

Strong positioning as a mountain bike destination

With AMLR and its component tourism regions currently strongly positioned for food, wine and related experiences and Adelaide seen as a cultural events destination, leveraging the adventure and mountain bike activities as part of the broader positioning will be critical to the success of this concept.

Coordinated destination marketing and promotion

Individual operators, peak bike groups, land managers and regional tourism will all need to work effectively to position the AMLR as an international destination. This will require a clear marketing strategy that all buy into and engage with


24

How does AMLR stack up?

When AMLR is compared with other international destinations and Australian competitors, the following observations can be made:

» Like Whistler, Queenstown and Rotorua, AMLR has the potential to have a strong mix of trail infrastructure including opportunities for core and non-core markets combined with close proximity to accommodation for events and visitors.

» The AMLR destination can offer a suite of trail hubs and linkages between them which can be promoted in a similar way to 7Stanes.

» Long downhill flow trails, linkages between hubs and upgrading of trailhead infrastructure could enable an IMBA Epic Ride to be created with the associated international recognition by the mountain bike community

» One of the hubs (such as Fox Creek) could also be planned as an IMBA Ride Centre.

» Whilst the close proximity of AMLR to Adelaide is comparable with Mount Stromlo to Canberra, the extent of trail infrastructure, number of hubs, and supporting tourism destination offerings will make AMLR a much more attractive mountain bike destination than Canberra.

» The extent of trail infrastructure, and number of hubs currently offered, together with improvements that can be made at AMLR, will create a much stronger mountain bike destination than other Australian hubs such as Forrest and You Yangs.

» While Mount Buller has a strong trail offering and Epic status, it is three hours from Melbourne and its international airport

» The proximity of AMLR to Adelaide and its accommodation, plus the pre-existing awareness of the Tour down Under provides a solid base for events and their promotion

Weaknesses of the AMLR region compared with other major domestic and international mountain biking destinations are:

» The scale of Adelaide as a major population centre is small compared with those in close proximity and easy access to other international destinations (like USA to Whistler and UK to 7STanes)

» there is currently virtually no means of uphill transport with the exception of a small number of roads where vehicle self-shuttles can occur

» trailhead facilities are extremely poor and unattractive for visitors

» to date Adelaide is not positioned as an adventure sports or highly popular tourism destination (like Whistler, Queenstown and Rotorua) and is hence starting from a low base.

IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS

Establish an effective Governance structure Refine trail network with improvements that establish a series of strong hubs linked to create long distance opportunities including: Build trailhead facilities at key hubs and visitor

nodes Determine feasibility of an Epic Ride and/or

IMBA Ride Centre Establish one or more ‘hero experiences’ that

can be used in marketing and promotion of the AMLR as an internationally recognised destination

Investigate opportunities for supporting uphill transport options

Create and distribute high quality pre trip information including app and dedicated website

Work with tourism industry and community to encourage additional bike friendly accommodation, cafes, retail and bike services

Develop a marketing strategy that links with current regional marketing

Encourage a range of events that are attractive to local, interstate and international markets


25

4.3 MOVING TOWARDS AN INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATION

4.3.1 Trail infrastructure

There is already considerable investment in trail infrastructure in AMLR and there is a good range of levels of difficulty across several hubs. Priority needs to be given to consolidating the trail hubs that offer the greatest potential to achieve the vision, and creating longer rides through appropriate linkages. To facilitate this, the trails in the region can be categorised as lead, supporting and local trails.

» Lead trails would be a small number of outstanding trail experiences prioritised for investment to achieve their greatest potential. These trails will deliver on the vision, define the AMLR as a mountain bike destination and provide a focus for marketing. These experiences will have the pulling power to persuade a visitor to come to the AMLR and generate the greatest economic benefit.

» Supporting trails generally have a less prominent visitor offering or potential, but nevertheless can provide a quality visitor experience to support leading trails and hubs. They also play an important role in extending the length of stay for visitors and offer significant recreational opportunities for local communities. They can be further developed as resources become available.

» Local trails are important to the local community, and often have developed through local action. Whilst some of these will need to continue to be maintained, a framework is required to ensure unsustainable trails are closed.

One or two of the lead trails may also be ‘hero experiences’ that define the destination for the consumer and can provide the imagery that defines the aspirational experience for new markets.

The following four guidelines form the basis for decisions about priorities in investment.

1 Lead trail experiences – give priority to those

hubs and trail experiences that have the pulling

power to drive growth in new and existing

markets through greater awareness of the AMLR

offering

2 Strategic development– a small number of high

quality experiences at the highest standard is

better than multiple hubs and poorly maintained

trails

3 Consolidate before expanding – get the current

trail network to the highest standard before

expanding

4 Value adding linkages – prioritise links that will

be meaningful for markets and encourage access.

Avoid linking trails for the sake of it or because it

looks good on a map – there needs to be a

reason for the link based on the needs of target

markets.

IMBA certification is recognised worldwide amongst the mountain bike community and does assist in positioning destinations in the minds of international mountain bike riders. Taupo in New Zealand and Mount Buller, Victoria are the only Australasian IMBA Ride Centres, and the Mount Buller Epic the only one in Australasia. Therefore, if Adelaide Hills can achieve IMBA status, this will be a real strength in attracting riders.


Prioritise lead trails and consolidate and improve infrastructure

Identify ‘hero experiences’ that can be used in positioning the destination across different markets

Identify best opportunities for IMBA standard facilities to assist in international recognition

4.3.2 Trailheads

Trailheads are generally the rider’s first on ground interaction with a trail network and can create a lasting impression - important in word of mouth promotion of a place. Importantly, though, trailheads need to offer an easily accessible, functional and attractive experience for the rider to enable them to get onto the trail system.


Establish consistent standard and design of trailhead facilities for AMLR

Site planning at key trailheads New facilities


The following are the most important elements of a trailhead and need to be well planned and maintained.

Essential

» Parking - well situated, easily accessible off road parking with capacity to suit increasing demand

» Toilets - each hub needs to have toilet facilities at trailhead or central location. Larger hubs may need more than one facility

» Water - a water tank or other means of riders accessing drinking water

» Orientation - signage that enables the rider to understand the trail network and standards and plan their riding

» On site trail information - a standard system of clear trail standard markers and directional signage at key junctions and points of difficulty. In some locations such as national parks, there may be locations suited to some interpretation of natural, cultural or landscape points of interest.

Desirable

» Uphill transport – shuttle or access to road that enables self-shuttle

» Refreshments - a kiosk, café or ease of access to other food and beverage

» Showers » Bike hire » Event facilities - central hub location close to car

parking » Accommodation nearby – a mix of

accommodation suited to camping, lodge/cabin, B and B, hotels

The development of AMLR as an international trail destination requires a consistent approach to trailhead facilities so riders know what they can expect in terms of the quality and presentation of facilities.

4.3.3 Events

Mountain bike events can be broadly separated into elite and mass participation events. Elite events such as state and Australian mountain bike championships cover the range of disciplines with professional and core mountain bike riders the main participants. Mass participation events such as marathons/long distance cross-country rides attract larger numbers of amateur riders.

In terms of costs and benefits of establishing events as a means of promotion of a destination, whilst the elite events are likely to attract more media exposure, they are more expensive to run due to specific infrastructure requirements, and attract smaller numbers of participants that are unlikely to stay in the area for extended periods of time thus having lower returns to the local and/or regional economy.

Longer mass participation events (such as Otway Odyssey) attract higher numbers of participants (1200-1800 is not unusual) who are likely to stay in the region 2 or 3 nights. Media exposure is not as high as elite events although this varies with the destination and the effort of event organisers. Additional economic benefits come from pre event visits to practice and return visits to the region once riders are aware of the trail networks.22

Eagle Mountain Bike Park hosted the Australian National Mountain Bike Championship from 2010 to 2012 and planning to have an event such as this once again in the AMLR should be an important consideration.


If Adelaide is to attract events, there are a number of key elements that will need to be available/offered: Access to a network of trails and linkages

between hubs that are open to riding A central hub location offering space suited to

car parking, toilets, water, electricity – ideally these services will be in place

Capacity and support for traffic management Support from authorities for approvals

processes and promotion Partners in region with capacity for support in

providing data bases, communication with local riders etc

4.3.4 Information

The draft SA Trails Master Plan suggests that the provision of accessible and effective trail information is an essential part of the development and provision of trails in the future.

In the short to medium term this should be done through the development of an effective web based tool which prospective trail users can use as a gateway to trail opportunities. The web based tool should allow trail users to choose from a range of trail based activities i.e. walking, horse riding, cycling, canoeing, aquatic, and from there navigate to information about the distribution of trail opportunities related to each activity around the state.

It should then be possible to access information on individual trail systems or trails including how to get there, maps of the trails, pictures, distances, grades and other more specific information such as the nature of the undertaking, landscape and character, facilities etc.

22

Rapid Ascent pers. comm.


Based on this model, the AMLR would have a dedicated section which would link to other key sites such as SATC, Bike SA, SAMBA, AMBC.

4.3.5 Tourism industry and community engagement

Destinations such as Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales are proof that if you get things right there are significant benefits to be gained from mountain biking, including local community engagement and enjoyment, increased participation in healthy outdoors activity, the creation of business opportunities and employment, growth of the tourism industry and economic benefits to local areas as well as the broader regional and state economies.23

The draft SA Trails Master Plan identifies that ‘community trails that are immediately adjacent to communities can be very intensively and regularly used and great value to those communities…. in terms of contributing to health and wellbeing, encouraging physical activity and in allowing people to connect with their local surroundings in positive ways.’

In developing a destination that is not only valued by the local community, but also attractive to international visitors, we need to provide for the range of experiences that might be attractive for the range of markets. When visiting a mountain biking destination, most mountain bikers will spend a large proportion of their time off the bike and off the trails. This time may be spent at their accommodation, at local cafes, restaurants, bars, wineries or at other attractions. The needs of the riders are widely variable and dependent on income, cultural background and whether they are visiting with non-riding companions.

The attraction of AMLR will, for many tourists, lie in its proximity and ease of access from Adelaide as well as the integrated tourism offering that could be delivered. The natural environment and food and wine experiences will be attractive to many. Transport and access to the trails for visitors from interstate or overseas will be an important consideration. While many may stay in Adelaide, promoting a suitable range of accommodation that meets consumer needs will encourage other visitors to stay and ride in the AMLR.

Moving forward towards the AMLR vision will require effective engagement with the tourism industry and the community to achieve the following:

23

WA Mountain bike Strategy, draft 2014

» Education about the various genres of mountain biking and examples of successful, and sustainable networks and destinations

» Awareness of the potential social, health and economic benefits of mountain biking in the region

» Promotion of the commercial opportunities that could be developed to support a growing industry

» Encouragement of community participation in riding and in volunteering to become involved

» Inputs to trail planning and further development

A strategic program of engagement is proposed as follows:

» Information sheet/one page spread on mountain biking to inform and educate community about the sport and the potential benefits including call to action based on following actions

» Project webpage and Facebook site

» Tourism industry forum…mountain biking, successful destination examples, experience and product development concepts

» Community participation days (sponsored) at key hubs with on-site displays

» Face to face meetings with key stakeholders (including neighbours) during planning process

BENCHMARK SNAPSHOT

Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains has traditionally been known for the Thredbo resort ‘Cannonball Run’ and other trails which host regular events. The extension of the trail network beyond Thredbo including an iconic new 17km trail along the Thredbo River (planned for extension to Epic status), and new trail network on public and private land has seen massive growth in participation in mountain biking by the local community. The town is reported to have the highest per capita participation by women in mountain biking in Australia (www.local mountain bike club pers.com)


4.3.6 Positioning and marketing

Attracting a range of core and non-core mountain bike riders to the AMLR will require various strategies and channels to market. Foremost though, will be creating an awareness of the AMLR as a place where mountain bike riding occurs.

Research by Tourism Australia in 2011 showed that the primary influence over destination choice in travel by Australians was word of mouth (67%), which includes the increasingly popular social media (or word of mouse). Leading destinations in the mountain bike world such as Fruita and Moab as well as emerging destinations such as Forrest in Victoria have built their reputations from user recommendations. To assist in spreading the word most use a combination of:

» Leveraging their destination brand

» A strong online and social media presence

» Having a consistent brand identity

» Leveraging events.

Leveraging the destination brand

The AMLR region is not currently a well-known destination for travel or a specialised mountain-biking destination. The Adelaide Hills tourism region is significantly more likely to be searched on google (see graph below)

1. Adelaide Hills; 2. Mount Lofty; 3. Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges

Positioning the AMLR region as a world class mountain bike destination needs to be done through partnerships with existing tourism organisations and integrating the mountain bike experiences with other offerings as well as direct marketing to core mountains bike riders. The current positioning of the Adelaide Hills tourism as close to the city but a ‘world away’ – is a key aspect of the strength of the region for mountain bike riding and has good potential to be leveraged to support the unique advantages the AMLR offer for mountain biking. Having said this, the AMLR for this project covers three regional tourism areas and a collaborative approach will be required.

As the reputation of the AMLR region as a mountain bike destination grows, international and interstate visitors that come there specifically for the mountain bike offering will grow. In the short term, greater growth must be expected in people seeking a broader holiday that includes mountain bike experiences, and in the local and intrastate markets. In addition to destination marketing, word of mouth, social media and online presence are critical channels to market for mountain bike markets. Ensuring consistent messaging and high quality product are essential to ensure positive messages and promotion though these channels.


Brand strategy for the trail network to link with the regional tourism positioning

Marketing plan with appropriate tactical actions to match range of markets

Consistent brand imagery

Beyond the AMLR, Australia needs to become known as a country that offers mountain bike experiences and is worthy of travel for that purpose. Working collaboratively with other mountain bike destinations (eg Stromlo, Forest, Atherton) to grow awareness of Australia could grow the overall market and each destination could then attract market share based on the experiences they offer.

BENCHMARK SNAPSHOT

Destinations such as Fruita Colorado recognise that standing alone is no way to build a global brand. By leveraging the Colorado brand, Fruita has gained wider exposure. Leveraging the Colorado ‘Come to Life’ brand identity, mountain biking and destinations such as Fruita gain top billing online and in publicity about the destination.


This approach is being used by the Great Walks of Australia (www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au) collaboration with the assistance of Tourism Australia to grow awareness of Australia as a walking destination. A consortium of bike parks in British Columbia (Canada) promotes bike park experiences to a range of markets (www.bikeparksbc.com) and the 7Stanes in Scotland is a suite of bike parks. AMLR has the benefit of all hubs being in the same destination.

A strong online and social media presence

The majority of visitors planning a trip to the AMLR will go to the South Australian Tourism Commission website. This site provides information on adventure opportunities, however mountain biking is not mentioned. Ideally, the brand development potential for the AMLR starts here with dedicated content on mountain biking referencing the region.

The Product website Escapegoat Adventures offers a Mt Lofty descent, positioning it as ‘Adelaide’s most popular bike day tour’. This product highlights the obvious benefit of the terrain, but also highlights the wildlife spotting opportunities (including a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park to see koalas, kangaroos and emus) stunning native bush and fantastic views.

In searching the ‘best mountain bike tracks in Australia’ websites such as Singletracks and RideGuideBlog there is no mention of any trails in South Australia, let alone the AMLR.

In terms of social media, the Adelaide MTB Trails Facebook page has a strong following at 1,512 likes (not quite what Fruita has with 4430 likes but more than the Forrest MTB club @ 1,100 likes). It mentions the emergence of the Adelaide Hills as an international mountain biking destination. Creating a platform, such as a Facebook page for advocates of the AMLR will over time encourage riders to share their stories and to build brand consistency.

A consistent brand

A consistent brand identity will be important to the long term promotion of the trail offering. A brand is not the logo chosen to represent a product, destination or an idea. It is the collective understanding of the target audience of what the words, images and logo means. Starting with the consistent use of the destination name (eg Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges or the more bike focused “Radelaide”) will be a huge first step. Then as the brand builds interest and awareness, the creation of a unique ‘signature’ for the destination will help others to recognise and connect with the brand.

The Fruita ‘WTF’ logo (see right) is a good example of a share-able brand representation that would appeal to a segment of the market with its clever play on a popular acronym. In a market where a high percentage of communication is either word of mouth or social media, the logo will be used less often than the words, images and hashtags.

BENCHMARK SNAPSHOT The You Yangs is an emerging destination in Australia for mountain biking and has a strong online presence. Starting with the Visit Victoria website, mountain biking is clearly listed as an activity and the You Yangs gets a mention. At a destination level the Great Ocean Road section references the You Yangs and has direct links to bookable product.

