PLACES THAT ROCK: Fox Fast at Fox Creek Bike Park

Words: Georgina von Marburg

Photos: Jack Fletcher

Visiting Fox Creek Bike Park earlier this year we had the distinct pleasure of riding new and old trails with a couple local idols. The park has recently received a multi-million dollar overall to improve its trails and facilities after devastating Black Summer Bushfires. After relentless hard work and backing from Forestry SA, the community bike park is now tipped to become one of Australia’s premier riding destinations. With a mix of trail and downhill riding, a skills park, full facilities hub and expansive views over the capital, it’s easy to see why the locals are raving about Fox Creek. 

Situated approximately 30 minutes outside Adelaide along gorgeous roads adorned by vineyards, the park is home to over 50km of singletrack. From flowing jumps to raw and unforgiving jank, this is a multi-day visit for riders of all disciplines. The dirt here is infamously dry with plenty of opportunities to refine your skids and foot-outs. While there are shuttling options for the keen gravity punters, all of the descents can be reconnected via climbing trails. 

One of our favourite tracks here was the extremely popular Fox Fast. As the name suggests, this track is speedy, dropping about 150m over 1.2km. While it’s rated as a double-black, there’s nothing particularly steep or terrifying about this run; rather, it’s the various features and abundance of line choices that make this an advanced-level trail – and it sure does get harder at speed. Fox Fast is littered with drops and jumps which send you skating across loose rocks and into unpredictable ruts. It’s devilishly fun and if you want an impressive Strava time around here, you’ll have to nail your lines perfectly. 

Beginning near the main carpark, the first half of Fox Fast launches you straight down the hill with a couple small ski jumps and a flat rock garden. You’ll build even more speed in the second half rolling through steep berms before entering a maze of ruts. And for those who dare, there’s a spectacular double near the finish. 

Understandably, Fox Fast is a favourite race track in the local gravity series. But it’s also the perfect track to session with mates and hone your skills. Whether you’ve brought your down-country or downhill bike, Fox Fast is a worthy challenge for advanced riders and an achievable task for intermediate riders. The trail can be shuttled using one of several local shuttle services from buses to buggies. Or for those going full enduro, a short but punchy fire road is the most direct liaison back to the top. 

• GETTING THERE

Fox Creek Bike Park is just under an hour from the Adelaide Airport. The scenic drive through Adelaide Hills is a treat in itself!

• TECHNICAL NATURE

Fox Creek has an impressive diversity of trails, from cross-country to downhill. All trails can be enjoyed on a medium-sized trail bike (such as our Pivot Shadowcat); but the longer loops will reward cross-country whippets, and the gravity trails are begging for DH pinners. Suffice to say, no matter what bike you bring you’ll have a blast! 

• YOU’LL NEED 

Of course, the protection you bring is dependent on the trails you plan to tackle. You could safely ride the majority of trails with an open face helmet, though we’d recommend a full face and knee/elbow guards for shuttle days. Drinking water facilities at the trailhead are due for completion by the time you read this.

• DISTANCES

Fox Fast drops 150m over 1.2 kilometres – but there’s about 50km of trails to ride at the bike park.

• LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Of all the trails in Fox Creek, Fox Fast is extra loose and dry. Riding with locals is a great way to observe some cheeky  – and brave  – lines through the rocks and dust. 

• BEST TIME OF YEAR

Anytime! Fox Creek Bike Park is open year-round. However Adelaide is infamously hot in summer, so we’d recommend a visit in the cooler months along with some tackier surfaces. Do check the bike park website for trail closures – as it sits within a working forest.

• WHILE IN THE AREA

Anderson’s Hill Winery is conveniently located a couple pedal strokes from the park trailhead. Apart from their award-winning Shiraz, the restaurant offers a fantastic lunch menu. And of course, don’t forget the other trails at Fox Creek once you’ve finished lapping Fox Fast! 

• LOCAL BIKE SHOPS 

Besides the e-Bike station at Fox Creek due to open in May 2022, Bicycle Fix in the Adelaide Hills is the closest store, just over 10 minutes away. There are also plenty of great stores in Adelaide itself to grab supplies and rentals before heading out. 

• REGULAR EVENTS

Fox Creek has a history of hosting downhill and gravity enduro races, including state and national championships. They also have plenty of club ride days and women’s specific events within the local clubs.

FACILITIES 

Toilets: Yes 

Drinking Water: Yes

Parking: Yes

Trails Signposted: Yes

Mobile Reception: Telstra – Yes, Optus – Yes

Shelter: Yes 

BBQ Facilities: No 

Accommodation: No 

RATINGS

technicality 3/5

fitness level 2/5

x-country 2/5 

trail 4/5 

all/mtn 5/5

downhill 4/5

JUMP 3/5  

There’s so much more to explore at Fox Creek Bike Park! Read all about their multi-million dollar boost.