My business, Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures is family owned and operated. Having been a keen rider for much of my life, I was curious as to whether my skills as a teacher and Principal would hold me in good stead in the world as an entrepreneur. Two years on and we’ve now completed our first year operating our business.
We run state-wide mountain bike tours from ½ days through to 10 days. We take riders to some of the best and most beautiful mountain bike trails on the planet. All they have to do is ride and enjoy the experience. We offer a cheap shuttle service up Mount Wellington from Glenorchy, the city and South Hobart to give riders easy access to the North South trail. We also run shuttles for groups to places like Maydena Mountain Bike Park.
Our newest part of the business is top end, dual suspension mountain bike hire. We’ve also employed a brilliant local rider, Ollie Sandy, to join us on tours, offering a local bike riding guide and coaching for beginners and intermediate riders.
It’s so pleasing to see the momentum that mountain biking has gained over the past 10 years both nationally and internationally. I recall feeling particularly sad when I would see all of the bike racks empty at schools. Things are changing – now the racks are starting to fill again and the kids are excited by riding their bikes and the trails they are exploring and practicing on. In Tasmania we’re blessed with some of the best riding in the world. Our cooler climate is perfect for riding and some rain and puddles only adds to the fun.
PHIL’S TOP THREE RIDES AROUND HOBART
The North South Track. This is a magnificent ride from the Springs on Kunanyi (Mt Wellington) to the Glenorchy MTB track. This old lady is a well built, all weather trail (I’ve even ridden it in the snow!). I love how the forest changes as you descent and so does the texture of the trail. The trail is well suited to most riders but you do need some riding fitness – it’s about 11km but mostly down. The weather changes quickly on the mountain, be prepared!
I never tire of riding the trails around South Hobart. I really enjoy the earthiness of a hand cut single trail and there are so many choices here. Red Wine, Sexy Soil and Old Slides are right up my alley. They’re steep, tight, rooty and have a rich loam soil base. I love that these trails are so different to ride depending on what our changing weather and climate has to throw at us.
The Meehan Range offers heaps of choice. I love getting over to the ‘Sunny Side’ to ride it. The Corkscrew is my favourite trail there. It’s a challenging intermediate trail but the climb up is tough. It’s a narrow, steep and technical climb that I love the challenge of. The downhill reward is well worth the effort!
www.tasMBA.com.au
@tas.mba
P: 0428829000