Partners Parks Victoria have embedded the destination into their planning with the You Yangs listed in the top 3 places to mountain bike supported by downloadable pdf mountain bike maps with trail descriptions, distances etc. Finally, the You Yangs MTB Club has a great following on Facebook with over 4,600 likes (more than Fruita).

http://www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/

http://www.bikeparksbc.com/

http://www.southaustralia.com/things-to-do/adventure.aspx

http://escapegoat.com.au/tour/lofty-descents/

http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/best_trails.php?new_state_id=443

http://www.rideguideblog.co/2012/02/06/mountain-bike-trails-australias-best/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adelaide-MTB-Trails/120995044577713

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adelaide-MTB-Trails/120995044577713

http://www.visitvictoria.com/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Cycling/Mountain-biking

http://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Things-to-do/Tours/Geelong-Adventure-Specialists/Mountain-Biking-the-You-Yangs-Geelong-and-Forrest.aspx

http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Things-to-do/Outdoor-activities/Cycling/Mountain-biking

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/visit/popular-activities/cycling

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/317980/Map-You-Yangs-Regional-Park-Kurrajong-mountain-bike-area.pdf

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/317980/Map-You-Yangs-Regional-Park-Kurrajong-mountain-bike-area.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/YYMBI


4.3.7 Effective and sustainable management

While funding is available in the short term to commence implementation of the AMLR mountain bike destination, it is not guaranteed for the future. In the short, medium and long term, funding will be required to ensure the trails are maintained at the same high standard. Although the development of an Implementation Plan for the AMLR as a mountain bike destination can be guided by a steering committee of stakeholders, the actual implementation will require a commitment to funding for capital and operational works, agreement to implement priorities, and ongoing efforts to raise additional funds for implementation of the Plan over time.

The draft SA Trails Master Plan also proposes that ‘a single entity should be established to advocate, facilitate and guide trail development in a strategic way by liaising with all relevant agencies, peak bodies and funding bodies. This body should have at least one full time employee and administration support.’

An effective management model that commits all stakeholders to implementation of the agreed strategy will be essential. The role would include:

(i) working towards the agreed priorities

(ii) developing a framework to formalise or close informal trail networks

(iii) attracting additional funding

(iv) marketing and promotion

(v) facilitating professional trail maintenance programs across the range of trails.

A range of management models that have been used for trail networks are compared in Table 7.

4.3.8 Sustainable funding

The success of AMLR as a mountain bike destination in the long term will need ongoing funding to ensure that trails and associated facilities are maintained to a high standard. The management entity will need to pursue and ensure a range of funding inputs including

» Member contributions

» Government investment

» grants

» sponsorship

Trails Trusts and other management entities have also adopted a series of innovative funding mechanisms including:

» Trail use fees

» Concessions for businesses operating on trails managed by the governance entity with fees returned to trails

» Friends of Trails membership and member benefits (eg insurance)

» App or map sales

» Event fees

» Fees from memorials (eg trail benches) and naming rights for bridges

» Trail corporate partners.


Table 7: Comparison of trail management models

Model Features Examples Scenarios where this could be applied

Agency sole managed

One or more Federal or State government agencies, or a local authority, manages the trail exclusively. Ultimate responsibility lies with the management agency.

These trails are typically all on public land although small sections of private land are sometimes involved through easements over title. Little or no volunteer involvement.

Commercial licenses for guided tours, accommodation or other services may or may not be provided.

Kangaroo Island (planned) new walk

Mount Stromlo Overland Track Larapinta Trail All New Zealand

Great Walks

Mostly public land in remote locations.

Limited capacity or interest from volunteers, user groups or the local community.

Could be a pioneering development project where government takes the risk and lays the enabling infrastructure for other parties to invest over time.

Complex destination where competing land uses could jeopardise the recreation opportunity, thus creating a need for strong, executive decision-making powers to protect recreation and natural and cultural values.

Partnerships Multiple variations exist including:

(i) vesting and control from a land management agency to a Committee of Management such as an SA Local Government Section 43 committee

(ii) agency trail maintenance with a foundation, trust or incorporated society assisting with maintenance, funding and expansion of trail network

(iii) land management agency as primary trail manager with assistance from volunteers drawn from trail users.

Forrest You Yangs Munda Biddi Trail,

WA Bibbulman Track,

WA Queenstown Trails

Network, NZ SA Waste

Management Authorities (s43)

SA Centennial Park (s43)

Capacity and willingness from community, recreation or other groups exists to share maintenance and development.

Where funding from a single source is constrained.

Mixed land tenure may require a partnership in order to guarantee access over private land.

Private Trails over mostly private land managed by land owners

Melrose SA Banks Peninsula

Track, NZ Tora Walk, NZ

Where public lands in a destination do not have potential for quality trails.

Where other trails in a destination offer the same type of experience, private trails can more easily differentiate the experience and potentially attract new markets.


MANAGEMENT MODEL EXAMPLES

The Bibbulmun Foundation, Western Australia The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is an example of a partnership model. It shares management of the Bibbulmun Track in partnership with Department of Parks and Wildlife in Western Australia. The Foundation has a broad membership with volunteers taking responsibility for maintenance of sections of the track. The incorporated Foundation attracts grants and donations in its own right as well as raising funds through guided activities and events focusing on the track. The Foundation has paid employees coordinating activities and fund raising. See www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au.

Great Alpine Road Marketing Inc., Victoria Great Alpine Road Marketing Inc was established as an incorporated body representing a series of local government councils, Regional Tourism Organisations and other operators along the 400km of the Great Alpine Road in Victoria. The group coordinated the further development and promotion of this significant touring route during its formative years including establishing consistent infrastructure and signage on a range of land tenures. Funding came from contributions from partners as well as grants that were committed to implementing the development and marketing strategies for the benefit of all parties. Without incorporation, funds would need to have been managed within member agencies.

Queenstown Trails Network, New Zealand The Queenstown Trails network is an example of a successful trails partnership approach. It is possibly the most successful example of sustainable and collaborative trail development and management in New Zealand. The business model consists of a Queenstown Trails Trust whose role is to: (i) provide leadership and advocacy and raise funds for trail construction (ii) mobilise the community and business sector to provide support in-kind, to establish new services for the trails (shuttles, bike hire and repair, cafes, packaged experiences with other activities), negotiate access over private land and provide sponsorship (iii) market and promote the trails and (iv) collaborate with the two main agencies, Department of Conservation and Queenstown Lakes District Council, for ongoing maintenance of the trails network. The Trails Trust drives strategy and direction while the two agencies provide maintenance services, often with the assistance of the Friends of the Trails Trust (community volunteers). There is a common brand approach to wayfinding, although the two agencies have retained their corporate colour scheme for trailhead and other key directional signs. Marker posts, bollards and all marketing collateral (trail maps, brochures, website) have one common look and feel. The Trust has two part-time staff, an office in Queenstown and a small operating budget funded through investments created over 2005 – 2006 and from surpluses from the Motutapu Cycle Event, owned by the Trust. These provide the Trust with an ongoing, sustainable source of funding for its operation. See www.queenstowntrail.co.nz.

Milford Track, New Zealand The Milford Track is a good example of an agency sole managed model. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) manages the 53km track, undertaking all maintenance and development work. There are no volunteers or community groups involved. Freedom walkers stay in huts provided by DOC. Those walking with Ultimate Hikes, the only commercial operator on the Milford Track, stay in private lodges. A substantial portion of Ultimate Hike’s license fees goes towards track maintenance. Ultimate Hikes guide approximately 6,000 private clients on the Milford Track per year. A similar number walk the track independently. The same management model is also used on the Routeburn Track where Ultimate Hikes is also the sole commercial provider of overnight hikes.

Banks Peninsula Track, New Zealand The Banks Peninsula Track is a leading example of a private trail. It is a collaboration of five farming families located near Akaroa, one hour’s drive from Christchurch. Group size is limited to 12 persons. A portion of revenue is put towards the maintenance of the trail and facilities. This is the responsibility of the seven shareholder properties. Decision - making is by consensus. A concession is held by the Banks Peninsula Track company, to access protected areas managed by DOC. Now in its 25

th year, it has become a multi-million dollar

operation and the most successful of its kind in New Zealand. Go to www.bankstrack.co.nz for more inspiration.

http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/

http://www.queenstowntrail.co.nz/

http://www.bankstrack.co.nz/


The advantages and disadvantages of different management models for the AMLR region mountain biking destination are provided in Table 8.

Table 8: Advantages and disadvantages of AMLR region MTB trails management models

Model Advantages Disadvantages

Status quo - Agency sole managed across their own tenure

Clear role and responsibility Can enable quick decision-making but not

always May be easier to apply consistent service

standards although not guaranteed

Consumer and tourism industry vulnerable to agency performance

Limited ability to leverage funding and broader community support

uncoordinated approaches and priorities

Funding may not be linked to strategic priorities and Government is often excluded from applying for grants appropriate funding sources.

Partnerships

Formal agreement (MOU)

Leverages a broader support base for maintenance, development, funding, expansions, events

Shares risk Forces stakeholders to enter into

management agreements so that roles and responsibilities are clear

Stakeholders can be ‘held to ransom’ if partners do not perform

Roles and responsibilities can become confused Some agencies struggle to change organisational

culture towards working in partnership does not provide a single entity that can leverage

funds or employ/contract for capital and maintenance works UNLESS one agency is charged through the MOU with overall implementation.

If this approach taken, a non-Government incorporated agency (such as an RTO or peak user group) would be the preferred entity due to greater flexibility they offer.

Partnerships

Formal agreement (eg Section 43 committee)


Shares risk Forces stakeholders to enter into agreement

so that roles and responsibilities are clear Funding contributions can be made by

partners Can have appropriate delegations Can have skills based Board and staff

This will allow clarity of roles and responsibilities and a commitment to strategy. It provides a single entity that can leverage funds or employ/contract for capital and maintenance works UNLESS one agency is charged through the MOU with overall implementation.

Partnerships

Incorporated organisation or Trust


Shares risk Forces stakeholders to enter into

management agreements so that roles and responsibilities are clear

Stakeholders can be ‘held to ransom’ if partners do not perform

Roles and responsibilities can become confused Some agencies struggle to change organisational

culture towards working in partnership

An incorporated organisation will provide a solid base for implementing strategy priorities and leveraging funding.

Private No political or democratic interference with decision-making

Can respond quickly to market preferences Offers a different experience for consumers

who are used to only publicly administered trails

Trail can close without public consultation or notification

Vulnerable to economic conditions Generally only capable of catering to a small

volume of visitors (group sizes typically less than 20)

Not relevant across the AMLR, but the option for private management could be implemented for one or more hubs within the trail network.


5 Economic Impacts5.1 What is the potential growth for AMLR mountain biking?

Using the information about the local (i.e. resident population) and the estimated visitor markets from section 3, it is estimated that the AMLR region receives as many as 950,000 mountain bike visits each year (Table 1), comprised of:

» approximately 26,200 residents (within a 40km radius24) who participate in mountain bike related activities approximately 930,000 times per year.

» a visitor market of 13,300 (including domestic day, overnight and international visitors) who make around 24,000 MTB trips per year.

These markets combined help to contribute upwards of $11M in direct expenditure each year.

Table 9: Estimated AMLR MTB Market - 2014

Locals Domestic Day Domestic Overnight

International TOTAL

Total Visitors AMLR 3,884,000 930,000 45,000 4,859,000

Visitor Nights 0 2,729,000 348,000 3,077,000

Avg. Length of Stay (ALOS) 1.00 2.93 7.73

Cycle Tourists 66,881 16,014 6,000 88,895

Estimated MTB Share of Cycle Tourists

15% 15% 15% 15%

Estimated MTB Tourists/Locals 26,178 10,032 2,402 900 13,334

Estimated Visits per Year 930,049 10,032 7,049 6,960 24,041

Estimated MTB Spend $9,300,490 $703,252 $892,382 $486,504 $11,382,628

Estimates of the potential growth of, and related economic impacts on, the AMLR MTB destination have been calculated for three growth scenarios to 2020 – low, medium and high. The economic impacts are calculated as expenditure by MTB visitors.

5.1.1 Low growth scenario

The low growth scenario assumes:

» the proportion and frequency of locals who participate in MTB activities25 remains the same up to 2020, with the numbers of participants growing at rates based on projected population forecasts to 202026

» the proportion of MTB tourists as an element of the overall tourist market remains the same to 2020, with the number of tourists growing at annual rates set by the Tourism Forecasting Committee27 - an independent body which presents the consensus on forecasts across Australia’s international, domestic and outbound tourism sectors.

» two major national or international scale events (of a similar scale to Bike Buller) will be developed by 2020

» the proportion of spectators to competitors will be 2:128

» the first year of each new event will see a 25 per cent higher attendance level which will taper off in the second year, after which attendance will be 15 per cent less than the previous season due to market saturation

» visitor expenditure is consistent with other major MTB events29.

24

Note about radius 29

it is believed that TRA has underestimated the value of AMLR international cycle tourists due to a low sample survey size. Our professional judgement suggests a higher actual size of this market especially given growth in the Tour Down Under 25

Based on SA Sport and Recreation Participation Trends as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - latest edition, 2011-12. 26

ABS (30 June 2011), Projected population by age and sex for LGAs in South Australia. 27

Tourism Forecasts, Tourism Forecasting Committee (Autumn 2014). 28

Based on average estimates from the Bike Buller MTB Festival Post Event Reports (Rapid Ascent) for 2013, 2014 and 2015.


Table 10: Estimated AMLR MTB visitation and expenditure under low growth scenario

LOW SCENARIO

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

VISITORS

Locals 26,518 26,819 27,075 27,334 27,595 27,859

Day 10,210 10,379 10,516 10,655 10,795 10,933

O/N Domestic 2,437 2,465 2,491 2,515 2,539 2,563

International 951 998 1,047 1,093 1,137 1,180

Events (Nat/Int)

1,774 1,437 3,001 2,724 2,755

TOTAL 40,116 42,434 42,566 44,599 44,790 45,289

VISITS

Locals 942,103 952,791 961,899 971,094 980,377 989,749

Day 10,210 10,379 10,516 10,655 10,795 10,933

O/N Domestic 7,150 7,232 7,308 7,381 7,450 7,520

International 7,354 7,722 8,095 8,455 8,794 9,124

Events (Nat/Int)

4,879 3,953 8,255 7,493 7,578

TOTAL 966,818 983,003 991,771 1,005,841 1,014,910 1,024,904

SPEND

Locals $9,581,189 $9,870,114 $10,165,750 $10,486,661 $10,834,643 $11,211,672

Day $771,306 $820,734 $869,556 $918,574 $965,431 $1,011,090

O/N Domestic $975,473 $1,032,863 $1,091,371 $1,149,148 $1,203,371 $1,255,913

International $553,981 $608,857 $667,411 $726,816 $784,269 $841,336

Events (Nat/Int)

$1,179,802 $975,131 $2,080,682 $1,932,820 $2,003,588

TOTAL $11,881,948 $13,512,371 $13,769,219 $15,361,880 $15,720,534 $16,323,598

29

Based on average estimates from the Bike Buller MTB Festival Post Event Reports for 2013, 2014 and 2015.


5.1.2 Medium growth scenario

The medium growth scenario has been calculated as the average between the low growth and high growth (see section 5.1.3 below), including the development of up to two major local events and three major national or international events by 2020.

Table 11: Estimated AMLR MTB visitation and expenditure under medium growth scenario

MEDIUM SCENARIO

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

VISITORS

Locals 27,181 27,489 27,752 28,017 28,285 28,555

Day 11,933 12,161 12,375 12,594 12,816 13,041

O/N Domestic 2,851 2,897 2,942 2,988 3,034 3,080

International 1,088 1,125 1,162 1,199 1,234 1,269

Events (Nat/Int)

1,924 1,587 3,309 3,180 4,231

TOTAL 43,053 45,595 45,818 48,107 48,549 50,176

VISITS

Locals 942,103 980,834 994,475 1,008,287 1,022,272 1,036,432

Day 11,933 12,161 12,375 12,594 12,816 13,041

O/N Domestic 7,168 7,446 7,723 7,998 8,274 8,551

International 7,212 7,455 7,702 7,945 8,181 8,414

Events (Nat/Int)

4,879 3,953 8,690 7,923 10,814

TOTAL 968,417 1,012,776 1,026,228 1,045,514 1,059,466 1,077,252

SPEND

Locals $9,581,189 $10,160,623 $10,510,027 $10,888,297 $11,297,637 $11,740,482

Day $901,465 $961,626 $1,023,280 $1,085,701 $1,146,187 $1,205,962

O/N Domestic $977,953 $1,063,413 $1,153,214 $1,245,279 $1,336,426 $1,428,196

International $543,279 $587,816 $634,994 $682,934 $729,531 $775,895

Events (Nat/Int)

$1,215,871 $1,011,928 $2,228,031 $2,120,817 $2,938,051

TOTAL $12,003,885 $13,989,348 $14,333,444 $16,130,241 $16,630,599 $18,088,586

5.1.3 High growth scenario

The high growth scenario assumes that:

» engagement at the community level drives higher local participation in MTB activities30, with local participation increasing by 5 per cent each year

» additional trail development results in an increase in the frequency of MTB trips of 1.5 per resident mountain biker

» trail development and improved market awareness generates an increase in the proportion of tourists who participate in mountain biking during their trip from 15 per cent of cycle tourists (the current Australian estimate) to 20 per cent (the global average for leading MTB destinations by 2020

» a broader range of trails and experiences enables a conversion of 5 per cent of domestic day visitors to overnight stays by 2020

30

Based on SA Sport and Recreation Participation Trends as reported by the ABS - latest edition, 2011-12.

