The Tasmanian Trail Association is a volunteer association that promotes and maintains the Tasmanian Trail which is currently the only long distance (Devonport to Dover) multi-use walking, cycling and horse trail in Tasmania.

I've ridden this trail twice over the years (once end to end and a second time in sections) and I believe that as well as the obvious end to end route, it provides some great day ride and overnight options for mountain bikers.  

Not so long ago (in a time before tassietrails.org) the only place you could go to for information on mountain biking trails in Tasmanai was pedalbite.com, route sites like bikely.com, or you could randomly trawl the internet to see what you can find.

But times they are a changing.  

Only a couple of months ago we saw the release of the Greater Hobart Trails site which is an excellent resource for those looking for trails in the Hobart area, apparently Strava is soon to release some new functionality which is going to make it easier to creates tracks for people to follow (I know little more than this than what was mentioned at the recent MTB Information night), and just this week Northern Tasmania Development, who are the driving force behind the North Eastern Mountain Biking Concept, have announced the upcoming release of a new mountain bike enthusiast/community site.

The first of what is planned to be a series of MTB information sessions was put on last night (July 9th) by a couple of enthusiastic mountain bikers (Jason and Clint).  

As reported in a recent article in the Advocate Newspaper (June 30, 2013) Kentish Council are still ticking away on a project that could see the establishment of a world-class mountain biking and family cycling park around Mt Roland, with the project getting the support of the Kentish Council economic development committee.

As noted in the 18 June 2013 council agenda The council is also supportive of the development of a cycling trail linking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal directly to Cradle Mountain, without the use of a single road.

Now that would be cool.

So some good and bad news for Hollybank MTB (and the North Eastern Mountain Bike Project) this week.

As reported in the Examiner Newspaper (June 25) The Launceston City Council have decided not to provide direct funding support for the North Eastern Mountain Bike Project (agenda item 17, pp37-40).

However, on the good news front, it looks like the project is still proceeding with Northern Development Tasmania putting out a call for Expressions of Interest to develop a shortlist of skills delivery providers.  Full details are available on their website.  

The Federal Labor Government has just announced that it will contribute $2.5 million to the North East Tasmania Cascade Forest and Blue Tier Iconic Mountain Bike Trails project.

Quoting staight from the medai release, the "Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese said this funding will support the construction of 75 kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails across north east Tasmania."

That's got to be worth celebrating.

For the full media release click here.

If you want some more background on the project you can read the Potential for Mountain Biking in North Eastern Tasmania - Market Demand and Economic Assessment (March 2013) available from the Northern Tasmania Development website.  There's also some interesting documents on Launceton City Council's website for their May 20, 2013 meeting, including the 
North Eastern Mountain Bike Business Case (pdf).

How to view the route on your iPhone (or other smart phone)

Although you can of course navigate to the tassietrails.org webpage at any time on your iPhone and check the map, there is a big advantage to be had in directly downloading the route onto your phone and using the phone's inbuilt GPS and the Google Earth App (or windows / droid equivalent) so you can see not only the trail map, but of course exactly where you are (or more importantly aren't) on that map.  


This can be a real time saver if you think you might have taken a wrong turn.

This is actually pretty easy, but Google Earth does need you to have mobile coverage to work.  So if you're not going to have mobile coverage (think West Coast or the Blue Tiers) you will need to look into other software like GaiaGPS (my personal favourite) or ViewRanger which can use pre-loaded maps.  If you use these Apps then you will want to downlaod the GPX file, not the KML file.

Also please realise that if it Google Earth is downloading the imagery out in the field then it is using your phone's data bandwidth which could cost lots of money, especially if you're on an overseas SIM card (GaiaGPS and probably other apps ger around this by allowing you to download the map area before you head off from your wifi).

That's the disclaimers, here's how you do it.

Method 1: Download directly using your iPhone

Firstly, if a trail has a downloadable Google Earth kml (don't worry about the name, this is just what the file format for recording tracks in Google Earth is called) then you will find it under the "Downloads" tab on the routes detail page.

Perhaps the easiest way to download a kml onto your iPhone is to navigate to the tassietrails.org trail notes page on your iPhone directly (using Safari) and then download the image and open it in a new page.  

If this works you should see a screen something like this:


You can then just click on "Open in Google Earth" button in the top right of the screen and voila you will have the kml track displayed on google earth on your phone.  You can then just click on the GPS button on the bottom left of the screen and the GPS will show you exactly where you are on (or off) that track.

The only downside I've found to this approach is that if the phone clear's its cache, then you can lose this kml and have to go back to the site and load it again. Not usually a problem, but just making you aware of it.

Method 2: Download onto your Computer

This approach allows you to download the kml file (or files if you're planning on hitting a few different trails) and email them to yourself.  Once you have emailed the files to yourself, you can then just open these attachments in Google Earth or another App on your Smart Phone.

