Photo by Will Lawrence
Sandy Tate River
If you have hesitated to try mountain biking because of your
inexperience, you are not alone. But once you have dipped
your toe in its waters, mountain biking can offer hours of
fun and enjoyment. Here on the Atherton Tablelands, we
are blessed to have such a vast area of trails where one may
not see another person and can be completely immersed in
nature.
I am an amateur mountain biker; actually I am unsure
whether I even fit that standard. I am one of those annoying
bikers who presses the brakes while going over creeks when
I should be pedalling to gather speed, and I stand up when
going up hills instead of switching gears like my partner
always tells me to. With this experience (or lack thereof ) in
mind, I am going to tell you all about the Atherton Mountain
Bike Park. This article is definitely not for the serious
mountain bike riders out there. Instead, show it to your
friend, partner, parent or sibling who you have been hassling
to go riding with you and you might soon have a buddy on
the trails.
of beautiful tall trees including mahogany, blood wood, she-
oak and forest gums. The green (rated ‘easy’) tracks are just
as they sound: wide open and easy to manoeuvre through.
If you can ride a bike, then you can ride these tracks. Yes,
you will have to ride over some rocks and possibly through
a low-flowing creek depending on recent rain. But you will
have lots of space to bail out and put your feet down with
the worst consequence being a wet shoe.
If you are in a situation where you are riding with someone
whose skills are far more advanced than yours, don’t despair.
It is quite possible for both riders to have a great day riding
together, with the expert branching off onto the harder trails
and meeting the newbie as the tracks weave back together.
Both experts and newbies can start with trail number 1.
Experts can have their warm-up while the newbies can
get comfortable with the idea of riding amongst the trees.
Experts can break off at track 6, which offers spectacular
views across Tinaroo dam, whilst the newbie can continue
to track 4 until their partner catches up. Those new to riding
need not feel abandoned as the tracks are well marked,
meaning they will not get lost. Being able to safely ride at
your own pace means without your partner on your tail
means you can worry less about your developing riding skill
The Atherton Mountain Bike Park is made up of 17 trails
which range from easy to intermediate. The scenery in often
breathtaking as the tracks weave their way through a variety
Photo by Rod Payne
4 What’s On & Where To Go June / July 2019
Photo by Will Lawrence