MEDIUM GROWTH SCENARIO

Total overall expenditure by 2020

$18.1 million


» three major national or international scale events (of a similar scale to Bike Buller) will be developed by 2020

» the proportion of spectators to competitors will be 2:131

» attendance at each new event will see 5 per cent per annum growth to 2020

» sustained investment and successful delivery of high profile events leads to additional local level events which drive increased local visitation

» visitor expenditure is consistent with other major MTB events32.

Table 12: Estimated AMLR MTB visitation and expenditure under high growth scenario

HIGH SCENARIO

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

VISITORS

Locals 27,844 28,159 28,429 28,700 28,975 29,252

Day 13,656 13,942 14,235 14,533 14,837 15,148

O/N Domestic 3,265 3,329 3,394 3,460 3,528 3,597

International 1,225 1,251 1,277 1,304 1,331 1,359

Events (Nat/Int)

1,924 1,737 3,767 3,487 5,707

TOTAL 45,990 48,606 49,071 51,765 52,158 55,063

VISITS

Locals 942,103 1,008,878 1,027,051 1,045,479 1,064,166 1,083,115

Day 13,656 13,942 14,235 14,533 14,837 15,148

O/N Domestic 7,186 7,660 8,137 8,616 9,098 9,583

International 8,121 8,291 8,465 8,642 8,823 9,008

Events (Nat/Int)

4,879 3,953 9,126 8,354 14,050

TOTAL 971,067 1,043,651 1,061,840 1,086,396 1,105,278 1,130,903

SPEND

Locals $9,581,189 $10,451,132 $10,854,305 $11,289,932 $11,760,632 $12,269,292

Day $1,031,624 $1,102,518 $1,177,004 $1,252,828 $1,326,944 $1,400,834

O/N Domestic $980,434 $1,093,962 $1,215,058 $1,341,410 $1,469,481 $1,600,480

International $611,716 $653,754 $697,922 $742,882 $786,830 $830,645

Events (Nat/Int)

$1,215,871 $1,048,725 $2,412,979 $2,270,335 $3,872,515

TOTAL $12,204,963 $14,517,237 $14,993,013 $17,040,032 $17,614,223 $19,973,765

31

Based on average estimates from the Bike Buller MTB Festival Post Event Reports for 2013, 2014 and 2015. 32

Based on average estimates from the Bike Buller MTB Festival Post Event Reports for 2013, 2014 and 2015.


We will know we have been successful if, by 2020,

» we have a vibrant tourism economy with new and expanded bike friendly businesses servicing our visitors

» we are known elsewhere in Australia and internationally for our excellent network of sustainable trails and we have grown our visitor numbers

» we are hosting events that attract mountain bike riders from interstate and overseas

6 Our Vision

6.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Protection of natural assets -

Significant natural and cultural assets and social values will be respected in expanding, managing and maintaining the trail network

Collaboration -

All stakeholders (State and local government, tourism industry, local businesses, users and the community) will work in a collaborative way to

implement the priority actions

Consumer focus -

The trail network will be consumer focused – address a range of market needs across a range

of tenure – and managed to optimise market growth, be flexible to changing needs and

minimise conflicts between uses

Public and private sector investment - Achieving an environmentally, socially and economically

sustainable mountain bike destination will include opportunities for public, private and

community sector investment and innovation in infrastructure and support services

Community benefits -

The views and needs of the community, neighbours and recreational user groups will be respected and they will be able to play a role in the planning and management of infrastructure

and services for the AMLR region to achieve economic and social benefits for the

community

Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges will be an

international mountain bike destination offering world class experiences

for a range of cycling markets


7 Achieving the Vision The AMLR Implementation Plan is based on four core themes and actions to address these:

7.1 GOVERNANCE AND FUNDING

Implementing this strategy will require an effective long term sustainable governance model and innovative approaches to funding into the future.

The draft SA Trails Master Plan also proposes ‘a single entity should be established to advocate, facilitate and guide trail development in a strategic way by liaising with all relevant agencies, peak bodies and funding bodies. This body should have at least one full time employee and administration support.’

Strategy Description LEAD33

PRIORITY34

Governance 1 Agree to an appropriate sustainable governance model for the trails network that enables the range of land managers to:

(vi) work towards the agreed priorities

(vii) develop framework to formalise or close informal trail networks

(viii) attract additional funding and

(ix) facilitate professional trail maintenance programs across the range of trails.

ALL HIGH

Governance 2 Establish governance framework and appropriate resourcing. ALL HIGH

Governance 3 Investigate additional funding streams, grant programs and commercial sponsorship opportunities for trails, bike parks or maintenance programs

ALL HIGH

Government 4 Establish a working group with Bike SA, SAMBA, AMBClub to investigate opportunities for a user payment system across the trail network

ALL HIGH

Governance 5 Develop a framework and appropriate resourcing to undertake benchmark and regular monitoring of visitor numbers and satisfaction with the trail network

ALL HIGH

Governance 6 Implement an annual review program to monitor achievements against this plan

ALL HIGH

33

Many of the tasks currently identified as DEWNR lead would become the responsibility of the new management entity 34

High is within one year; medium within three years, ongoing is: as resources permit

Trails and trailhead

infrastructure

Tourism and marketing

Community and

Partnerships

Governance and funding


7.2 COMMUNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS

The local community has much to gain from the development of the AMLR as a mountain bike destination including social, economic and health benefits. Notwithstanding this, there will be sectors of the community that are not aware of the benefits and may see further development and growth in visitor numbers as having a negative effect on the region and their local area.

There will need to be effective engagement with the community and key stakeholders to engender support for the concept, and in the long term, partnerships in stewardship of the network.

Strategy Description LEAD PRIORITY

Community Partnerships 1

Develop a communications plan that provides direction and monitoring framework to engage the community and potential partners in the development of the AMLR mountain bike destination

DEWNR HIGH


Implement a series of community engagement activities aimed at engendering support and participation in the trail network including:

Information sheet/one page spread (media and letterbox

drop) on mountain biking to inform and educate community

about the sport, the project and the potential benefits

Community participation days (sponsored) at key hubs with

on-site displays

Project webpage and Facebook site

DEWNR HIGH


Provide a range of opportunities for the community to have inputs to trail planning and further development as it occurs including face to face meetings with key stakeholders (including neighbours) during planning process

DEWNR/LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ONGOING


Conduct a mountain bike forum with invited participation from mountains bike user groups, the tourism industry and community which showcases mountain biking, successful destination examples, experience and product development concepts.

DEWNR/LOCAL GOVERNMENT

HIGH


Undertake a feasibility study into the potential for offering Eagle on the Hill to an investor to run as a commercial business.

ORS MEDIUM


Investigate other opportunities for the private or community sectors to offer services for mountain bike riders at key locations with percentage return to infrastructure.

ALL MEDIUM


Pursue incentives that could encourage private sector innovation in the destination (eg indoor mountain bike training facility; one way bike hire)

ORS ONGOING


7.3 TRAILS AND TRAILHEAD INFRASTRUCTURE

Previous investment in trail infrastructure in AMLR has resulted in a good range of levels of difficulty across several trail hubs. Priority needs to be given to consolidating the trail hubs that offer the greatest potential to achieve the vision, creating longer rides through appropriate linkages and driving growth in new and existing markets. To facilitate this, the trails in the region have been categorised as lead, supporting and local trails.

Section 7.5 and maps provide additional detail on recommendations.


Infrastructure 1 – Lead Trails

Undertake planning and works to create the following suite of lead trail experiences for the AMLR:

Inf1.1 Cudlee Creek – Continue to refine and improve the trail network, trailheads and event infrastructure and consider accommodation and other commercial opportunities. Examine possibility of developing Cudlee Creek with the aim of achieving IMBA Ride Centre certification. This may require creating trail links to nearby townships of Lobethal and Cudlee Creek, in order to satisfy some of the essential criteria for ‘non-trail services’ (i.e. shops, accommodation, medical services). Investigate and implement best option for management of traffic

Forestry SA

MEDIUM

Inf1.2 Eagle Mountain Bike Park - Continue to refine and improve the trail network including better road access, trailheads, event infrastructure (including water and power) and commercial opportunities (including overall site management). Investigate better links to Cleland CP, Yurrebilla and the Bullock Track (Pioneers Women’s Trail).

ORS MEDIUM

Inf1.3 – 1.5 Work with SAMBA and other key stakeholders to determine the best option of Inf 1.3 -1.5 recognising the opportunities and challenges each presents in terms of land tenure, environmental issues, costs of development and maintenance and the visitor experience it will offer

HIGH

Inf1.3 ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 1 - Yurrebilla descent (from near Eagle MTB Park down to Brownhill Creek RP).

DEWNR HIGH

Inf1.4 ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 2 - Pioneer Women’s Track descent (from near Eagle MTB Park down to Burnside). Consider expansion/creation of a trail network to complement Pioneer Women’s Trail at Mt Osmond Reserve.

DEWNR, BCC

HIGH

Inf1.5 ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 3 – Develop a new long distance, cross-country style descent from Cudlee Creek to Adelaide, avoiding the Kangaroo Creek and Gorge Weir reserves, and possibly linking into Torrens Linear Trail as it enters suburbs. The exact route is yet to be determined. Creation of a predominantly descending (i.e. some short uphill sections) trail of 8 to 12km in length should be considered (subject to further investigation of feasibility and suitability of land tenures).

DEWNR HIGH

Inf1.6 New MTB Touring Route – Develop a long distance, cross-country style, mostly off-road route, connecting all the various mountain biking hubs. This would be a bike version of the Yurrebilla Walking Track and would also be suitable for large participation events. The route should include a large proportion of dedicated MTB single track rather than being simply a signposted route of existing dirt roads, fire roads and MVO tracks. This route should be investigated and designed with the intention of achieving ‘IMBA Epic’ status, which requires more than 80 percent single track and at least 32km in length, and ideally incorporates or finishes with a long descent. This could be a point to point ride, incorporating and finishing with item 1.3 above (proposed ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 1).

DEWNR MEDIUM



Inf1.7 New Downhill Trail – Create a legal, UCI standard, world-class downhill, potentially at Hornsell Gully. (While Eagle and Cudlee both have good, highly challenging downhill trails, both are limited for vertical elevation.)

DEWNR MEDIUM

Inf1.8 New, northern trail hub – Develop a northern trail hub to provide riding opportunities and spread economic benefits to a new part of the region. While the location is to be determined through further investigation, consideration should be given to Parra Wirra Park linking to Fox Creek, Mt Crawford Forest in/around Kersbrook and Williamstown/Warren Reservoir. This area has suitable terrain, forests, and shuttle roads. It is also timely for trail planning, design and construction following recent fires.

DEWNT/FSA, TBC, SAW

ONGOING

Inf1.9 New Urban Bike Park – Develop a world-class example ‘urban bike park’ including international standards BMX park for all abilities with pump tracks, dirt jumps, skills trails and more in a well landscaped, visually appealing setting with high level visitor facilities. The location to be determined, but could potentially build on existing facilities, and should be located in an existing area of high MTB activity at O’Halloran Hill RP. An opportunity also exists for an urban bike park building on existing infrastructure in the southern Adelaide Parks Lands.

DEWNR/OCC

MEDIUM

Infrastructure 2 – Supporting Trails Consolidate the trail and support infrastructure for the following hubs and trails as supporting trail experiences that (while not being ‘must visit’ destinations) are important for local riders and offer quality riding opportunities.

Inf2.1 Belair NP - Enhance and improve the Adventure Loop where possible including, for example, inclusion of more single track.

DEWNR ONGOING

Inf2.1 Mitcham Trails / Sturt Gorge RP / Shepherd’s Hill RP / Belair NP cluster - Identify and complete linkages across these trail networks to ensure a seamless cross tenure riding experience. Develop additional trails at O’Halloran Hill and consider linking them into this cluster.

MCC/DEWNR

ONGOING

Inf2.3 Cobbler Creek RP - Continue to expand, refine and develop trails as an important facility in the northern suburbs with room for expansion and reasonably long descents in a semi-urban setting.

DEWNR ONGOING

Inf2.4 Kangarilla / Bone Gully / Gate 19 - Consider formalising downhill and freeride riding here, with improved signage, parking and shuttle access.

DEWNR ONGOING

Inf2.5 Southern extension of the Mawson Trail – Develop this part of the Mawson Trail to be predominantly single track, with travel via Belair NP, Sturt Gorge RP, O’Halloran Hill RP (possibly on hero MTB touring route referred to above), Coast to Vines, McLaren Vale, following the coast to Cape Jervis and with possible links to Kangaroo Island.

DEWNR/MCC/OCC

ONGOING

Inf2.6 Kuitpo / Prospect Hill - Continue to expand, refine and improve the trail network as a beginner style, off-road touring type destination.

FSA ONGOING

Inf2.7 Investigate opportunities for mountain biking as part of the master plan for Warren Reservoir and connections to surrounding Forestry SA land

TBC ONGOING

Infrastructure 3 – Local Level Trails Consolidate the trail and support infrastructure for the following local level trails that are unlikely to be considered important for visiting mountain bikers, but are important to provide for local riding opportunities and growing participation.

Inf3.1 Onkaparinga River Recreation Park - Continue to expand, refine and improve the trail network, as a beginner style, family, mountain biking destination.

OCC ONGOING

Inf3.2 Torrens Linear Park – Develop natural surface trails along appropriate sections.

Local Government

ONGOING

Inf3.3 Anstey Hill Recreation Park – Formalise trails. DEWNR ONGOING



Inf3.4 Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks – Formalise trails. DEWNR ONGOING

Inf3.5 Investigate opportunities for mountain bike loops off the Amy Gillett Trail as well as a potential extension to enable linkages to further trail networks around Mount Pleasant

AHC, TBC ONGOING

Inf3.6 Land managed by SA Water has not traditionally been used for recreational purposes. However, their estate offers many excellent opportunities for mountain biking, with good terrain and topography. While public health and the protection of source water quality for Adelaide’s drinking water supplies must be the highest priority for this land, these opportunities could be further explored. Investigate opportunities for use of SA Water managed land for mountain biking consistent with management of water quality and catchments including use of:

the South Para and Barossa Reservoir Reserve as part of the proposed new, northern trail hub (see item 1.8)

the Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve to create a linkage between the proposed new trail network at O’Halloran Hill RP and existing trails at Sturt Gorge RP (see item 2.1)

SAW ONGOING

Inf3.7 Investigate the Highbury Quarry Land and the Highbury Aqueduct land south of Anstey Hill RP as a future mountain bike hub including a potential link between the River Torrens Linear Park, Anstey Hill Quarry and Black Hill CP.

TTGC, DEWNR

ONGOING

Inf 3.8 Promote the availability trails that link between hubs, trail networks, communities and tourism attractions and destinations such as the Barossa

Valley (eg Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park and Pewsey Vale)

TBC ONGOING

7.4 TOURISM AND MARKETING

In developing a destination that is attractive to international visitors, we need to provide for the range of experiences that might be attractive for the range of markets. When visiting a mountain biking destination, most mountain bikers will spend a large proportion of their time off the bike and off the trails. This time may be spent at their accommodation, at local cafes, restaurants, bars, and wineries or at other attractions. The needs of the riders are widely variable and dependent on income, cultural background and whether they are visiting with non-riding companions.

The attraction of AMLR will, for many tourists, lie in its proximity and ease of access from Adelaide as well as the integrated tourism offering that could be delivered. The natural environment and food and wine experiences will be attractive to many. Transport and access to the trails for visitors from interstate or overseas will be an important consideration. While many may stay in Adelaide, promoting a suitable range of accommodation that meets consumer needs will encourage other visitors to stay and ride in the AMLR.

As the reputation of the AMLR region as a mountain bike destination grows, international and interstate visitors that come there specifically for the mountain bike offering will grow. In the short term, greater growth must be expected in people seeking a broader holiday that includes mountain bike experiences, and in the local and intrastate markets.

Positioning the AMLR region as a world class mountain bike destination needs to be done through partnerships with existing tourism organisations and integrating the mountain bike experiences with other offerings. In addition to destination marketing, word of mouth, social media and online presence are critical channels to market for mountain bike markets. Ensuring consistent messaging and high quality product are essential to ensure positive messages and promotion though these channels.



Tourism 1 Work with the tourism industry to encourage new mountain bike products, services and partnerships that will support the positioning of the region as a mountain bike destination integrated with the broader AMLR tourism offering.

SATC/RTOs

MEDIUM

Tourism 2 Provide advice to the tourism industry and community on mountain bike consumer needs and encourage businesses (cafes, wineries, accommodation etc.) to become bike friendly.

BSA, Trails SA

HIGH

Tourism 3 Work with State Government and tourism industry to promote and where feasible implement a range of transport options (train, bus, commercial shuttles) that enable riders to undertake one way journeys.

DEWNR, DPTI

ONGOING

Tourism 4 Recognise the range of complementary cycling experiences that exist in the region (such as Coast to Vines, Amy Gillett and the popularity of the region for road cycling) and incorporate as appropriate in promotion of the AMLR region.

RTOs, SATC

ONGOING

Tourism 5 Develop a strategy to attract world class events to the region based on improvements in infrastructure. Pursue opportunities that are attractive to a range of markets and leverage off existing regional strengths (eg Tour Down Under, Bike and wine, AMLR wildlife )

BSA, Trails SA and private sector

HIGH

Tourism 6 Work with SATC and the regional tourism organisations to:

(i) embed mountain biking into the brand essence of the region, into their famils program for visiting journalists, and into their online communication.

