IMBA Australia

Career Objective

To set a standard in the sustainable trail development and management that is world class, which enables mountain bike riding to be accepted on all levels of government so that more Australians can participate in this activity to maintain health, well being and a connection with nature.

Qualifications

1998 - Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation and Park Management (Biodiversity Management)
University of South Australia

Experience

Nick has worked in a professional capacity to develop sustainable recreational trails since January 2002. This includes experience in all levels of negotiation and planning, from the shovel to the boardroom. The majority of this work has been based on implementing the Sate MTB Plan for South Australia which was released in 2001. Specifically Nick has been involved in the following aspects of trail management and development:

• Trail network design:
• Design trail networks to cater for a variety of trail users (Green circle through to Black Diamond).
• Designing and implementing trail networks to protect natural assets.
• Trail mapping using GIS and ground truthing to allow comprehensive trail audits and Trail Master Plans to be developed.
• Development of Trail Audits and Trail Plans.
• Trail design for trail reroutes and repairs.
• Allocation and nomination of Trail Difficult Ratings (Classifications) to new and existing trails.
• Management of trail construction and repairs, using hand tools, contractors and machinery to specifications.
• Community consultation in regard to trails management and development.
• Designing trail signage systems and project managing the development and installation of trail signage.
• Volunteer recruitment, training and management.
• Creation of risk management strategies and insurance for trails.
• Recreational and competitive MTB event design and management.
• Contribution of advice in relation policy development for MTB in Parks in SA.
• Management of two Australasian Cycle Tourism Conferences:
• 2006 Hilton Adelaide
• 2007 Sydney Olympic Park

Involvement

Nick's achievements also include significant contributions to the following trail networks (in South Australia):

• Eagle MTB Park
  • http://www.recsport.sa.gov.au/recreation-sport-fac/eagle-mountain-bike-p...
• Cudlee Creek MTB Trail Network (Fox Creek)
  • http://www.southaustraliantrails.com/trails.asp?id=14290
• City of Mitcham Trail Network
  • http://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1475
• Melrose, Southern Flinders Ranges
  • http://www.otesports.com.au/trails.htm
• Mawson Trail
  • http://www.southaustraliantrails.com/top_trails.asp?mawson

Nick and IMBA Australia

Nick has welcomed the opportunity to take on the "dream job" and help Australian’s to access better quality trails in all corners of the Nation.

"Taking on this position is certainly the biggest challenge of my career and I hope to make a significant difference for Australian mountain bike riders in terms of the quality of trails they can ride near home. It is clearly important that IMBA Australia represents recreational mountain bike riders to ensure that there is an abundance of mountain bike riding in a variety of Reserves across the many and varied landscapes that we enjoy here in the "land down under". MTB access in many areas is key to the success of IMBA Australia and the growth of membership. As well as this I would like to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for Australians to ride their mountain bikes while on holiday in Australia. As well as providing great places to ride, the development of cycle tourism in rural Australia will help boost tourism benefits for regional areas and enhance the character and longevity of Australian communities."

See the Director's Blog for details about Nick's movements across the country.

See Confessions of a Trail Builder for Nick's personal notes about the trails that he has to ride as part of the "Dream Job".

Image of Nick courtesy of Travis Deane.