Common Ground

Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association

 

Over the past 3 years mountain biking has become an increasingly popular activity in Margaret River with large participation rates from community and intrastate riders. This is primarily due to the creation of a volunteer built trail network which is regarded one of the best in the state, and the highlight of the Cape to Cape Mountain Bike Race. 

 

Developed by the Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association (MRORCA), the existing 12.3km trail network, known as The Pines, is located in a working pine plantation 2km North of the Margaret River township. The trails are accessed off Carters Road and the Rails to Trails via an existing trail head. When built, The Pines mountain bike trails were seen as a temporary measure to relive strain on unsanctioned trails and trail building in the adjoining Bramley National Park. The pines are currently due to be harvested in 2015 and this will destroy 9.64km of existing trails. The impending closure and loss of The Pines mountain bike trails will leave a significant gap in the supply of trails relative to the existing demand. 

 

Common Ground was commissioned by MRORCA to undertake a detailed investigation into an identified site accessed of the existing Carters Road Trail head. The proposed site has unique terrain and diverse vegetation, and is ideally suited to a long term Mountain Bike facility. The facility Common Ground proposed will replace the temporary trails and develop an equivalent network of sustainable sanctioned trails. It is designed to promote inclusion and progression for a diverse demographic with varied riding skill levels.

 

Designed with the ability for staged construction the facility is capable of being progressively built as funding and volunteer labour become available. The three staged project creates smaller usable trail loops which will be progressively joined on completion of stages. 

 

The proposed facility has the endorsement of the relevant government agencies and key stakeholders in the Margaret River region. The eventual development of the facility will meet the existing demand for mountain bike trails in the Margaret River region. It will also provide additional beginner and advanced trails which have previously been lacking in the area. The facility is designed to promote recreation, community involvement and connection with the natural environment. 

 

The Detailed Area Plan developed by Common Ground was used for a successful $100,000 grant application.