(ii)implement collaborative marketing including the use of hero trail experiences as the core of the imagery and messaging about the destination for mountain biking

(iii)ensure the agreed positioning and messages are applied at every touch point for the visitor across the destination (from pre tip to post trip).

(iv)Promote cycling as a way to experience destinations such as the Barossa and Maclaren Vale that are well known for wine and food but less for cycling

SATC, RTOs

HIGH

Tourism 7 Establish a brand identity, and basic toolkit, including ideal images, clear USPs, a visual device / logo and a brand story to build a presence online to promote the AMLR mountain bike trails network, and how this needs to be applied across all tenures (maps, signage, collateral, webpages).

SATC, BSA/TRAILS SA

HIGH

Tourism 8 Establish a user friendly web portal that flows through to trails, hubs, maps, tours, recommended loops and accommodation etc. with links to GPS segments of the actual trails.

Portal to incorporate photos, elevation profiles, time required for trails, drive time to destinations, how to get there and camera footage of trails

BSA/TRAILS SA

HIGH

Tourism 9 Create a social media presence and identity for the region with a Facebook page and (at least weekly) post and engage online. Work with the Bike SA, SAMBA, Adelaide MTB group and others as well as other MTB destinations across Australia through social media, actively ‘liking’ content and promoting events and activities elsewhere.

Link to regional tourism media such as their Facebook pages

BSA/TRAILS SA

HIGH

Tourism 10

Through a program of famils, invite influential writers and bloggers (such as those from popular websites and magazines) to travel to the region and write about the trails both in traditional forums such as magazine and newspapers as well as online in forums, blogs, chat rooms and e-zines.

SATC/RTOs

ONGOING

Tourism 11

Work with other Australian mountain bike destinations to promote the opportunities provided collaboratively to better position Australia as a mountain bike destination for international visitors

BSA/TRAILS SA

MEDIUM


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7.5 IMPLEMENTING THE INFRASTRUCTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Appendix H provides a summary evaluation of the current trail network in terms of the important elements required for a world class network.

The following have been identified as the priority actions to implement the recommendations for Infrastructure improvements. Maps in section 8 provide further details on alignments.

Item Description New Infrastructure Proposed Actions Required Notes

1.1 Cudlee Creek

1. Trail linkage to Lobethal; 2. Trail linkage to Cudlee Creek; 3. Two trailheads – one main

trailhead with formalized parking, shelter, signage, water and toilets; secondary trailhead with formalized parking and signage only;

4. New cross-country trails; 5. New downhill/gravity enduro

trails.

1. Undertake thorough on-ground assessment of trail network including: a. Investigating locations for main trailhead – could

be located at top or bottom. In particular, investigate feasibility of locating main trailhead at the Forestry SA house;

b. Investigate on-ground alignments for new trail linkages to Lobethal and Cudlee Creek – singletrack if possible, but forest tracks and quiet country roads acceptable. Avoid main roads;

c. Undertake signage audit of trails, ensuring all trails are adequately signposted;

d. Audit existing trails to identify possible improvements to be made – improvements could be related to user experience or sustainability;

e. Investigate opportunities for new trails; 2. Investigate business case for commercial business at

forestry house; 3. Subject to outcome of (1a) and (2) above,

implement improvements at top and bottom trailhead, including toilets and water at main trailhead, defined parking bays and improved signage;

4. Improve road signage; 5. Investigate cost/benefit of sealing Croft Rd.

Conceptual alignments have been developed for the trail linkages to Lobethal and Cudlee Creek – see map ‘Fox Creek Town Linkages’

The link to Cudlee Creek uses MVO and forest tracks before joining Snake Gully Rd and Holland Creek Rd, a total distance of approximately 4.4km and almost entirely downhill (travelling from Cudlee Creek to Cudlee Creek).

The link to Lobethal has two portions, one from the top trailhead and one from the bottom trailhead.

The first portion starts at the top trailhead and follows the Mawson Trail into Lobethal, via MVO tracks and quiet country roads. It is 7.6km long and is mostly downhill (travelling from Cudlee Creek to Lobethal).

The second portion follows a proposed new alignment from the bottom trailhead until rejoining the Mawson Trail on Croft Rd. It is 2.6km of climbing from the bottom trailhead to Croft Rd, then another undulating 5km following the Mawson Trail to Lobethal.


46


1.2 Eagle Mountain Bike Park

1. Permanent open vehicle access to top and bottom of gravity trails;

2. Two trailheads – one main trailhead with formalized parking, shelter, signage, water and toilets; secondary trailhead with formalized parking and signage only;

3. New cross-country trails; 4. New downhill/gravity enduro trails.

1. Undertake a feasibility study into the potential for offering Eagle on the Hill to an investor to run as a commercial business

2. Subject to 1 above, undertake thorough on-ground assessment of trail network including: a. Investigating locations for main trailhead. In

particular, investigate feasibility of locating main trailhead inside the park, at base of gravity trails, rather than current location outside the park on main road. Consider providing a secondary trailhead at top of the park near Crafers;

b. Audit existing trails to identify possible improvements to be made – improvements could be related to user experience or sustainability;

c. Investigate opportunities for new trails d. Investigate event infrastructure including water

and power 3. Subject to outcome of (2a) above, implement

improvements at top and bottom trailhead, including toilets and water at main trailhead, defined parking bays and improved signage;

4. Work with road authority to improve current entry point into the park.

1.3 ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 1

1. New descending trail from Eagle MTB Park similar to the existing Yurabilla Trail;

2. Trail and route signage.

1. Undertake thorough feasibility study and on-ground investigation to determine if a feasible alignment can be identified and to determine likely construction costs.

A conceptual alignment has been prepared for ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 2 – see map ‘Eagle MTB Park to Adelaide Descents’. The key features of the alignment proposed are: 1. As the Yurabilla Trail is an existing walking

track, it is proposed to construct a separate mountain biking only trail running roughly parallel to the Yurabilla Trail, thus separating users and reducing conflict and risk;

2. Approximately 5.4km long; 3. Elevation drop approximately 200m; 4. 100% singletrack; 5. Spectacular and iconic descent.


47



1. New descending trail from Eagle MTB Park similar to the existing Pioneer Women’s Trail;



A conceptual alignment has been prepared for ‘Hero’ Descending Trail 3 – see map ‘Eagle MTB Park to Adelaide Descents’. The key features of the alignment proposed are: 1. As the Pioneer Women’s Trail is an existing

walking track, it is proposed to construct a separate mountain biking only trail running roughly parallel to the Pioneer Women’s Trail, thus separating users and reducing conflict and risk

2. Approximately 7.2km long; 3. Elevation drop approximately 230m; 4. Mix of singletrack and MVO tracks; 5. Spectacular and iconic descent.


1. New descending trail from Cudlee Creek down into the suburbs of Adelaide. Trail would be comprised of a mix of new singletrack, MVO’s and existing roads (including sealed and unsealed roads);



A conceptual alignment has been prepared for Hero Descending Trail 1 – see map ‘Cudlee Creek to Adelaide Descent’. The key features of the alignment proposed are: 1. Approximately 14.2km long; 2. Elevation drop approximately 490m; 3. Approximately 7-8km of new singletrack; 4. Spectacular and iconic section of new

singletrack in the valley beside the Torrens River, on the opposite side from Gorge Rd;

5. Joins onto the eastern end of the Torrens River Linear Trail. Riders can follow this pathway all the way back into Adelaide and beyond to the coast.

1.6 New MTB Touring Route

1. New cross-country trail, linking together all the main trail hubs and networks;

2. Trail and route signage, reflecting the cross-tenure and long-distance nature of this proposed trail.


A conceptual alignment has been prepared for the New MTB Touring Route – see map ‘Epic MTB Touring Route’. The key features of the alignment proposed are: 1. Where possible, the route will follow existing,

purpose built mountain bike singletrack – i.e. it passes through places like Craigburn Farm, Eagle MTB Park etc.;

2. Some sections of new purpose built mountain bike singletrack will need to be constructed to


48


ensure the route is truly spectacular and world class, and to ensure it has sufficient singletrack to qualify for IMBA ‘Epic’ status;

3. Approximately 67km long – longer than most riders could complete in day, forcing repeat visitation or overnight stays;

4. Elevation range of 650m; 5. Mix of singletrack and MVO tracks; 6. Could start at either Shepherd’s Hill or

O’Halloran Hill. Two options are shown on the map;

7. Where the trail passes through existing mountain biking nodes, riders could detour onto other trails. For example, the trail passes through Belair, where riders could choose to complete the Adventure Trail, before continuing along the touring route;

8. Connects to the Torrens River Linear Trail at the northwest end, allowing riders to access Adelaide CBD.

1.8 New Northern Trail Hub

1. New trailhead, with car parking, shelter, toilets, water and signage;

2. New cross-country trails; 3. New downhill/gravity enduro trails; 4. Trail and route signage.

1. Undertake trails master planning exercise for the new trail network, including: a. Investigating locations for trailhead, including

existing visitor areas; b. Investigate potential shuttle roads and drop-off

locations for descending trails; c. Identify alignments for new trails; d. Determine likely construction costs.

1.9 New Urban Bike Park

1. New urban bike park trailhead, with car parking, shelter, toilets, water and signage;

2. New pump track facilities; 3. New dirt jump facilities; 4. New skills trail facilities.

1. Undertake thorough feasibility study and on-ground investigation to determine if a feasible location can be identified and to determine likely construction costs. Location should be highly visible, close to residential areas, with good transport and access opportunities.

2.1 Belair 1. Sections of new cross-country trails, as required, to enhance and improve the existing Adventure

1. Undertake thorough on-ground assessment of Adventure Loop including:

a. Audit to identify possible improvements to be


49


Loop. made – improvements could be related to user

experience or sustainability;

b. Investigate opportunities for new trails.

2.2 Mitcham Trails / Craigburn Farm / Shepherd’s Hill / Belair cluster

1. New linkages between trail networks to ensure a seamless cross-tenure riding experience. Linkages could be new, mountain bike specific singletrack or existing tracks or roads;

2. New signage to support a cross-tenure riding experience. That is, consider developing a new logo and signage style that is acceptable to all land managers in this trail cluster.

2. Undertake thorough on-ground assessment of trail networks within the cluster, including: a. Investigating opportunities for new or improved

trailheads; b. Investigate opportunities for linkages between

trail networks; c. Undertake signage audit of trails; d. Audit existing trails to identify possible

improvements to be made – improvements could be related to user experience or sustainability.

2.3 Cobbler Creek

1. New cross-country trails, as required.

1. Prepare a concept plan for future trail expansion opportunities.

2.4 Kangarilla / Bone Gully / Gate 19

1. New trail signage of approved downhill and freeride trails;

2. New formalised car parking and shuttle drop-off facilities, including fencing, bollards, gates, shelter, toilets and water.

1. Undertake thorough on-ground assessment of trail network including:

a. Investigating preferred locations for shuttle

drop-off and pick-up points;

b. Audit existing trails to identify possible

improvements to be made – improvements

could be related to user experience, safety or

sustainability.

2.5 Southern extension of the Mawson Trail


1. Undertake a thorough feasibility study and on-ground investigation to determine if a feasible alignment can be identified and to determine likely construction costs.

2.6 Kuitpo / Prospect Hill

1. New cross-country trails, as required;

2. Improved trailhead and visitor facilities, including car parking etc.;

3. Improved signage.


3.1 Onkaparinga 1. New cross-country trails, as 1. Prepare a concept plan for future trail expansion


50


River Recreation Park

required; 2. Improved trailhead and visitor

facilities, including car parking etc.; 3. Improved signage.

opportunities.

3.2 Torrens Linear Park



3.3 Anstey Hill Recreation Park



1. Undertake a thorough on-ground assessment of trail network including an audit of existing trails to identify possible improvements to be made – improvements could be related to user experience, safety or sustainability.

3.4 Morialta and Black Hill



1. Undertake a thorough on-ground assessment of trail network including an audit of existing trails to identify possible improvements to be made – improvements could be related to user experience, safety or sustainability.

3.5 Amy Gillett Trail




8 Maps Map 1 Current Formal and Informal MTB Trails in AMLR Region


Map 2 Proposed Trails Infrastructure (Refer section 5.1)


Map 3. Cudlee Creek town linkages


Map 3 Alignments for descents


Appendix A – Existing trails in the AMLR regionThe tables below identify the majority of mountain biking opportunities in and around Adelaide of relevance to this project. The first table lists known riding areas, both formal and informal (the informal riding areas are listed in the second half of the table, highlighted by a grey background). Note that this report is not attempting to list every single area, park or reserve where mountain biking is occurring – rather, it aims to provide a snapshot of the most popular mountain biking locales in the Adelaide region, both formal and informal.

The second table lists known long distance trails.

All these trails and riding areas have been identified through a range of sources:

» information provided by DEWNR (such as trails strategies, plans and other documents)

» information provided directly by the officers of the various land managers and partner agencies

» knowledge of the consultants

» various websites, listing trails, parks and reserves throughout the Adelaide Hills region – www.southaustraliantrails.com, www.adelaidemtbtrails.com

Abbreviations:

DEWNR – Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

DH – Downhill

IMBA – International Mountain Bicycling Association

MVO – Management Vehicle Only

TDRS – Trail Difficulty Rating System

XC – Cross-country

Trail sign at Fox Creek

http://www.southaustraliantrails.com/


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MTB Trail Hubs - formal

Trail Hub Land Tenure Trail Summary User markets Access Associated Experiences

Issues Opportunities

Belair NP Belair National Park (DEWNR)

Adventure Loop (12km cross-country loop), comprised of a mix of singletrack and MVO.

A range of other MVO tracks also available.

Cross-country.

Trails rated Easiest to More Difficult.

Vehicle accessible with dedicated car park (vehicle entry fees apply).

Nearest train station (Belair NP) approx. 1km away. Gates into the park immediately adjacent to the station provide direct linkage to the trail network.

Yurrebilla Trail passes through Belai NPr.

Second oldest NP in Australia.

Excellent visitor facilities – car parking, toilets, bbqs, picnic tables, shelters, etc.

High conservation and heritage values in park.

Minimal opportunity for expansion of trail network for MTB.

Designate as ‘supporting trail hub’.

Given its strong family appeal, may be an opportunity to provide more entry level, youth type riding opportunities, that have very small space requirements – i.e. pump track and skills loop.

Opportunity to create cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill RP, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill RP, Belair NP and Mitcham trails.

Brownhill Creek RP

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park (DEWNR)

One shared use trail. Cross-country.

No trail rating provided, but would anecdotally be rated as Easy under the IMBA TDRS.

Vehicle access.

Forms an important linkage from Belair NP back down into the suburbs, via Pony Ridge Trail.

Forms part of the Yurrebilla Trail.

No real opportunities for expansion, but remains an important linkage.

Cleland CP Cleland Conservation Park (DEWNR)

Extensive network of MVO tracks.

No singletrack available for MTB.

Cross-country.

Trails rated “Easy to Advanced” (assume this equates to Easy to Very Difficult under the IMBA TDRS).

Vehicle accessible with dedicated car parks at various points.

Cleland Wildlife Park, Mt Lofty summit and Waterfall Gully popular tourism attractions.

High conservation and heritage values in park.

Minimal opportunity for expansion of trail network for MTB.

Designate as ‘local trail hub’

Main value may be for linkages between other hubs, particularly Eagle MTB Park which is quite close.

Cobbler Creek RP

Cobbler Creek Recreational Park (DEWNR)

17km.

Mix of singletrack and MVO tracks.

Some trails have been designed and constructed to professional, industry

Cross-country.

Trails rated “Easy to Intermediate” (assume this equates to Easy to More Difficult under the IMBA TDRS).

Vehicle accessible with dedicated car park via Smith Rd (main entry point).

Other cyclist/pedestrian entry points.

No water or toilets.


Good facility, especially for northern suburbs MTB riders.

Good elevation (approx.


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standards.

Shared use.

Nearest train station (Salisbury) approx. 4km away.

130m vertical available).

Continue to expand trail offering – plenty of space for expansion.

Potential links to Tea Tree Gully and Salisbury Council trails.

Positioned as a stand-alone park in northern suburbs, makes it an important hub.

Craigburn Farm/Sturt Gorge RP

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park (DEWNR)

18km network of trails.

Some trails have been designed and constructed to professional, industry standards.

Shared use.

Cross-country.

All rated as Intermediate (assume this equates to More Difficult rating under IMBA TDRS).

Approximately 6 entry points into network.

No dedicated parking area.

Very close to Coromandel train station (less than 2km).

No dedicated car parking – only informal parking capable of fitting less than 5 cars.

On busy days many users park at nearby football oval.

No dedicated visitor entry point.

No toilets or water, except at football oval.


Preferred trail entry point on Craigburn Rd lies adjacent to Blackwood Hills Reserve (City of Mitcham) which is proposed for future trail development.

Opportunity to create a large, dedicated car park and trailhead servicing both parks/trail networks, creating a seamless experience for users across both tenures.

