ABOUT US - Updated September 2008

1. Summary

The Warrnambool MTB Club Inc. was formed in August 2007

by a small group of cross country mountain bike riders.  At the

 12 month mark, the club has managed to attract 43 members

which is a great effort.  Club members range from beginners to

 experienced competitors, are both male and female, and range

from 14 to 55 years of age.

Although predominately cross country (XC) oriented because of

the available terrain and facilities in Warrnambool, the club

would like to represent riders from all walks of life and all

disciplines of mountain biking.  So if you’re into Downhill, 4X,

Trials, Dirt Jumps, XC or you just like riding your mountain bike

and you either enjoy competitive or social riding then please get

 in touch with us – we’d love to hear from you.

2. Member Services

So what does the Warrnambool MTB Club offer to its members? 

In the first 12 months a number of events were organised and held

 under the auspice of Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA).  Without

MTBA’s support which includes insurance for club officials, competitors

(competitive events) and participants (social rides) and club

membership fees, these events would not have been possible. 

To learn more about the benefits of joining MTBA, please click here.

Competitive events included:

Ø      4 x XC races on a temporary circuit at Albert Park

Ø      XC Poker Race at Brucknell Scout Camp

Ø      4 Stage XC MTB Race at Mt Clay State Forest

Social events included:

Ø      An organised ride at Brucknell Scout Camp

Ø      XMAS party, overnight stay and ride at Brucknell Scout Camp

Ø      An evening of canapés, drinks and guest speakers at Wyton Cellars

In the year ahead, the club would like to offer a similar array of events. 

 A recent club survey was offered to club members that will help guide

the future of the club, including events.  Already the club has received

over 20 responses and nearly every survey has indicated that more c

lub organised social rides is a priority. 

 If you haven’t filled in a survey and would like to, then you can

click here (sorry not working yet) and email it to: info@wmtbc.com. 

The club is very keen to represent its members, so the more

we know from you the better.

3.1 Competitive Events

(MTBA Competitive Licence holders only)

If you like the thrill of competition, like to challenge yourself and

push your mates to the limit, then competitive mountain biking

might be for you.  It can be a very rewarding sport, especially

when you cross the finish line at a 100km event after 8+ hours

in the saddle!

Having said that, some competitive events can also be socially

rewarding – endurance races of 6, 12 & 24 hours are becoming

very popular and usually cater for teams of 2,3,4 or 6 riders. 

Your team can either ‘race’ in these events, or you can ‘take it easy’

and enjoy the scenery and social side of things.  While one team

member is riding, the others relax around the camp site, enjoy

each others company and soak in the carnival atmosphere that

these events usually have.

3.2 Social Rides

(MTBA Competition or Recreation Licence required)

If competition isn’t your thing, but you still like to get out on the

bike with like minded riders, then social rides could be for you. 

 The pace is relaxed and will be determined by the group on the day. 

Social rides can take on many formats from a 1 hour ride in

Warrnambool to a weekend away in the high country for example.

The club would like to hold a once per month social ride in

Warrnambool over Summer 2008/09.  Keep an eye on the website

 for details of dates and locations: www.wmtbc.com.

In addition to the Warrnambool social rides, a number of ‘away’ trips

may be planned depending on demand.  Possible locations will include

Forrest, You Yangs, Anglesea, Mt Clay and Brucknell Scout Camp.

3.3 Training Rides

(MTBA Competition or Recreation Licence required)

So you like competition and you need to practice, improve your skills

and challenge your fitness level.  Or maybe you would like to give

competition a go but you’re not sure how you’d go.  Then come along

to a training ride to ‘train’ with like minded riders.  The pace will be

on, so expect to be exhausted by the end.  If you’ve never competed

before and would like some guidance, then there are usually a

couple of experienced competitors who will be more than happy

 to give you a few pointers.

Once again, keep an eye on the website for dates and locations.

3.4 Other Rides

Feel like we haven’t catered for you?  Then please contact the club

to let us know what you’d like at info@wmtbc.com.  We are always

on the lookout for new and different riding opportunities for club

members.

4. Trail Access

In addition to organised events, the club will this year begin to lobby

 local land managers with the aim of finding a home for mountain biking

in Warrnambool.  Although Warrnambool is lacking in the mountains

department, there are a number of crown land sites in and close to

town that could cater for XC, 4X, Dirt Jumps and BMX disciplines.

Club members will be consulted at each stage of the trail access

process.  Keep an eye on the website, local bike shop noticeboards

and you email inbox for opportunities to have your say.  The club

values your opinion and will use it to formulate a plan of attack.

You can contact the club at any time if you have an idea or would

like to talk to someone about trail access.  Go to the ‘contact us’ tab

on the website.

To read more about the club’s first 12 months and plans for the

future, you can click here (sorry not working yet) to read the

 2007/08 Presidents report.

________________________________________________________________________

Kind regards and hope to see you on the bike soon,

Darren Shiell

President

Warrnambool MTB Club Inc.