UPDATE NOTE: An easier way of doing all this (if you use a cloud drive like Dropbox) is to just save the file into Dropbox (or your file of choice) and you can then just open it straight on your phone from the dropbox file. 

But if you want to do the email approach, here's the steps:

Go to the downloads tab on the trail notes and download the kml or gpx file.  One of two things will happen ... 

1. If it works properly (which it should in most modern browsers) then it will just download the kml file onto your hard-drive which is what you want; or
2. In some browsers it may just open up a large text file which can be rather daunting.  If it does this you can either try and save this file onto your computer (using Save as...), but make sure that you save it as a .kml or .gpx file, or it might be easier to just close that text file, right-click on the KML button and select the "Save link as ..." option which you can select and which will download the file onto your computer.

That was the hard bit.  Now all you need to do is find that file on your computer (or files if you want to download a few of them) and then select them and email them to yourself.

Once these have come through onto your iPhone as attachments to your email (see bluetierdescent.kml below) ...


You can just click on this attachment to open it.  

Now if you're lucky it will just open directly in Google Earth, however on my phone I get something like this ...


Don't worry, just click on the arrow in a box icon in the top right (Send to) and you should then be given the option to open it in Google Earth ...


This method may seem like a bit more work, but it does have an advantage if you want a few different routes on your phone that they're easier to find in your email, especially if you just file them in a single folder.

There may be better ways of doing this, but these work for me.  Happy to hear suggestions on how to improve these notes.

Winter's coming ... in fact as you can see from the picture on the left, I've just been up to Falls Creek for an early play in the snow.  However, I'm now back home in Tassie and I've just been scanning event updates, and boy have there been some good additions ...

First and most importantly for all our calendars is the addition of the Acton MTBNav event in January 19, 2014 ... or am I perhaps biased because I'll be putting in the long hours to organise it and it would be nice for someone to actually turn up ... yea, it could be that.

Probably of more interest to most mountain bikers is that entries will be opening to the  Wildside MTB Event in just a few more days (start saving quickly if you haven't already because at $620 for an entry it won't be cheap but will probably still book out quickly).

Also grabbing my attention big time is the teaser that Cradle Coast Mountain Bike Club is organising a new MTB marathon ... the Cranky Penguin Marathon (originally launched as the Dial Range Marargon) which is to be a 40km/70km to be held on 27 October 2013 (yes that date has changed due to clash with Burnie 10).  Hanging out on more details on that one. 

Other notable new events include the release of the Dirt Devils Winter XC Racing Series with longer and longer enduros on offer each round, and the Launceston Mountain Bike Club have some interesting social rides coming up at Kate Reed and Ben Lomond.   These are on top of the Dirt Devils Adventure Rides and Cradle Coast Mountain bike club's Goodbye Summer MTB Enduro series which I mentioned last month ... basically it all adds up to there being plenty on in winter for mountain bikers.

Also worthy of note for those looking at other outdoor adventures.  Sally's Ride has been moved to December 8 to coincide with the Stan Siejka Cycling Classic which is good enough for me to pencil that into the diary.  The Icebreaker multisport is of course looming large on the winter multisport calendar, with the Ben Lomond Descent and Winter Challenge following on in August.  Looking further out I also noticed that the second RAW Challenge for Tasmania has been announced for February next year, and I'm hoping this is going to be the most fun I have in the mud - at least without a bike ... 

The Tassie Trails events calendar is updated around the end of each month and contains a list of all the mountain bike, road rides and even multi sport and foot events that i find of interest in Tasmania ... so think you might too.

See you on the trails, or if not I'll guess I'll get by having the snow to myself ...

Clarence City Council, through the Clarence bicycle Steering Committee, has completed a review of the Clarence Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan and is now seeking input from members of the public on the draft plan.

Mountain biking is not explicitly considered in the plan, as it is dealt with in the Clarence Tracks and Trails Strategy, however the document is a worth while read if you are a local in the area as you probably still ride these routes and paths to work, to the shop or to the trails.

More details are available on the Clarence City Council's website.  Comment period closes Friday 5th July at 5pm.

TRC Tourism is conducting a survey on behalf of the Wellington Park Management Trust to assist in planning for a multi use  trail between Wellington Park and the  Snowy Ranges in Tasmania.

Your assistance in providing details of your trail based recreational activity and your views regarding the proposed trail will be greatly appreciated. The questionnaire should take around 10 minutes to complete. All respondents may enter a lottery for a Kathmandu Outdoor Adventure Store shopping voucher valued at $200. 

The survey is anonymous and responses will be reported in aggregate. The survey will close at 5.00 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time on the 31st May 2013.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any queries.

Please click the link below to access the survey questionnaire. 