Opportunity to create cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill, Belair and Mitcham trails.

Eagle MTB Park Minster for Recreation and Sport

21 km network of trails.

All trails have been designed and constructed specifically for

Cross-country, downhill, trials and dirt jumps.

Designed for recreation and racing.

High level competitive

Two entry points to the park:

1. Mt Barker Road, Leawood Gardens

2. Hawk Hill Rd,

Close to Mt Lofty.

Close to potential hero and link trails:

Yurrebilla Trail

Pioneer Women’s Trail

Poor trailheads – minimal parking available and a long way from main trail network.

Designate as ‘lead trail hub’.

Potential commercial opportunities for shuttling/guiding /hire/retail/café etc.


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mountain biking to professional, industry standards.

Mostly singletrack.

events have been held here in the past, including Australian National MTB Championships.

Trails rated Easy to

Extremely Difficult

(note – very little Easy

trail).

Crafers

On normal days, the gates are closed to vehicles. Approx. 30 car parking spaces available outside the main entry point on Mt Barker Rd. Very limited parking outside the Hawk Hill Rd entry point.

During events, main gates are open to vehicles and cars can park inside the park.

Dedicated bike lane on

Mt Barker Rd.

Linkage to Mt Lofty via Cleland.

No ability to self-shuttle. Shuttle services may be available on some scheduled ride days or events.

No water or toilets

Minimal entry level trails – site is quite steep, making it difficult to cater for beginners.

Large portions of the park remain off limits due to high conservation value.

Poor vehicle access currently due to traffic islands in middle of road.

Large disturbed area that can be used for visitor facilities – carpark, toilets, etc.

Some buildings and infrastructure remain on site that could be repurposed.

Great option during wet weather/winter due to gravelly soils.

Needs large scale investment to realise potential.

Close proximity to potential ‘hero’ descents on Yurrebilla and Pioneer Women’s Trail.

Cudlee Creek Mt Crawford Forest (Forestry SA)

Over 30 individual trails, comprising more than 40km of trails.

All trails have been designed and constructed specifically for mountain biking to professional, industry standards.

Some MVO tracks used from time to time.

Cross-country and downhill.

Trails rated Easy to Advanced (assume this equates to Easy to Very Difficult under IMBA TDRS).

Access by vehicle.

Two main car parking points – Croft Rd and Cudlee Creek Rd.

Access by bike possible via quiet country roads.

No public transport options.

Both the Heysen and Mawson Trails pass through Cudlee Creek.

Winery adjacent to Croft Rd trailhead.

Other tourism opportunities in nearby Lobethal and Cudlee Creek.

Trailheads need improvement – no toilets or water.

Not all trails signposted.

Some local residents/business operators concerned about dust from heavy usage of Croft Rd.

Designate as ‘lead trail hub’.

Excellent trail facilities provide the basis for a world class trail network.

Existing house on site could be further developed as a café/retail/hire/ accommodation precinct.

Exceptional soils for trail development. Zoned as transition from forestry to conservation at present therefore minimal ‘red


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tape’ for new trail development.

Opportunity for hero descent from Cudlee Creek back into Adelaide suburbs.

Kuitpo/Prospect Hill

Kuitpo Forest (Forestry SA)

Mix of singletrack and MVO tracks.

Not clear if singletracks are formal or informal.

Cross-country.

Trails don’t appear to have been given formal trail difficulty ratings, but anecdotally appear to be rated Easy to More Difficult under the IMBA TDRS.

Access by vehicle.

Dedicated parking areas.

Both the Kidman and Heysen Trails pass through Kuitpo.

No train stations nearby.

No public transport options

Designate as ‘local trail hub’.

Being in Forestry SA land, good opportunities for expansion.

Rolling hills, gentle terrain, best suited to beginner-intermediate style trails.

Mitcham Trails – Includes a number of reserves including Lynton, Sleeps Hill, Saddle Hill, O’Deas, Ashby Reserve and Blackwood Hills Reserve. Informal trails in Andersons and Randels Reserves.

All managed by the City of Mitcham.

Predominantly under the city of Mitcham tenure with some easements to provide trail linkages (e.g.Transit Authority).

Approx. 10km open currently, with plans for 40km by 2016.

Consists of a combination of MVO tracks and singletracks.

Some singletracks have been designed and constructed specifically for mountain biking to professional, industry standards, while some are upgraded informal trails.

Two-three formalised dirt jump areas.

Cross-country, downhill, dirt jumps.

Trails rated as Easy to Extremely Difficult

Many entry points. The trail network spans multiple small reserves spread throughout the semi-urban front face of the hills.

Currently, the only dedicated trailhead facility is at Lynton, with limited parking available.

Lynton train station is immediately adjacent to trailhead.

Eden Hills and Coromandel Valley train stations also provide access to Mitcham trails.

Train offers a unique opportunity – catch the train up, and ride down.

Poor to excellent trail quality depending on reserves and progress of Trail Strategy implementation.

Signage for formally recognised trails is of good quality.

Currently only one dedicated trailhead, with poor facilities.

Difficult land tenure issues, including adjacent resident and land manager Australian Rail Corp and Waitiparinga


City of Mitcham has a staged implementation plan for the expansion of MTB trails.

Opportunity to create cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill RP, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill RP, Belair NP and Mitcham trails.


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Reserve NHT concerns.

High conservation values for Grey Box Woodland Association (nationally endangered).

Onkaparinga Recreation Park

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park (DEWNR)

Shared use trails only. No singletrack.

Cross-country.

Trails don’t appear to have been given formal trail difficulty ratings, but anecdotally appear to be rated Easiest to Easy under the IMBA TDRS.

Access by vehicle.

Dedicated parking areas.

Very close to Noarlunga train station (less than 2km).

No ‘core’ mountain bike trails. Entry level only.

Designate as ‘local trail hub’.

Shepherd’s Hill RP

Shepherd’s Hill Recreation Park (DEWNR)

Mix of dirt jumps and MVO tracks.

Cross-country and dirt jumps.

Access by vehicle.

Dedicated parking area.

Multiple pedestrian/cyclist entry points .

Very close to Tonsley train station (less than 2km) and Eden Hills train station.

Some high conservation value areas.

Extremely fragmented park.


Opportunity to create cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill, Belair and Mitcham trails.

Good opportunities for trail expansion, including more urban bike elements – i.e. dirt jumps and pump tracks.

MTB Trail Hubs - informal

Tangari Regional Park (80 Acres)

Owned and managed by City of Onkaparinga.

Informal use of walking tracks and reserves.

Some pump track and dirt jump facilities.

Downhill, cross Country and dirt jumps.

Multiple entry points.

Diverse experiences.

Coastal views, countryside and residential.

Land manager struggles to manage conservation issues and risk management associated with MTB or shared use.

More comfortable

Residential hubs with possible Link trails to more significant hubs.

Possible to link to Sturt Gorge RP and Craigburn Farm.


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with dirt jump style facilities, where risk is more contained and more precedents.

Adelaide Hills Council – Aldgate Quarry and other reserves

Owned and managed by Adelaide Hills Council.

Informal use of walking tracks and reserves

Downhill and cross-country.

Local residential rides and lake views in Stirling.

Links to cafes and bakeries.


More comfortable with dirt jump style facilities, where risk is more contained and more precedents.

Residential hubs with possible Link trails to more significant hubs

Anstey Hill RP Anstey Hill Recreation Park (DEWNR)

Mix of user built (informal) singletracks and MVO tracks.

Downhill-Cross-country

As trails are informal, they don’t have formal trail difficulty ratings, but anecdotally appear to be rated More Difficult to Extremely Difficult under the IMBA TDRS.

Access by vehicle. Some high conservation and heritage values.

Some badly eroded trails.

Opportunity to create elite level downhill trails.

Good road access for shuttling.

Black Hill CP / Morialta CP

Black Hill Conservation Park and Morialta Conservation Park (DEWNR)

Small number of user built (informal) singletracks.

Some informal use of walking tracks.

Downhill.


Access by vehicle. Some high conservation and heritage values.

MTB not currently allowed.

Challenges to formalising existing DH track are not insurmountable but will be costly.

May link to new Adelaide Hills Council reserves too.

City of Burnside – Gully Reserve, and other reserves.

Managed by City of Burnside

Informal use of walking tracks.

Cross Country. Multiple entry points with links to Cleland and Eagle MTB Park.

Views across Adelaide and the coast.

Land manager struggles to manage conservation issues and risk management associated with MTB

Local hubs with possible link trails to more significant hubs.


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or shared use.


Mt Osmond Reserve

Minister for Planning

Includes the Pioneer Women’s Trail (walking trail) and informal trails including popular downhill track.

Cross-country, downhill.


Multiple entry points with links to Cleland CP and Eagle MTB Park as well as Burnside Council Reserves.

Basic land management and weed control.

Trails are hand built by volunteers.

Exceptional Views

Low conservation values.

Strong walking group opposition to bikes on the Pioneer Women’s Trail.

“Shared Use” nature of Pioneer Women’s Trail has never been formally ratified

Scope and space for a trail network of up to 40km of single track, but limited space for proper trailhead facilities.

City of Salisbury – Various reserves

Exact tenure not known.

Managed by City of Salisbury.

Informal use of walking tracks and reserves.

Cross-country. Land manager struggles to manage conservation issues and risk management associated with MTB or shared use.


Local hubs with possible link trails to more significant hubs.

Horsnell Gully CP

Horsnell Gully Conservation Park (DEWNR)

Small number of user built (informal) singletrack.

Downhill


Access by vehicle. World-class elevation drop and terrain with great views.

Some high conservation and heritage values.

MTB not currently allowed.

Opportunity to create elite level downhill trails, of up to 7 minutes.

Good road access for shuttling.

Kangarilla / Bone Gully /

Forestry SA User built (informal) singletrack

Downhill

As trails are informal,

Access by vehicle. Close to McLaren Vale wine district.

Trails not formalised.

Forestry plantation,

Opportunity to cater for slope style and


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Gate 19 they don’t have formal trail difficulty ratings, but anecdotally appear to be rated More Difficult to Extremely Difficult under the IMBA TDRS.

due for harvesting soon.

No easy shuttle option currently, limiting usage.

free ride events.

Forestry SA appear open to allowing MTB in this area.

Kersbrook / Bennetts / Devils Gully

Mt Crawford Forest (Forestry SA)

User built (informal) singletrack

Cross-country and downhill.

Access by vehicle. Trails not formalised, although in the past Forestry SA have allowed competitive events using some of these trails.

Opportunity to create a formalised trail network, offering cross-country and downhill trails, within native and pine forests.

Potential to link to Parra Wirra Recreation Park.

Well located in the northern outskirts of Adelaide.

Good terrain and topography.

Recent bushfires have cleared this area creating a great opportunity to plan and build trails.

Mt Barker Trails – Mt Barker Summit Conservation Park and other reserves.

Managed by DEWNR and Mt Barker Council.

Excellent Jump track from Easy to Most Difficult.

Informal use of Summit trails.

Dirt jumps and cross-country.

Car park and trailhead at Littlehampton.




O’Halloran Hill O’Halloran Hill User built (informal) Cross-country Access by vehicle. Trails not formalised. Opportunity to create


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RP Recreation Park (DEWNR)

singletrack Dirt jumps

As trails are informal, they don’t have formal trail difficulty ratings, but anecdotally appear to be rated More Difficult to Very Difficult under the IMBA TDRS.

Easy access by bike, via Veloway.

Very close to Noarlunga train station (less than 5km).

Lots of informal trail building activity.

Very degraded park.

cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill RP, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill RP, Belair NPand Mitcham trails.

Links to Veloway and Coast to Vines bike paths.

Recent freeway construction project used a portion of the park for stockpiling etc. This area could be repurposed for dedicated MTB facilities.

Tea Tree Gully Council – Various council reserves

Managed by Tea Tree Gully Council.

4X track, numerous dirt jumps and Cobbler Creek Linear Trail.

Downhill, cross-country and pump track/dirt jumps.





Individual Trails

Trail Name

Land Tenure

Trail Description User markets Associated Experiences Issues Opportunities

Adelaide Southern Veloway

Multiple Starts at St Mary’s, finishes at Port Noarlunga.

Approx. 21km long.

The Adelaide Southern Veloway is a sealed bikeway that runs continuously alongside the Southern Expressway.

Shared-use walking and cycling path.

It provides important links to other cycling facilities in the area, notably the Sturt River Linear Trail and the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

Not a mountain biking product.

Could be useful for linking between some MTB destinations, or simply to provide local user access.

For example, links between O’Halloran Hill RP and Onkaparinga Reserves.

Amy Gillett Bikeway

Multiple Starts at Oakbank, finishes at Mt Torrens (will eventually extend to Mt Pleasant)

Approx. 17km long (32km when complete).

Sealed.


Attractions include:

Short scenic ride loops in the Oakbank and Woodside district

Old German town of Hahndorf

Melbas chocolate factory on the trail at Woodside

National Motor Museum at Birdwood

Wineries in the nearby area



Could potentially link Lobethal, Mawson Trail and Cudlee Creek.

Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Multiple Starts at Marino Rocks, finishes at Willunga.

Approx. 38km long.

Shared use rail trail.

Shared-use walking, horse riding and cycling path.

Links to the Kidman Trail, the Tom Roberts Horse Trail, the Field River Trail and the Christies Creek Trail.

Other attractions include the heritage towns of Old Reynella, Old Noarlunga, McLaren Vale and Willunga.



Heysen Trail

Multiple Starts at Cape Jervis on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, finishes at Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges.

Approx. 1,200km long.

Though mainly a walking trail,

Cross-country mountain biking (on some sections only).

Cycle touring (not suitable for road bikes).

The trail passes through some of South Australia's most scenic areas, including national parks, state forests and popular tourism destinations including the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and

Predominantly a walking trail.

Long distance.

Remote areas.

Very small user market.

Sections of existing (walking only) singletrack in the Adelaide Hills are highly desirable for MTB and may help to develop loop trails in both the north and the south.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segregated_cycle_facilities

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Expressway_(Adelaide)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Expressway_(Adelaide)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturt_River,_Adelaide

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_to_Vines_rail_trail,_South_Australia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coast_to_Vines_rail_trail,_South_Australia


Trail Name

Land Tenure


there are multi-use sections where cycling and horseriding are permitted.

Wilpena Pound.

Kidman Trail

Multiple Starts at Willunga, finishes at Kapunda.

Approx. 225km long.

Multi-use horse riding, cycling and walking trail that traverses roadsides, quiet farm routes, forest tracks and unmade road reserves.



Trail enthusiasts will enjoy "seeing the world in a different way" through the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Barossa and Clare Valley tourism regions.

Long distance.

Remote areas.


Currently listed as a 160km MTB challenge by Audax.

Some nice sections of single track in place already.

Appeal to the MTB market is possible with the addition of more single track.

Proximity to local towns and MTB tracks

Mawson Trail

Multiple Starts in Adelaide, finishes in Blinman.

Approx. 900km long.

Includes little-used country roads, State forest and national park fire trails, farm access tracks and unmade or unused road reserves.



The trail takes riders through the Adelaide Hills, traversing forests, farmland and historic towns such as Lobethal and Birdwood. It passes the world famous Barossa wine region to the mid-north towns of Kapunda and Burra and from here, winds pass the towns of Hallett and Spalding through the Bundaleer Forest and into the Flinders Ranges.

Long distance.

Remote areas.


A single track link from Torrens River Linear Trail (or Gorge Rd at Castabul) to Cudlee Creek is highly desirable and would make the track more appealing to mountain bikers.

The proposed southern extension to Cape Jervis needs to focus on single track and challenge loops if it goes ahead.

Melrose and Cudlee Creek hubs

Pioneer Women’s Trail

Multiple Starts in Verdun, finishes in Beaumont.

Approx. 22km long.

The trail follows country roads, laneways and bush tracks. The trail also passes through Cleland Conservation Park.

Mostly walking only except on dirt roads and road reserves.

Follows the traditional path travelled by early European settlers who walked to Adelaide from Hahndorf to sell fresh produce.

MTB not currently allowed on some sections of Pioneer Women’s Trail.

Certain sections of the Pioneer Women’s Trail are popular with mountain bikers - i.e. Mt Osmond, which is technically a road reserve, meaning that bikes are legally allowed to use this section. However, as it has never been promoted or signposted as shared use, this has led to some conflict with walking


Trail Name

Land Tenure


groups on the trail.

Some sections could be developed as hero mountain bike trails.

Sturt River Linear Trail

Multiple Starts in Glenelg, finishes at Belai NPr.

Land managers include:

City or Holdfast Bay

Marion Council

Mitcham Council

Onkaparinga Council

DEWNR (Sturt Gorge)

Potentially Flinders University


Mostly an urban bike/walk path through the Adelaide southern suburbs, but may become a crucial linkage between Craigburn Farm/Sturt Gorge RP and Belair NP.

Not currently connected all the way through.

The Sturt River Linear Trail may be an important linkage in the opportunity to create cross-tenure trail network linking O’Halloran Hill RP, Craigburn Farm, Shepherds Hill RP, Belair NP and Mitcham trails.

Yurrebilla Trail

Multiple Starts at Belair NP, finishes at Black Hill Conservation Park.

