New track for riders jump-starts fun

Bike riders are jumping for joy after the opening of the municipality’s first dirt jumps track in September.

Located at the Painted Hills Recreation Reserve in Doreen, the track features courses designed to cater to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

The sport of dirt jumps is similar to BMX in that riders jump off mounds of compacted soil. However, rather than racing, the goal is to perform tricks.

Dirt jumping has surged in popularity in recent years and a 1000-signature petition calling for jumps to be installed gave Council the confidence to proceed with a 12-month pilot program.

The purpose-built track was designed following close consultation with a number of passionate young, local riders to ensure it met their requirements.

The pilot program’s success will be determined by how well the track is used and maintained by riders.

If the pilot is deemed a success, the jumps will be made permanent.

To assist riders in caring for the jumps, Council held a series of ‘Learn to Dig’ sessions on-site in the lead up to the track opening.

Eight-year-old Riley, of Doreen, tried out the track at one of the workshops in August and immediately gave it his tick of approval.

He said he was a fan of the “smooth” course and that it would be a great place to make new friends.

The Painted Hills Recreation Reserve dirt jumps project is funded by Council.

For more information visit Doreen dirt jumps project page.