Glenrock State Conservation Area and the Trails Wonderland
Prior to the NSW Trail Workshop, I made time to catch up with the volunteers and land managers who have made a difference in the trail world in Newcastle, NSW. Glenrock is a little park that has been punished by various industrial processes and garden escapees, but the hill is blessed with great dirt and keen, but knowledgeable local riders. Glen Rock is and example of how all off us should approach MTB trail access. When the chips were down and it looked like MTB access was about to become extinct, the local MTB club, lead by Lenny and Mike (I am not privy to all the historical ins and outs) got off their bikes and started a dialogue with the local land management office. Sure it was tough, it was time consuming and extremely frustrating at time as is always the case, but now, these guys are working with the Rangers to fix trails and develop sustainable MTB opportunities for the local community and future generations. That’s pretty important when you realise how close to Newcastle this park really is.
World Trail have also been contracted to propose solutions and help with the training of volunteers to ensure the trails lie lightly on the land.
I was thoroughly impressed with the work of these guys and it is truly refreshing to know that when the right people put their heads together, positive outcomes can be achieved.
You can see what these guys have been up to here....
http://www.setbb.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=glenrocktrailal
http://nobmob.com/node/14506
http://nobmob.com/node/13835