Approx. 54km long.

The Yurrebilla Trail is an interpretative bushwalking trail through the Adelaide Hills area. The trail traverses some of South Australia's most spectacular and interesting landscapes and provides a link between national and conservation parks in the central Mount Lofty Ranges.

Ranging from narrow single-person tracks to vehicle fire tracks.

Currently walkers only.

Passes many of the Adelaide Hills' top tourist attractions, including Waterfall Gully, the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Summit and Cleland Wildlife Park. It also visits or has connection to picturesque Hills' towns such as Summertown, Crafers and Norton Summit, as well as wineries, pubs and other attractions. There's also plenty of accommodation along or near the trail, ranging from bed and breakfasts to pubs and youth hostels.

MTB not currently allowed on some sections of Yurrebilla Trail.

Certain sections of the Yurrebilla Trail are popular with mountain bikers, despite not being formally allowed on it.

Some sections could be developed as hero mountain bike trails.

The concept of a Yurrebilla-style trail specifically for MTB use is popular with the local MTB community.

This concept may cater for a large participation type MTB event.


Appendix B. Relevant planning documentsLegislation

The following South Australian legislation applies in the region:

» Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 –

» Wilderness Protection Act 1992

» Crown Land Management Act 2009

» Forestry Act 1950

» National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 – provides for the establishment, protection and management of national parks, conservation reserves and recreation reserves and for the conservation of native plants and animals including threatened species.

» National Parks and Wildlife (National Parks) Regulations 2001 – regulations governing activities that are permissible or prohibited in parks and reserves and activities that must be authorised by a lease, licence or agreement (which include commercial tours, competitions, selling or hiring goods, and conducting events).

The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) also needs to be applied when there is risk of disturbance of species or habitat.

South Australia Strategic Plans

South Australian Tourism Plan 2020

The South Australian Tourism Plan recognises that tourism is an important driver of economic activity in the State. Priority action areas relevant to mountain biking development in the AMLR region are:

» Driving demand – through well connected and collective marketing that leverages current assets and encourages South Australians to discover their State

» Working better together – includes the development of innovative partnerships across the industry and sectors to deliver tourism, including clustered tourism experiences and development of key emerging niche experiences

» Supporting what we have – improving the supply of tourism infrastructure including supporting Adelaide as a strong visitor hub and the provision of tourism business capacity development

» Using events to grow visitation – attracting and developing new events, including in the regions to encourage visitor dispersal

» Provision of a supportive environment – investment in public infrastructure to improve transport (including road, public transport and hire vehicles) and wayfinding and road infrastructure

South Australia’s Strategic Plan 2011

This Strategic Plans sets goals and targets for growing prosperity, improving wellbeing, attaining environmental sustainability, fostering creativity and innovation, building communities and expanding opportunities in the State.

The Plan has several goals that are relevant to the provision of access, trails and public transport to the AMLR region and the development of tourism linked to mountain biking. One goal is to make South Australian communities vibrant places to live, work, play and visit. This includes connection of open spaces and parks by public transport and cycleways and doubling of the number of people cycling in South Australia by 2020.

In addition, one of the State Government’s Seven Strategic Priorities is creating Adelaide as a vibrant city that competes nationally and internationally for people and investment and thrives as a social, economic and social centre with international recognition for its arts, festivals, fine foods and wines.

People and Parks Strategy: A Strategy for South Australia’s National Parks, Marine Parks and Reserves

This Strategy seeks to improve visitor related opportunities across all South Australian parks, with one of the aims being to promote Mt Lofty as a nationally recognised cycling destination. The objective is to promote nature based tourism while balancing environmental considerations and the social and health benefits of recreation.

Linking Adelaide with Nature

The Linking Adelaide with Nature Strategy identifies the vision, goals and guiding principles in relation to the development and management of the trail network in the Mt Lofty Ranges. A suite of proposed actions were developed for the period 2012 to 2015. The vision for this strategy is a sustainable trails network to engage people in the parks of the Mt Lofty Ranges.

State Mountain Bike Plan for South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges Region, 2001-2005


This initial Plan outlined the issues associated with mountain biking in the Mount Lofty Ranges and set strategies to develop integrated and sustainable opportunities through consideration of environment, safety, economic and planning and partnerships issues. It proposed the Mawson Trail as the backbone trail for mountain biking with the development of loop trails to build a trails network.

Draft State Wide Trails Master Plan 2015

The draft SA Trails Master Plan (which is under development) will provide direction for the development and provision of recreational trails for the period from 2015 to 2025. It should cover the range of trail uses and types including trails for cycling and mountain biking and shared trails.

The Master Plan is expected to provide a broad framework for trail development based on sustainability principles including guidelines for trail planning, design, project delivery and trail management.

Conserving Nature 2012 - 2020

Conserving Nature: A strategy for establishing a system of protected areas in South Australia provides strategic direction for creating a comprehensive, adequate, representative and resilient protected area system on public, private and Aboriginal land in the State. The AMLR region is a priority for establishment of further representative protected areas. The Mount Lofty Ranges is a subregion of the Flinders Lofty Block Bioregion – a bioregion unique to South Australia but with less than the target 10 per cent of ecosystem types protected. The AMLR region is also part of the Cape Borda to Barossa biodiversity corridor – a key area for protection and restoration of biodiversity on a landscape scale/

The Strategy encourages an increase in nature based recreation and tourism opportunities in the protected area system in order to contribute to community wellbeing and build a greater appreciation of the role of protected areas in conservation.

Management Plans for parks and reserves

Management plans for specific reserves are statutory plans adopted under section 38 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Where management plans have been so adopted the provisions of the plan must be carried out and operations in the reserve must be in accordance with the plan. Land in zones created in a management plan must be managed in accordance with the conditions appropriate to the relevant zone.

Management Plans under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 have been developed for the majority of the reserves in the AMLR region. The plans have been adopted over a period of 30 years. The recent plans identify 3 zones within reserves which apply to mountain biking as follows:

» a conservation zone where no mountain biking is allowed

» Managed Recreation Zone A where cycling may be permitted on selected management tracks, and

» Managed Recreation Zone B where potential development of specialised trails and facilities for mountain biking may be built subject to the development of a bicycle trails management plan.

Some reserve management plans have identified actions to allow bicycle riding in the parks subject to controls. Some older plans do not mention mountain biking or cycling use of unplanned trails.

The current plans of management for reserves in the

AMLR region and the conditions and/or restrictions

related to mountain bike riding are summarised

below.


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Reserve Management Plan Status

Conditions relevant to MTB

Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park Adopted in 1992 No MTB

Angove Conservation Park (located in City of Tea Tree Gully)

Adopted in 2005 Small reserve of 5.2 hectares surrounded by residential housing with a number of walking trails. No mention of MTB or cycling.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park (located in City of Tea Tree Gully)

Adopted in 2006 Total area of 365 hectares. Track network originally constructed for mining access and further developed for recreation. Cycling is not permitted. 3 zones – Conservation, Managed Recreation A, Managed Recreation B.

Belair National Park (located in City of Mitcham, Adelaide Hills Council)

Adopted in 2003 Total of 840 hectares. Strategy of promoting cycling in line with recreation zones.

Black Hill Conservation Park and Morialta Conservation Park

Adopted in 2001 Both parks comprise a total of 1,217 hectares. MTB prohibited.

Blackwood Forest Recreation Park Adopted in 2005 Area of 20.8 hectares located in a suburban setting. Cycling considered an appropriate activity subject to controls and conditions.

Brownhill Creek Recreation Park Adopted in 2003 Area of 51 hectares. MTB prohibited. A shared trail is proposed.

Cleland Conservation Park Adopted in 1983 MTB not mentioned.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park Adopted in 2003 Actions proposed to provide shared recreation and commuter tracks.

Eurilla Conservation Park No management plan

Ferguson Conservation Park Amended plan in 1990 MTB not mentioned.

Giles Conservation Park No management plan

Greenhill Recreation Park No management plan

Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Park

Adopted in 2010 MTB prohibited

Horsnell Gully Conservation Park No management plan

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park Adopted in 1996 Small park. Plan mentions illegal MTB with unplanned trails

Moana Sands Conservation Park No management plan

Mount George Conservation Park Adopted in 2006 Area of 85 hectares. MTB prohibited.

O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park Adopted in 2008 Shared use trail.

Onkaparinga Recreation Park Adopted in 2004 MTB not appropriate due to soil erosion and safety issues. Cycling appropriate on designated trail only.

Para Wirra Recreation Park Adopted in 1993 and amended in 2005

No mention of MTB.

Porter Scrub Conservation Park (located in Adelaide Hills Council)

Adopted in 2007 Area of 104 hectares. MTB prohibited.

Scott Creek Conservation Park Adopted in 2000 Bicycle riding may be approved on appropriate routes at the discretion of the District Ranger.

Shepherds Hill Recreation Park (located in City of Mitcham)

Adopted in 2008 Area of 77 hectares in the metropolitan area. Cycling allowed on designated trails.

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park (borders the City of Mitchell and City of Onkaparinga)

Adopted in 2008 Area of 244 hectares. Cycling allowed on designated trails in the Recreation Zone.

Totness Recreation Park (located in Mt Barker Council)

Adopted in 2007 Area of 41 hectares bisected by the South East Freeway. MTB prohibited, but known to occur.


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Local Government Strategic Plans

City Of Onkaparinga – Recreational Trails Network Strategy and Action Plan 2007-2012

This Strategy outlines the framework for developing and managing local, regional and national recreational trails across the LGA to encourage leisure, recreation and tourism. There are six known and potential MTB trails areas located in the LGA.

» Kuitpo Forest (Forest SA),

» Willunga (private ownership) used for events,

» Tangari Regional Park – MTB prohibited under Council By-Law

» Sturt Gorge Recreation Park – MTB currently prohibited but proposed under draft Management Plan.

» Scott Creek Conservation Park - MTB prohibited

» Onkaparinga Gorge Conservation Park – MTB prohibited.

City of Burnside – Burnside Bicycle Strategy 2010

This strategy is focused on actions to address cycling routes in the LGA.

Adelaide Hills 20 Year Trail Strategy and Action Plan 2013

This document aims to inform the development of connected shared use trails in the Adelaide Hills.

Adelaide Hills - Strategic Management Plan 2014-2018

The plan proposes the development of a district cycle plan to link to the existing and planned trails network and public transport routes.

Mt Barker Council – Recreational Trail Strategy 2006-2010

Council developed this strategy to guide trail development in the LGA. This is one of a number of strategic documents prepared by the council on managing natural areas and planning for cycling between towns.

City of Mitcham – Mountain Bike Strategy 2006

This strategy aims to develop a management approach for the provision of MTB in the LGA.


Appendix C. Mountain Biking Types Or Genres Type/ Genre Description Key Elements Appealing to Participants Estimated

Participation35

Specific Needs

Cross-country Cross-country mountain biking is the oldest discipline within the sport and is analogous to cross-country running or skiing. It involves riding across all types of terrain and slopes. Cross-country mountain bikes are lightweight, with many gears, including extremely low gearing for steep hills and generally have front suspension and often rear suspension.

Cross-country trails are similar to walking trails – narrow singletrack corridors through the bush, only slightly wider than a set of handlebars, although they can be as wide as a vehicle trail.

Cross-country racing consists of a number of formats:

Olympic format – the most traditional form of cross-country race, consisting of multiple laps (the number of laps depends on the skill category) of a 4-6km loop. Each lap generally takes in a wide variety of terrain, with climbs, descents and numerous technical features

Short course format – this is a relatively new format, comprising a 500-1000m loop with numerous technical features. This format is generally intended to provide good spectator and media opportunities and races are intended to be short, fast and intense

Marathon format – this format has increased in recent years. Courses may comprise a set distance (50km or 100km are popular) or a set duration (8, 12 or 24 hours are popular), with either shorter, multiple laps or longer, single laps.

Challenge

Fitness

Nature appreciation

Thrills/adrenaline

Racing

Solitude

Self-sufficiency

Socialising

84% Equal mix of climbing and descending over generally hilly terrain

Predominantly singletrack

Mix of trails from easy to difficult

Race courses should include some wider and flatter sections to allow for rests, drinking, eating and overtaking

Downhill / Freeride

Analogous to downhill skiing, downhill mountain biking is a speed-oriented sport, where participants start at the top of the hill and ride down. As downhill bikes are not designed for riding up hills, transport is required to get riders and their bikes back to the top of the hill. Downhill tracks are often located in ski resorts and use the ski lifts during the summer. Downhill trails are by definition point to point trails, require a fairly large

Thrills/adrenaline

Racing

Social

Challenge

Fitness

38% Transportation back to the top of the hill. This could take the form of a chairlift, commercial vehicle shuttle service, or self-organised shuttling using public

35

Estimated participation rates come from a survey of approximately 1,300 mountain bikers conducted by World Trail in 2013.


Type/ Genre Description Key Elements Appealing to Participants Estimated Participation

35

Specific Needs

amount of space and downhill slopes, with access top and bottom.

Downhill bikes have both front and rear suspension, are heavy and generally have fewer gears than cross-country bikes. As downhill often involves high speeds and crashes are more common, participants wear full-face helmets and extensive body armour to protect themselves.

Downhill trails are generally more technically difficult than cross-country trails and may include drop-offs, jumps, narrow bridges, rough terrain and steep gradients. Due to the high speeds, heavy bikes and rider preferences for steep gradients, downhill trails are more subject to erosion than cross-country trails. Careful design and construction, including close attention to gradients and corners is essential to reduce the environmental impacts of downhill trails.

Freeride is a closely related genre. While focussed on downhill riding, it is largely a non-competitive. There are some high-profile freeride competitive events, but these emphasise advanced level mountain biking, creative riding, extreme manoeuvres and high risks rather than the fastest rider to reach the bottom.

Freeride bikes are similar to downhill bikes – heavy, robust and with front and rear suspension.

roads.

Steep gradients

Difficult and challenging obstacles and features

No/minimal climbs

Top to bottom runs should take longer than 3 – 10 minutes

On self-shuttling downhill runs, a sealed road is ideal, with safe, dedicated off-road drop-off and pick-up points top and bottom

Predominantly singletrack

All-Mountain/Gravity Enduro

This category is difficult to define, borrowing elements from all genres. While it is primarily about descending a slope, it has less focus on speed and steepness than downhill riding.

Competitive events in this category typically include long descents with some uphill sections, which typically are not timed. Riders win based on their cumulative time for all the descending sections.

All-Mountain / Gravity Enduro bikes typically feature front and rear suspension, but are generally not as heavy as downhill bikes.

This type of riding is currently showing very strong growth and seems to be running in parallel with the evolution of ‘all purpose’ mountain bikes capable of a variety of uses

Thrills/adrenaline

Racing

Fitness

Challenge

Socialising

Nature appreciation

Self-sufficiency and exploration

57% Long descents, greater than 10 minutes. Can be broken up with climbing sections, but the main focus is still on descending

Transportation back to the top of the hill. This could take the form of a chairlift, commercial vehicle shuttle service, or self-organised shuttling using public



35

Specific Needs

Similar to cross-country mountain biking, it requires an ethos of self-sufficiency and preparedness and an affinity for wilderness and exploring back-country areas.

roads

On self-shuttling downhill runs, a sealed road is ideal, with safe, dedicated off-road drop-off and pick-up points top and bottom

Predominantly singletrack.

Dirt Jump/ Pump Track

This genre borrows heavily from BMX riding and could be considered as a non-competitive offshoot of BMX – indeed dirt jumps and pump tracks can be ridden on BMX or mountain bikes. This activity tends to appeal strongly to younger people and has a strong urban focus. Dirt jumps and pump tracks are highly modified track types, entirely constructed from dirt/soil/aggregate. Dirt jumps are large mounded jumps built up above the natural ground surface. The jumps often feature a gap between the take-off and landing points. Pump tracks are short circuit tracks, featuring rollable dirt mounds and berms in series. They are designed to be ridden without pedalling, riders generating speed by pumping the bike – i.e. pushing the bike down into the dips and pulling the bike up over the mounds. Any mountain bike or BMX bike can be used on pump tracks, but dirt jump bikes are usually heavily built to withstand jumping, usually have front suspension only and may have fewer gears than cross-country bikes.

Thrills/adrenaline

Social

Challenge

18% Generally located in high visitation areas, near to facilities and services

Should be close to public transport and parking

Should feature mix of difficulty levels, to cater for children through to experienced riders

Doesn’t require large amounts of space or vertical elevation. Flat sites are ideal

Urban, man made landscapes

Should include passive, spectating areas

Trials Trials is an activity with relatively low popularity that involves manoeuvring a bike over an obstacle course without putting a foot down. Courses usually combine natural and man-made features. Trials bikes look more like BMX bikes than mountain bikes, with very low seats, small wheels, small frames and large volume tyres and no suspension. The primary skills required for trials are balance and the ability to

Thrills/adrenaline

Challenge

Social

Less than 1% Trials courses can be constructed from a variety of natural and artificial materials

Urban, man made landscapes

Should include passive areas for spectators



35

Specific Needs

‘hop’ the bike up onto obstacles that are too large or steep to be able to pedal or roll onto. Trials courses typically require only a small area. The activity is attractive for spectators.

