Mountain biker: Ben Lord races in the You Yangs.
By John Van Klaveren
EVERY year a group of adventurers hits the You Yangs’ trails in search of a mythical creature.
The You Yangs Yowie is renowned for its ability to be noticed while remaining unseen.
But Geelong Mountain Bike Club’s members have fun riding the established trails anyway.
Vice-president Alan Flaherty said the annual Yowie race attracted up to 300 entrants.
“We get riders from all over the state. It’s an enduro race, with 33, 66 and 99-kilometre lengths.”
Catching a glimpse of the Yowie is part of the quirky marketing the club uses to promote its events.
“We have around 240 members at the moment and that’s grown from 100 about four years ago,” Alan said.
“Mountain biking is getting really popular. We have a lot of new people coming into the sport.
“I think it’s because we just get out and have fun with a group. If it gets too serious, we pull it back.”
“Since we have a lot of new people coming into the sport, we want to ensure they stay – we don’t want to scare them away.”
The club also runs No Frills Friday rides from 7pm as a basic graded event suitable for beginners as well as experienced participants.
“Naturally, you need lights on your bike,” Alan declared, “but once you get the hang of it there’s nothing more exhilarating than riding a trail in the dark.”
Alan, who has a road racing background, has been a club member for about four years.
“The sport is easily accessible to anyone on a bike,” he said.
“It’s fun and there’s no pressure to win. It’s about participation.”
With club competition operating akin to an individual time trial but in the bush, the single track prevents bunching of riders typical to road cycling.
“Sometimes there’ll be a snake of bikes but those at the back will call out ‘track’ and others will let him go past,” Alan said.
“We do have more serious events as well for the hardcore mountain bikers.”
The You Yangs is the club’s home track.
“It’s the only legal mountain biking track around the region,” Alan explained.
“We have a really good relationship with Parks Victoria and we’re a member of the trails committee.
“The club also donates funds for further trail development and we try to promote sustainability.
“Mountain bikers occasionally get some bad press from environmentalists but a well-made track causes no more degradation to the bush than a walking track would.”
Alan said more information about the club was available by phoning 0407 433 682 or visiting gmbc.com.au.