Start Survey 

The Hobart City Council is undertaking a one year trial of bicycle use along the lower section of the Pipeline Track between Fern Tree and Gentle Annie Falls.

This trial has started and will finish on Friday 2nd May 2014.

The trial is being monitored, and subsequent evaluation of the trial will inform a final decision on whether bicycle use will be permitted on a permanent basis.

Cyclists are asked to note:

• Bicycles remain prohibited on the Pipeline Track below Gentle Annie Falls – cyclists wishing to ride between the Waterworks Reserve and the Pipeline Track are to do so via the R18 Fire Trail (which joins the Pipeline Track at McDermotts Saddle, and enters the Waterworks Reserve via the bitumen service road adjacent Council's works store).
• Riding down the stairs immediately below Fern Tree is prohibited, and cyclists are required to dismount on this section of the Track.
• Cyclists should avoid riding on the sandstone capping within the Track in order to minimise the risk of damaging these heritage features.

This route is a key link for mountain biking providing, in my opinion, one of the best options for riding up onto the mountain from the CBD (when linked with the Hobart Rivulet Track and the Romilly Street to Waterworks Track).

If you haven't stumbled across the Tassievore challenge elsewhere, then read on, as its a great idea to get out on your bike and support local eateries.

The basics are that you have until the end of April to visit some or all of the 8 restaurants along the trail from Tracks Café at New Town Station Nursery (on the bike path to MONA) down to Citrus Moon at Kingston Beach, and the ‘Sunday special’ location of Farm Gate Market.

Each trail location has committed to providing at least one dish made from totally Tasmanian ingredients (with the exception of minor ingredients such as spices and raising agents) for the duration of the Tassievore Challenge.

Trail riders who visit 5 or more locations before the end of April will be eligible to win a copy of the fantastic new cookbook “Island Harvest” by Tassie chef Karen Goodwin-Roberts. The trail map is available on the Cycling South website.

The Advocate today (24 January 2013) reported that "Kentish councillors have also endorsed the Wilmot Recreation Ground concept master plan, which has been in the woodworks since February last year and has involved lengthy community consultation.

"Council will now commence a planning application for the master plan, which will see the implementation of a BMX park, new picnic facilities, a fitness track, children's play equipment, new landscaping and parking facilities."

The Kingborough MTB Park is officially opening on Saturday 22 December. The day will kick off with speeches and ribbon cutting at 10am, followed by:

• 10.30am – Cross Country Time Trial (individual 2km lap)
• 11.30am- Junior XC race (under 12, 2km race)
• 12.30 pm - Free BBQ- Thanks to Dirt Devils Mountain Bike
• 1.30pm – Cross Country Eliminator (Tasmania's first ever!)

Registration will be on the day. $10 entry both senior events, Junior event is free. All money goes to the Dirt Devils. Normal MTB licensing will be in place- annual license or day license required.

Please come along and show the council and state government that the local MTB industry supports these new mountain bike developments (because, ultimately we want more trails!)


Source: Dirt Art &  Dirt Devils for more information. 

A workshop is being held to assist with refining the concept of a new downhill mountain bike track within Wellington Park between the Chalet and Junction Cabin.

Broadly, the purpose of the forum is to:

• Inform riders of the proposed downhill MTB track between the Chalet and Junction Cabin in context of the Greater Hobart MTB Master Plan.
• Involve riders, particularly downhillers, in developing the concept via input into matters such as the level of difficulty, track width, surfacing and gradient and desirable features.
  

The workshop is being held on Wednesday 19 December 2012, 6pm to 7:30pm at the Lower Ground Floor Conference Room, Town Hall (access via Elizabeth St parking deck).

For more details view the workshop background and details (pdf).

Hollybank is already used by the Launceston Mountain Bike Club for both mountain bike and cyclocross races, but the area has lots of untapped potential which is why it is exciting to hear that funding of $800,000 has just been announced to fund the first stage of a Hollybank Mountain Bike Park.

According to the 2009 Tasmanian Mountain Bike Plan, A Mountain Bike Trail Network Plan  for the Hollybank State Forest area was prepared in 2005 as a partnership between Sport and Recreation Tasmania and Forestry Tasmania. In 2006, Joey Klein, IMBA Trail Specialist ground truthed this plan on behalf of Forestry Tasmania. 

There are approximately 27km of trails mapped out and around 8kms of ‘shovel ready’ trails with existing approvals in place.

The Funding for the Park is part of the State Governments "Tasmanian Jobs Package".

There is good news for all users of Kate Reed NRA, the closed tracks have now been opened, including the uncapped extension of the Berm track and the Rock Drop track.

LMBC ask that all riders remember that the tracks will need a few days to dry out after periods of rain and the extension of the Berm track will need to be closed for a week or so prior to being capped. 

Source: Launceston Mountain Bike Club Newsletter