Off-Road Touring

Short, day, overnight and multi-day tours on off-road trails, either existing management trails, rail trails and other shared trails or purpose-built trails.

Undertaken by a variety of people of different levels of skill and experience, including novices, families, school groups, tour groups and people seeking immersive experiences and adventures (from the relaxing to the challenging). There is overlap with some cross-country riders who may participate in social rides with friends and family.

Often associated with other activities, attractions and accommodation which may be packaged to form a total experience. Examples of a range of touring trails include:

short or long distance touring on the Munda Biddi Trail which traverses forest, rural areas and towns between Mundaring and Albany in Western Australia. Accommodation can be at on-trail campsites or off-trail through local accommodation providers.

day riding along a high country river on the shared Thredbo Valley Track in Kosciuszko National Park

the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail which offers a range of attractions and accommodation suitable for day and multi-day touring through historic gold mining areas and towns in the South Island of new Zealand

easy cycling between Clare Valley wineries and other attraction on the Riesling Trail, South Australia

country wine, dining, gourmet produce and culture experiences on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria

day trips from Melbourne along the Yarra River Valley on the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, Victoria

Also undertaken more informally on management and other trails in conservation, forest and recreation areas.

Relaxation

Nature appreciation

An immersive experience – food, wine, culture, other attractions combined with cycling

Social activities with friends or family

Journeying in/ exploring a natural area

Solitude

Difficult to estimate, but considered in major destinations to make up more than 60% of all visitors who ride mountain bikes.

22% of respondents in the 2013 World Trail survey participated in ‘cycle touring including rail trails’. But that survey related to Warburton, where people used the rail trail to access MTB trails.

Mix of routes from easy to more challenging and of differing length

Location in areas with natural and/or cultural attractions

Information on routes and linked activities and accommodation and service options

Potential packaging of experiences through cooperation with tourism operators

Services – bike hire, transport to and from trailheads, luggage storage, guided tours or self-guided packages


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Appendix D. Supplementary Information On Demand Assessment Characteristics of ‘Core’ Mountain Bikers

International and Australian Riders

» Predominantly male - though increasing female participation. » Range in age from the mid-20s to mid-40s, with a high percentage in the mid-30s. » Have tertiary level education. » Have higher than average incomes and professional or technical backgrounds. » Ride on a regular basis – one to two or three times a week. » Tend to travel to destinations within half a day to a day from home, but will travel further for unique

experiences or competitions » Tend to travel in small groups of two or three people. » Access information about destinations by word of mouth or the internet. » Consider important attributes of a mountain biking experiences to be: fitness/exercise spectacular scenery local culture accessibility.

Assumptions Summary The following table outlines the assumptions made in this report to define the Australia’s current MTB market:

Table A: The estimated Australian resident MTB market

State Overall Cycling/BMX Participation (ABS)

Estimated MTB % from resident

population based on ATTA Survey Results

(15%)

Estimated MTB resident market (local mountain

bikers)

NSW 6.1% 1.8% 138,495

VIC 8.8% 2.6% 155,312

QLD 7.5% 2.2% 106,064

SA 6.8% 2.1% 34,668

WA 8.8% 2.6% 68,493

TAS 5.7% 1.7% 8,875

NT 9.0% 2.7% 6,668

ACT 15.3% 4.6% 17,761

AUS 6.2% 1.9% 438,607


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Table B: Distribution of estimated Cycle participation frequency for AUS (based on ABS data)

% DISTRIBUTION

State Bi-monthly Twice Monthly Fortnightly Weekly Twice Weekly TOTAL

NSW 20% 21% 23% 15% 21% 100%

VIC 27% 15% 21% 15% 22% 100%

QLD 20% 14% 20% 14% 30% 100%

SA 20% 18% 32% 9% 20% 100%

WA 23% 10% 28% 15% 24% 100%

TAS 19% 12% 27% 16% 25% 100%

NT 22% 18% 26% 10% 24% 100%

ACT 18% 13% 27% 16% 27% 100%

AUS 21% 15% 26% 14% 24% 100%

MTB POPULATION ESTIMATES – NUMBER OF TRIPS

State Bi-monthly Twice Monthly Fortnightly Weekly Twice Weekly TOTAL

NSW 178,938 558,677 1,252,331 1,681,464 3,024,500 6,695,910

VIC 272,220 469,354 1,284,953 1,822,729 3,525,227 7,374,485

QLD 139,781 286,230 854,112 1,198,720 3,360,061 5,838,903

SA 45,907 123,653 440,958 247,400 725,627 1,583,545

WA 102,182 135,170 769,262 793,544 1,706,949 3,507,106

TAS 11,142 20,798 96,296 110,637 235,978 474,851

NT 9,514 23,257 68,523 51,067 170,766 323,126

ACT 21,157 43,880 188,882 217,653 497,872 969,444

AUS 605,940 1,293,705 4,445,300 4,730,359 11,091,149 22,166,454

Table 6: Assumption Summary

Assumption Logic Result

TOURIST MTB MARKET All visitors who participate in a cycling activity have the same likelihood to be a MTB rider compared to any other cycle type.

Domestic day, domestic overnight and international visitor proportions reported by TRA for visitors who participate in a cycling activity remain the same across all cycle segments (including mountain biking).

Australian MTB tourists are identical to general cycle tourists: Domestic day – 29% Domestic overnight – 59% International – 12%

Australia is estimated to have a lower participation rate in mountain biking (as a percentage of general cycle participation) compared to the global average of 20% (as reported in the 2014 ATTA Bicycle trends survey).

Australia is not as established of a MTB destination compared to other countries and therefore would have a reduced participation rate of 15%.

Australia’s tourist participation rate in mountain biking by cycle tourists is 403,155.

The frequency of MTB visits is directly correlated to visitor nights.

Tourists visiting a destination for the purpose of mountain biking would be riding every day.

Each visitor night represents one MTB trip (e.g. a domestic overnight cycle tourist who stays 3 nights will take 3 MTB trips during their visit).

RESIDENT MTB MARKET

Actual MTB participation rates are likely similar to that of the 2014 ATTA report (20%).

Resident participation would be higher than tourist participation (estimated to be around 30% not 20%).

The Australian average MTB participation rate is 1.9% of the total resident population – or 30% of the resident MTB market (6.2%).

There is an even distribution of participation frequencies across the resident cycling population.

The frequency of cycle activity is the same across all user types (i.e. road and MTB rates are the same) and consistent with ABS frequency data for each State.

Australian MTB participation frequencies are: Bi-monthly – 21% Twice Monthly – 15% Fortnightly – 26% Weekly – 14% Twice Weekly – 24%


Appendix E. SWOT analysis of the destination STRENGTHS

Existing MTB trail infrastructure and parks – provide a foundation for MTB development

Proximity to Adelaide- you can see where you could be riding

Easy access by bike via Torrens Linear Park and by road and train

Variety of trail hubs and trails attractive to different markets

Option of a city or a rural base due to proximity to Adelaide as well as accessible trails from authentic AMLR villages

Links to other experiences – e.g. food and wine, accommodation, quirky villages

Great climate for riding for most of the year

Compatible legislation and policy in place

Resilient soils

Supportive organisations – Bicycle SA and MTB clubs

WEAKNESSES

Extensive infrastructure and asset liability

Distance from core interstate and international markets

Inadequate transport links and services aimed at mountain biking

Inadequate branding and marketing for mountain biking

Existing perceptions of Adelaide – it is not currently perceived as a place to go mountain biking

Extremely hot mid-summer weather (January – February)

Park closures due to fire bans

Lack of participation MTB events

Conservation and heritage constraints in the Hills Face Zone

lack of ‘buy in’ by local government in the Hills Face Zone

OPPORTUNITIES

Establish a number of hero experiences - long flow rides from the top of the range to Adelaide and the coast

Integrate the broader cycling options already in the region into the experience offering - such as Mawson Trail, Coast to Vines and Amy Gillett

Consolidating the existing best trail hubs to a world class standard including

o the trail infrastructure

o high quality trail heads – gateway/entry statements, orientation signage at trailhead, parking

o Trail networks – consistent signage, water, toilets somewhere

Integrated information across trail system and different land managers

Consistent standard and design of signage

Access - road, train

Offer appropriate hubs as commercial opportunities – e.g. Eagle Hill

Position Northern Hub as ‘country ‘and southern hub as ‘city’ base

Innovative funding model - e.g. Trails Trust, trail user pass

THREATS

Spreading resources too thinly in terms of development priorities

Lack of ongoing sustainable funding for maintenance

Land managers working independently of strategy

Loss of Government support for vision

Other destinations moving ahead and leading market share


Appendix F. International best practice Rotorua - New Zealand’s spiritual home of MTB

Background

Rotorua is a moderate sized town in the centre of New Zealand’s north island. It is about two hours’ drive south of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the main arrival point for overseas visitors. The Whakarewarewa Forest located on the edge of Rotorua township was designated a forest park in 1975. The forest has since become the recreational hub of the community. Numerous groups including walkers, runners, mountain bikers, horse riders, dog walkers, and picnickers now use the forest.

The growing number of events in the forest has significantly increased the cycling visitor numbers to Rotorua. The 2006 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships served as a catalyst and affirmed Rotorua’s reputation as a world-class mountain bike destination. This has also lead to the growth of bike related businesses in the town.

However, Rotorua’s success can also be attributed to the fact that it was already an established tourism destination with a wealth of other activities available to visitors. This gives it a broad appeal to a large market. It is also well located in the centre of the North Island.

The trails

The trails are located across 50 hectares of forest and cater to a range of skill levels - from beginners and family groups right through to the experts. Whilst some trails are reasonable easy, they have enough challenge if riders increase their speed to keep expert class riders coming back. Riders can put together a 2.5 hour ride without any repeated sections, while never getting further than about 2 kms in a straight line from the trailhead. Even when the carpark is full, the mainly one-way system keeps the forest from feeling crowded.

The market

The table below shows the estimated visitation to the Whakarewarewa Forest for various different recreational activities from 2005 to 200936.

Recreational visitation to Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua

Recreational Activity 2005 Visitation 2007 Visitation 2009 Visitation % Change (2005-2009)

Mountain biking 55,000 85,000 101,800 + 85.1%

Walking 85,000 85,000 88,500 + 4.1%

Organised bush walks 50,000 57,000 58,000 + 16.0%

Running 46,000 46,000 46,600 + 1.3%

Horse riding 3,000 3,000 3,030 + 1.0%

Other 5,000 6,000 6,110 + 22.2%

Total 244,000 282,000 304,040 + 24.6%

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APR Consultants Ltd (2009), Recreational Use and Economic Impact of Whakarewarewa Forest: 2009 Update.


Just over half of all mountain bikers in the forest are visitors, 48% domestic and 33% international. Over half (54%) of bikers in a recent survey came to Rotorua specifically to go mountain biking. Interestingly, the report also notes that Australians account for 33% of the international visitors to Rotorua. With direct flights available from Sydney to Rotorua (which will shortly cease), it has been an easy, satisfying and cost-effective destination for Australian mountain bikers.

Economic impact

Overall, mountain bike related spending in Rotorua was estimated to be around $7.4 million in 2007. In 2009, mountain biker expenditure in the local economy was estimated to have grown to $8.7 million 37. By 2012, this had grown to $10.2 million. The report suggested that ‘‘mountain biking has been the primary driver of growth, accounting for most of the recreational growth over the past two years’.

The biking trails in Rotorua have created opportunities for businesses to capitalise on this growing market segment. The town now has seven full service bike shops, three of which also hire bikes, as well as a bike shop located at Whakarewarewa Forest. Several accommodation properties cater predominately to mountain bikers and there are guiding and bike shuttle companies operating on a full time basis.

Southstar Adventures runs a mountain bike shuttle service for bikers in the forest. The business has grown from one bus to three since 2006. The company now has an hourly rider capacity of 180 and undertakes over 20,000 rider trips annually.

Trail maintenance

The costs of building and maintaining the Whakarewarewa Forest trails are informally shared by: the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club’s (Inc.) volunteer efforts, charitable trust funding to pay contracted part-time trail-builders, the Department of Corrections who organizes Periodic Detention (PD) work crews and Rotorua District Council.

Management

The Forest is managed by Kaingaroa Timberlands on Crown Forest Licence land. On July 1, 2009 ownership of the forest was transferred to the Central North Island Iwi Collective (CNIIC). There is a legal right of access for recreational activities but forestry management goes well beyond this to make the Redwoods a great place to ride. The Visitor Centre is managed by the Rotorua District Council.

Marketing - Rotorua also maintains an excellent one stop website that has all the information riders need for a visit to the trails (www.riderotorua.com)38.

Success factors

» The trail network is in an icon tourism destination with good access (air and road).

» Cooperation between the forestry company, council and community.

» Rotorua Mountain Bike Club is a lead player.

» The Rotorua MTB Charitable Trust has contributed funds for trail development.

» The Department of Corrections labour was used to help build trails.

37

APR Consultants Ltd (2009), Recreational Use and Economic Impact of Whakarewarewa Forest: 2009 Update. 38

Sources: Firsthand knowledge of Rotorua; www.riderotorua.com; Rotorua District Council; APR Consultants (2009), Recreational Use and Economic Impact of Whakarewarewa Forest: 2009 Update.

http://www.riderotorua.com/

http://www.riderotorua.com/


Queenstown Trails, New Zealand – a successful management model

The Queenstown Trails network (developed by the Queenstown Trails Trust) is possibly the most successful example of sustainable and collaborative trail development and management in New Zealand.

Development Development of the Queenstown Trails grew out of considerable frustration in the local community over the state of pathways and trails in the general area. These were mostly in poor condition, links were missing and rampant property development was effectively shutting out locals from their own backyard. A few locals had a bold vision for the future and decided to form the Trails Trust.

The early years were spent developing a vision, key strategies and a working plan and in 2004 a trails strategy was finalised. To this day that vision and strategy serve as a guide for all trail development and activities.

In mid-2009 the Trust secured substantial Government funding which enabled it to greatly accelerate the development and construction of over 100 km of world-class cycling and walking trails, mostly of easy to intermediate standard. Today, the Queenstown Trails are a flagship trail network, forming part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Management The business model consists of a Queenstown Trails Trust whose role is to

i. provide leadership and advocacy and raise funds for trail construction ii. mobilise the community and business sector to provide support in-kind, to establish new services for the trails

(shuttles, bike hire and repair, cafes, packaged experiences with other activities), negotiate access over private land and provide sponsorship

iii. market and promote the trails and iv. collaborate with the two main agencies, Department of Conservation and Queenstown Lakes District Council, for

ongoing maintenance of the trails network.

The Trails Trust drives strategy and direction while the two agencies provide maintenance services, often with the assistance of the Friends of the Trails Trust (community volunteers). There is a common brand approach to wayfinding, although the two agencies have retained their corporate colour scheme for trailhead and other key directional signs. Marker posts, bollards and all marketing collateral (trail maps, brochures, website) have one common look and feel.

The Trust has two part-time staff, an office in Queenstown and a small operating budget funded through investments created over 2005–2006 and from surpluses from the Motutapu Cycle Event, owned by the Trust. These provide the Trust with an ongoing, sustainable source of funding for its operation. There is now a reasonable financing stream for trail development and ongoing maintenance through return on investments, grant funding, sponsorships and recurring maintenance budgets of the two agencies. This is driven through the Trust’s leadership and leverage with the business community and ongoing partnership with the Department of Conservation and Queenstown Lakes District Council.

The Trust has been instrumental in negotiating with landowners to provide access that joined up all the trails into an integrated network connecting towns and outstanding natural attractions. As part of its Centenary Project, the Queenstown Rotary Club, through its Bridge Restoration Trust, funded and restored the Historic Lower Shotover Bridge, raising NZ$760,000. This was a critical link in the backbone trail between historic Arrowtown and Queenstown. The Gibbston Community Association (the wine region next to the Kawarau Bungy Jump) raised NZ$1.4m and obtained 10 landowner easements to develop the 8.5kms trail which is one of the most popular trails in the basin. Other partners that have enabled this extensive trail network are the NZ Transport Agency, Historic Places Trust, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Private and Public Landowners, Community Trust of Southland, Central Lakes Trust and other Trusts and financial sponsors and patrons39.

