WITH temperatures rising and daylight hours lengthening, now is the perfect moment to step outside if you have been sheltering from the Central West winter cold.
You could sit on the verandah with a coffee, or you could get yourself a mountain bike and absolutely send it through a forest.
While mountain biking can seem daunting at first with all the gear, suspension systems, and mud-caked tires, the idea is straightforward: enjoy the ride and try to stay upright.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the area’s finest mountain bike trails are right here in Cabonne.
While locals usually link the Orange Mountain Bike Club with the area’s riding routes, travelling west of Orange toward Cargo brings you to the club’s Glenwood State Forest network, which sits within Cabonne.
Whether you are eager to launch off jumps, craving a fast, gravity-driven rush, or simply trying to master shifting gears, there is a path tailored for you.
According to Orange Mountain Bike Club president Chris Guerin, mountain biking’s regional popularity has surged, with the organisation accommodating all skill levels, from experienced cyclists to families, youth, and first-time riders.
According to Guerin, mountain biking has evolved considerably from its 1970s origins within California’s cycling counterculture.
Today, the sport encompasses multiple disciplines: cross-country, where riders pedal through both ascents and descents; enduro, which places greater focus on gravity; and downhill, where the primary objective is simply reaching the bottom of the hill as fast as possible.
If the phrase “that sounds terrifying” comes to mind, rest assured there are many ways to ease into the sport without hurling yourself straight off a mountain.
Tracing Boree Creek through Glenwood State Forest, the Galinbudinya trail offers beginner riders an approachable option filled with diverse terrain and scenic vistas.
As the trail winds toward Federal Falls, cyclists get near enough to pair their ride with a bit of local sightseeing.
For a longer descent, there is also the aptly named Trail of Awesomeness.
Although logging operations have claimed part of its original eight-kilometer stretch, it still packs plenty of drop.
Guerin said the club maintains a solid working relationship with Forestry.
Behind the scenes, keeping these trails rideable demands significant effort.
Last year alone, the club invested about $30,000 into maintaining the network, relying heavily on volunteer labor and event-raised funds.
Guerin also acknowledged the support of local sponsors and the people who donate their time to keep the trails groomed, and events running.
“Their selfless donation of time and effort makes a huge difference to our community,” he said.
If you need to see it in action before trying it yourself, then, the Orange Mountain Bike Club’s second annual Juice Jam might just be the perfect opportunity.
Taking place at Glenwood over the October long weekend, Guerin said the event is tailored less around fierce competition and more about grabbing your bike for a fantastic time.
The event offers something for every type of rider, featuring cross-country trails, an enduro segment, shuttle-assisted runs, skills coaching, and ample freedom to explore the network.
If grinding back up to the summit after every descent isn’t your idea of fun, you will certainly appreciate the shuttle bus service.
While timing is provided, Guerin emphasises Juice Jam is not focused on traditional racing or crowning top finishers.
Instead, the clock simply lets you see if you beat your friend down the mountain, giving you bragging rights for the next six months.
Families are encouraged by Guerin to explore the youth coaching sessions hosted by the club during the upcoming school holidays.
The club also aims to promote increased women’s involvement on the trails, with the organisation subsidising half the cost of its upcoming women’s clinics.
Scott Turner, a mountain biker and owner of the Orange bike shop DG Cycle Co, said the sport has evolved into far more than just riding a bike down a hill.
“Mountain biking is a lifestyle for those who discover what it is and allow themselves to become a part of the deep culture it has become,” he said.
Turner said the combination of adventure, fitness, skill, freedom and exploration was a major part of the sport’s appeal, particularly as more people looked for ways to get outdoors and away from screens.
“It gets people outdoors, away from screens and into nature, while providing exercise that feels more like an adventure than a workout,” he said.
As modern bikes have become more capable and confidence-inspiring, Turner said that’s in turn made the sport accessible to a much wider range of participants
Meanwhile e-mountain bikes had opened up access to people who might previously have struggled with longer rides or steep climbs to get back to the start of runs.
According to Guerin, another major drawcard of mountain biking is the unique way it forces complete focus, unlike road cycling, where your mind can easily wander.
He said hitting the dirt demands total concentration on the terrain ahead.
“Sometimes you can really only think about mountain biking,” he said. “As soon as the brain tends to drift, that’s when you crash.”
Navigating through rocky terrain, modulating your brakes downhill, and attempting to recall the precise location of the tree you nearly collided with on your previous run leaves zero mental bandwidth for everyday distractions like emails or bills.
It offers an hour or two of complete focus, stripped down to simply you, your bike, and the open trail.
If the rising temperatures have you pondering how to spend your time now, try not to overthink it.
Instead, grab a bike, choose a trail, and just send it.
For anyone looking to experience it firsthand, Juice Jam is scheduled for the October long weekend at Glenwood State Forest.
The event welcomes both Orange Mountain Bike Club members and non-members, with tickets available for purchase on the club’s website.
