Emma Pritchard

They’re geared up to have a good time, and they’re inviting Clarence Valley residents to join them.

After encountering numerous challenges throughout the past couple of years, including a global pandemic and extensive natural disasters, the Grafton Cycle Club was thrilled to receive a ClubsNSW Community Infrastructure Grant worth $120,000 in 2019, which has recently been invested in the upgrade and repair of several sections throughout a network of mountain bike trails and riding tracks across 400 hectares in the Bom Bom State Forest.

To celebrate the projects long awaited completion, the club is hosting a community open day from 8am on August 6.

Coordinator for the Grafton Cycle Club Grant Hodgins said the funding has allowed the local sporting venture to make the mountain bike trails and riding tracks more secure by reducing erosion and stabilising the surface to offer better protection against wet weather damage.

A number of bridges throughout the circuits have also been replaced with sturdier, fireproof structures.

Mr Hodgins said everyone is welcome to attend the event next weekend.

“It’s also a chance for us to let people know our mountain bike trails and riding tracks are open again,” he said.

“Our club has around 80 members, and we’re continuing to gain interest.

“The Bom Bom State Forest mountain bike trails and riding tracks are popular with visitors and riders of all levels, and everyone at the club has been looking forward to the competition of the upgrade and repairs.

“Mountain biking is a big part of the club, and we’d love to see a good turn out on the weekend.”

Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a come ‘n’ try ride, which will offer a preview of the course set to be used in the upcoming GBomb 2023, a major regional race to be hosted by the club on September 30 and October 1.

Riders are invited to bring their own kids’ bikes, MTB, gravel bike, BMX bike, or town bike, along with their own safety equipment and appropriate footwear.

Participants must register online (for free).

Please visit www.graftoncycleclub.com.au

To access the location, turn off the Big River Way and travel along Old Lilypool Road for 2.2km before turning left onto Boundary Street.

A carpark is located 50m from the entrance, and another one can be found a further 200m down Boundary Road where McPhillips Road and No.10 Fire Road meet.