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Sources: First hand knowledge; www.queenstowntrail.co.nz


Whistler, Canada – an iconic MTB destination

Background Whistler is located in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast. Whistler started to gain recognition as a mountain bike destination in the early 2000s. Vancouver was already on the mountain biking radar with the Northshore of Vancouver creating new types of riding (e.g. freeriding) and trails (e.g. Northshore style). In the late 1990s Whistler Blackcomb began experimenting with lift-accessed mountain bike riding on the ski slopes during summer. While initially they invested heavily with little return, over a relatively short period of time they created a market for ski-lift accessed biking, a new style of trail (e.g. the famous A-line) design and by 2008 were attracting 100,000 biker visits to the park. At the same time as the resort was building the Bike Park product, the Resort Municipality of Whistler was developing other infrastructure such as the paved Valley Trail and Lost Lakes Trails that complemented the Bike Park riding options. With the assistance of the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA), the municipality also started to develop new routes such as Comfortably Numb (photo above) and improve and maintain select trails in the valley. Over the last decade Whistler has worked hard to develop its summer product and mountain biking has been the cornerstone of this. Summer visitation now exceeds winter visits and mountain biking has surpassed golf as the key driver for room nights in the resort over the summer months. The trails and services Today Whistler offers a complete mountain bike experience, from the paved three metre wide 40km Valley Trail, to the Lost Lake Cross Country trails (photo above) both suitable for families and novices. It also offers all mountain epics like the technically demanding Comfortably Numb (23km), plus the 100km of lift accessed trails in the Whistler Bike Park. Whistler businesses have also adapted and capitalised on mountain biking and now cater to bikers by providing bike friendly amenities such as bike stands, bike washes, rentals, guiding services, secure storage and holiday packages. Whistler has not only planned for mountain bike tourism, but also recreation and commuter cycling to ensure that the benefits of cycling infrastructure can benefit local residents. In 2002, the Resort Municipality of Whistler published the Whistler Trail Standards, which were designed to review, sign, maintain and manage the network of trails that had developed (some illegally) throughout the Whistler Valley. The document was not a manual on building or maintaining trails, but rather a standard by which the trails would be managed. The market The summer market in Whistler has evolved significantly. In early 2000 Whistler’s summer visitor numbers exceeded their winter numbers for the first time and the resort now views summer as the growth area as skier visits remain relatively flat. In 2009, Whistler received 814,000 winter visitors and 1,300,000 summer visitors. Since 2000 mountain biking has contributed significantly to driving summer visitation - some are calling mountain biking ‘the new golf’. The Whistler Bike Park attracts 63% of riders from outside Canada, with 89% of non-resident riders staying overnight. The average stay is 5 nights and 80% of Bike Park riders were motivated to travel to Whistler for riding. Trail maintenance Outside the Whistler Bike Park, managed by Whistler Blackcomb Resort, the trails are maintained by the Resort Municipality of Whistler in partnership with the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA). With over 1,000 members WORCA represents over 10% of the town's permanent population. The trails are maintained with regular volunteer days (well attended) and evenings throughout the season, and by hiring a contractor with member fees and grants. Special grants also enable large scale trail projects with a variety of different partners. Economic benefits


The economic benefits for mountain biking in Whistler are driven by the Whistler Bike Park, which contributes C$16.5 million in non-resident expenditures. In addition, the trails on municipal land in the valley, managed and maintained by the municipality and WORCA, contribute an additional C$6.6 million to the local economy. In addition to the trails, events like Crankworx also serve as a key catalyst for tourism and economic development. The 2006 event attracted 55,000 unique visitors, of whom more than 23,000 travelled solely to attend the festival and added a further C$11.5 million in non-resident expenditures. Management Whistler is an excellent example of collaboration when it comes to the management of the trail network. The key players include Whistler Blackcomb Resort, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) and a host of local and regional businesses. The municipality has taken a leadership role in recognising the value of mountain bike trails and subsequently putting the systems in place to plan for their ongoing maintenance and management. The Whistler Cycling Committee was established in Whistler to address the biking-related challenges and opportunities faced by the resort. It is comprised of three key working groups:

1. Trails Planning 2. Tourism & Services 3. Transportation.

Plans have been developed for each sector and the working groups continue to work on various initiatives to enhance the biking experience for residents and visitors alike. One of the keys to a successful committee has been developing a clear and concise Terms of Reference for the participants. 40

40

Sources: First hand knowledge of Whistler supplemented with Internet research; Tourism Whistler, Mountain Bike Tourism (Tourism BC, 2008).


Visit Scotland – Cyclists Welcome Accommodation Scheme

Cyclists and mountain bikers staying in Scotland benefit from Visit Scotland’s Cyclists Welcome Accommodation Scheme which aims to ensure that participating accommodation venues offer a range of specified services designed to attract cyclists. Over 1,000 establishments now participate in the program and offer the following in addition to normal services:

For full service accommodation

» a separate space available for drying outdoor clothing and footwear

» a lockable covered shed for bike storage

» details of the nearest bike shop

» a hot drink available on arrival

» a late evening meal (available until 8 pm) if there are no other restaurants or cafes within one mile; a late night snack offered after 8 pm

» early breakfast option from 7 am, or for very early leavers a tray the night before

» a packed lunch and a filled water bottle, if requested

» information on local bike routes, local public transport and a weather forecast for visitor reference.

For self-catering accommodation and hostels

» a separate space available for drying outdoor clothing and footwear so clothes can dry overnight

» a lockable covered shed for bike storage

» details of the nearest bike shop

» information on local bike routes

» a telephone number for weather forecast

» facilities for washing clothes or location of the nearest coin laundry

» details of the establishment’s map co-ordinates (if outside a village).


Appendix G. Australian MTB destinations There are several high quality mountain bike destinations in Australia. At this stage, these are not internationally recognised although some of the trails within them are of world class standard.

Forrest, Victoria

Forrest is approximately two hours’ drive from Melbourne. It has approximately 66km of dedicated, formalized singletrack, all signposted and maintained formally by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, spread across 16 different trails. It is well known to the mountain biking community and is a popular destination for recreational riding and events. The trails at Forrest were constructed over a three-four year period leading up to 2007-2008. The funding was provided by the Victorian State Government, under a program called the New Future for the Otways, which looked at providing economic stimuli to many former timber harvesting areas in the Otway hinterland through tourism initiatives. The Forrest mountain bike trails were one such tourism initiative.

It is estimated that the initial investment in the trails and the associated infrastructure (trailheads, signage, toilets, picnic tables etc.) was around $600,00041 (excluding any ongoing maintenance costs). The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which manages the trail network, estimates the trails receive 20,000 to 30,000 mountain bike visitors annually42. Three major mountain bike events per year - Otway Odyssey, Forrest Festival and Forrest 6 Hour.

Detailed information on the trails, tourism experiences, services and the destination is provided on official ‘Ride Forrest’ website (www.rideforrest.com.au).

Development of the trails has stimulated a range of mountain biking service businesses. The Corner Store and the Forrest Brewing Company are new businesses that were established specifically to cater to mountain bikers. The Forrest Brewing Company has recently purchased an old timber mill (no longer operational) and has plans to develop the site in the near future.

There are fourteen ‘mountain bike friendly’ accommodation options listed on the official ‘Ride Forrest’ website. These range from cabins at the local caravan park, bed and breakfast type options at the Forrest Guesthouse through to large group accommodation in the self-contained refurbished church. Like the Forrest Brewing Company and the Corner Store, many of these are newly available for renting, cater specifically to the mountain biking market and are a direct response to the construction of, and ongoing investment in, the mountain biking trails.

The operators of the Corner Store (bike shop and café), the Forrest Guest House (guesthouse) and the Forrest Brewing Company (boutique brewery) report the following impacts from mountain biking visitation:

» 50% of The Corner Store’s annual trade occurs over the summer months

» 20 to 25% of business at The Forrest Guest House is from ‘biking customers’

» 40 to 50% of the Forrest Brewing Company’s business is ‘bike related’. The operators estimate that, on average, each mountain bike rider spends $200 per weekend

Another way to measure the impact of the trails is to look at businesses whose operation spans the construction of the trails. Two such businesses are the Forrest Guesthouse and the Forrest Caravan Park43. The previous owner of the Forrest Guesthouse, Pete Owen, reports that the trails had ‘wholeheartedly and undoubtedly’ increased the business’ visitation and that the construction of the trails and resulting increases in visitation ‘saved our business’. The operator of the Forrest Caravan Park also reported a similar story. When they took over the park nine years ago, it was very quiet. Since the trail network was completed around five or six years ago, their occupancy rates have increased substantially, with each year continuing to grow. The operator reported that the visitation is greatest in summer, but that they have mountain bikers visiting right throughout the year.

41

Personal communication with the former project manager employed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now known as the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning). 42

Personal communication with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Feb 2015. 43

Information obtained in interviews with owners and operators.

http://www.rideforrest.com.au/


Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort, Victoria

The Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board embarked on a program to construct mountain bike trails in 2006 with the preparation of a concept plan. Their goal was to attract increased visitation to the resort in the non-winter period. Construction of trails began in the summer of 2007-2008 and has continued every year since then. In total, the resort has invested over $1.3 million on trail development since 2007-2008.

Measurement of visitation and success of the trails at Mt Buller can be assessed through trail counter data and participation in the signature mountain biking event, Bike Buller, which is an event run by Rapid Ascent every summer since 2009-2009.

A trail counter was installed in the summer of 2009-2010 on the trail called Gang Gangs, one of the most popular trails in the resort and one of the closest to the village. While other counters have been installed on other trails as they have been completed, the trail counter on Gang Gangs provides the best picture of visitation as it has been in place longest. The trail count in the table is the period from 1 January to 30 April. While this corresponds to the busiest period of usage, it does not pick up all the usage throughout the non-winter season from November to June.

The following table shows the trail counter data for Gang Gangs and the participation in Bike Buller for the past summers.

Mt Buller visitation and event participation

Stage Summer Length of New Trail Constructed

Trail Count44

% Change (from previous year)

Bike Buller Participation

% Change (from previous year)

1 2007/2008 9.6km - - -

2 2008/2009 2.9km - - 252 -

3 2009/2010 9.0km 2,497 - 428 +70%

4 2010/2011 3.5km 4,386 + 76% 455 +6%

5 2011/2012 2.3km 7,736 + 68% 663 +46%

6 2012/2013 3.0km 7,890 + 7% 45

691 +4%

7 2013/2014 12.5km 10,066 + 28% 450 -35%

TOTAL46 30.3km

While official figures for the 2014/2015 summer are not yet available, resort management expects to see an increase of around 30% over the previous summer, largely due to the boost of the new Australian Alps Epic Trail (‘the Epic’). The Epic was opened on the 6 December 2014 and has garnered praise from the riding community, mostly due to the 6.5km singletrack descent towards the end of the trail. In the eleven-week period immediately following the opening of the track on 6 December 2014, 2,483 riders were recorded on the main descent47. This equates to 32 riders per day, a substantial number.

As Mt Buller has an extremely small local population of riders, the trail counter data is very significant, as it is almost entirely comprised of non-local riders – i.e. mountain bike tourists. At approximately three hours drive from Melbourne, this data indicates that mountain bikers are willing to travel if the quality of the trails on offer is good enough. Anecdotally, large groups of interstate mountain bikers visit Mt Buller every summer for up to a week at a time.

44

Data collected on Gang Gangs trail, from 1st

January to 30th

April each year. 45

Bushfires forced the closure of Mt Stirling for 3-4 week period in February 2013. This is believed to have caused a resulting drop in visitation. 46

30.3km of singletrack has been constructed over the six years of construction, but the actual rideable trail network, which includes some pre-existing fire roads, is much longer, probably closer to 50-60km in total. 47

Trail counter data provided by resort management.


There are a number of businesses that are now operating successfully over the summer period to service the mountain biking market at Mt Buller. These include a number of accommodation providers that have marketed themselves directly towards the mountain bike market, a bike shop providing retail, bike hire and servicing/repairs, a number of tour operators offering a range of tour options including ‘skills clinics’, a shuttle bus service from the base of Mt Buller back up to the village and a number of cafes/restaurants.

As a side note, over the same period referred to above for the Epic, approximately 784 people uploaded the GPS track log of their ride on the Epic to the website called Strava. Strava is a website and mobile app which is used to track athletic activity via GPS and is popular amongst the cycling community. This means that about 30% of the 2,483 riders that rode the Epic in that period uploaded their times to Strava. Extrapolating from this, it can be assumed that visitation statistics gleaned from Strava only represent about 30% of the overall usage of a trail.

You Yangs Regional Park and Lysterfield Lake Park, Victoria

The You Yangs Regional Park is approximately 60 km southwest of Melbourne and 25 km north of Geelong. It is the preferred mountain biking location for many Melbourne-based mountain bikers, particularly those that live in the growth corridors to the west and southwest of Melbourne.

The park offers over 40km of purpose built singletrack, with trails for cross-country and downhill, covering the range of difficulty ratings from Easy to Extreme.

Parks Victoria have installed trail counters on many of the trails throughout the park to record usage. According to Park Victoria personnel at the park, in 2002, the first year that the You Yangs Regional Park opened its gates to mountain bikers, the park had about 83,000 visitors, about 5,000 of who were estimated to be mountain bikers. In 2012, the park had about 280,000 visitors, about 125,000 of whom are estimated to be mountain bikers. In fact, one trail, Cressy Descent, records about 3,500 mountain bikers per month48.

Lysterfield Lake Park (located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne) records usage via track counters. Local rangers estimate mountain biking visitation to be around 150,000 mountain bikers annually.

Evidence suggests that You Yangs Regional Park and Lysterfield Lake Park are among the busiest mountain biking trail networks in Australia.

Despite their undoubted popularity, the You Yangs and Lysterfield represent a different scenario to the Forrest and Mt Buller. While both are very popular for mountain biking, they are not considered to be ‘mountain biking tourism destinations’ in their own right. This is due to a number of factors:

» neither park is close to any established ‘tourism nodes’. The parks are surrounded by farmland or residential streets. Riders generally drive to the park, park their car within the park and leave directly from the park afterwards

» given their proximity to Melbourne, both parks are viable options for weekly rides. As such, they occupy a different ‘mindset’ for many riders, more akin to the local football oval than a mountain biking destination where a rider would spend an entire weekend. A large percentage of the high trail counts achieved at both parks is most likely attributable to regular, weekly group rides. Both parks are commonly used for after-work or night-time group rides, some organised by mountain biking clubs, some by local bike shops and some just social groups

» the overall size of the trail network at both parks is relatively small. This means that riders can cover most of the trails in one ride. It also lends itself well to the more casual, weekly drop-in ride.

48

These figures are based on statistics collected by trail counters deployed throughout the trail network. Each ‘count’ on a trail counter represents a single pass by a single rider. It does not necessarily represent actual visitor numbers, as many visitors may be riding the same trail multiple times during the same visit.


Appendix H. Evaluation Of Current Trail Network Elements Relative To requirements for a world class network

Name Cross-

country

Downhill /

Freeride

All

Mountain /

Gravity

Enduro

Dirt Jump /

Pump Track

Trials Off-road

Touring

Easiest Easy More

Difficult

Very Difficult

and Extremely

Difficult

Car park Dedicated

MTB

trailhead

Directional

Signage

Toilets and

water

Uphill transport Trail types Current Issues / Problems

Belair ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ NA Singletrack and MVO

Brownhill Creek ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ NA Shared-use singletrack

Cleland ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ NA MVO

Cobbler Creek ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ NA Singletrack No drinking water or toilets provided.

Craigburn Farm /

Sturt Gorge

✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ NA Shared-use singletrack No dedicated car parking – only informal parking capable of fitting less

than 5 cars.

On busy days many users park at nearby football oval.

No dedicated visitor entry point.

No toilets or water, except at football oval.

Eagle MTB Park ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ No vehicle access top

and bottom, except on

nominated ride or race

days. No ongoing

commercial transport

option, except through

private tour operators.

Singletrack Poor trailheads – minimal parking available and a long way from main

trail network.

No ability to self-shuttle. Shuttle services may be available on some

scheduled ride days or events.

No water or toilets.

Minimal entry level trails – site is quite steep, making it difficult to cater

for beginners.

Large portions of the park remain off l imits due to high conservation

value.

Poor vehicle access currently due to traffic islands in middle of road.

Fox Creek / Cudlee

Creek

✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ Road access top and

bottom, allowing self

shuttling. No ongoing




Singletrack Trailheads need improvement – no toilets or water.

Not all trails signposted.

Some local residents/business operators concerned about dust from

heavy usage of Croft Rd.

Kuitpo / Prospect

Hill

✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ NA Singletrack and MVO Only multi use trails sign posted. XC MTB race loop and ad-hoc trails in

the pines are informal and not signposted.

No trails allowed in native forest zones therefore single track is often

impacted by logging programs (pine plantations). Permanent (single

track) trails in demonstration forests have been proposed in the past but

not yet actioned.

Mitcham Trails ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ Road access top and

bottom, allowing self

shuttling. No ongoing




Singletrack and MVO Poor to excellent trail quality depending on reserves and progress of

Trail Strategy implementation.

Signage for formally recognised trails is of good quality.

Currently only one dedicated trailhead, with poor facil ities.

Difficult land tenure issues, including adjacent resident and land

manager (Australian Rail Corp and Waitiparinga Reserve NHT concerns.

High conservation values for Grey Box Woodland Association (nationally

endangered).

Onkaparinga

Recreation Park

✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ? NA MVO Signage relates primarily to walking trails.

Shepherd's Hill ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ NA Dirt jumps, MVO and

singletrack

Heysen Trail ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✖ NA Singletrack, roads and MVO Long distance multi day trail. Several dedicated parking / trailhead /

camping areas along the route

Kidman Trail ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ NA Singletrack, roads and MVO Long distance multi day trail

Mawson Trail ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ NA Singletrack, roads and MVO Long distance multi day trail

Pioneer Womens

Trail

✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ ✔ ✔ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✔ ✖ NA Singletrack, roads and MVO

MTB Styles Catered For: Difficulty Levels Catered For: Support Facilities and Services