Mountain Biking

I didn’t really intend to be mountain biking. I am here by chance, a series of unforeseen events and I thought ‘why not?’, Now I am thinking ‘why?’, it’s written all over my face.

After driving from Canberra to Thredbo, Jason patiently sorting out logistics, we are in Thredbo at the top of the Thredbo Valley Track.

Thredbo Valley Track

This track meanders downhill, 35km to Jindabyne with picturesque scenery including eucalyptus forest, grassland and a few suspension bridges over the bubbling Thredbo River.

As we take off I am assured of the beginner status and it doesn’t seem too bad. I gain a little confidence, getting used to the dirt and gravel track and taking it easy both down and up the steeper sections. I find the gears a little challenging to begin with, but after a couple of kilometers, I get used to them as well.

We stop for water breaks, to catch our breath and to take in the scenery. I don’t mind that I’m pulling up the rear – even the children are quicker and more confident that I am. I take my time, safety first.

The scenery is beautiful, it’s the reason I agreed to this in the first place. The El Niño phenomenon and associated drought of the past decade is over (for now) and the weather patterns have moved on. The La Niña effect has brought rain and cooler temperatures this summer and the area is as lush and green as I have ever seen any eucalyptus forest.

The melted snow and the extra rain has left the river in full flow. It was originally forecast for bad weather today but we have chanced on the perfect afternoon – sunny, relatively warm and just a light breeze. Perfect conditions for the ride.

As the ride progresses it gets a bit more challenging. The recent rain has washed away parts of the track leaving rocks and tree roots exposed and everything a little more challenging than it should be. The boys are doing well on the berms (banked turns), me less so. There are parts that I prefer to get off and walk. There are also wider, smoother sections which I rather enjoy.

All in all, even with the frequent stops, it’s pretty hard going. The boys are having a ball but while it’s worth it for the scenery, it occurs to me that walking is more in my comfort zone. I have a stack (fall) as do a couple of the boys. No one is seriously hurt but it shakes me up and dampens the experience.

At Thredbo Diggings, 14.5km from where we started, we reach the end of our track for the day. The track continues but it gets more challenging and, having made it this far in one piece, I’m not willing to tempt fate. We have an arranged pick up from here in any case and I feel the relief wash over me as we load the bikes and pile into the van for the car ride back up the mountain.

Thredbo MTB Park

The next day I retire my bike and let the boys explore some more mountain biking tracks. With a chairlift and gondola pass, there are a multitude of MTB trails here at the park. Most of them loosely follow the ski trails that operate during winter and are graded easy to experienced (or flowing to technical), just like the ski slopes.

For the best part of the morning I position myself near to the gondola station, the warm up track and pump track. Jason and Karl alternate taking the boys up the mountain and I supervise at the bottom, coffee in hand.

Although the place is seemingly overrun with mountain bikers, there are all sorts of activities going on here in summer. Many people are hiking and there are some great trails including the wonderful Mt. Kosciuszko Hike, a 13km wildflower lined trail to Australia’s highest peak. For the adventure seekers there is also the Alpine bobsled, abseiling, a skate park and trampolining. For those after more leisurely activities, golf, tennis, fly fishing, wellness retreats and spa days are also possible.

After numerous morning runs, they all return and we head over to Thredbo Village Green for a picnic lunch. After lunch, Jason & Karl leave the boys with me at the Village Green. They head up the mountain by themselves and return grinning from ear to ear. Meanwhile, Jasper, Dylan & Harley enjoy the skate park, the dirt pump track, the playground and some spring free trampolines. Even I have a turn on the trampolines.

Another couple of runs in the afternoon and it is time for us to pack up and drive home again. I might not be in a hurry to get back on a bike anytime soon but I have a feeling that more mountain biking adventures may be in my future in any case.

Good To Know

Thredbo Mountain Bike Park has a range of tracks from beginner to advanced as well as equipment hire and chairlift tickets.

Would I Return?

Yes, though not for mountain biking. I don’t think I could handle it.