Tathra Bike Track

When the surf was crappy, I got bored and started building tracks”. The words of Andrew Johnson, one of the main protagonists of the Tathra MTB trails. Nestled in a quiet bay on the Sapphire Coast, the trails have developed a great reputation within a few short years. Those who have ridden at Tathra rave about the flowing trails and many who haven’t have it on their hit-list.

“I’d go mark a rough trail in the morning and leave the tools by the track then head back in the afternoon and find it had already been cut and benched. The next day, I’d mark some more and the same happened”.

This magic trail fairy was Tom Park and, together with Andrew, the pair have built many of the trails around Tathra, totalling around 40km of singletrack. The pair eventually met up on the trails and with a few others formed the Tathra MTB Club and the club started to organise the Tathra 100km Enduro as a way of showcasing what was available to ride.

Year on year the trail network has grown and together with some funding the trails are well-signed and there is also a skills park near the start.

Collaborating with the Country Club, where the trailhead is, provided excellent facilities. Having the support of Tathra Bike and Beach a short pedal away gives riders looking for advice a place to pick up a map and find out all the latest trail information.

The trails are all maintained on a volunteer basis, with a core bunch of local riders taking ownership of the trails they ride, helping to repair sections, sweep the trail and remove any fallen branches or small trees. Monthly events keep members and volunteers busy and with an emphasis on social events, kids and ladies-only rides make it very welcoming and open to beginner riders.

The Enduro event this year attracted over 450 riders with top riders such as Jason English and Andy Blair having ridden in previous years.

Tathra itself is known more for being a beach resort, and it is hard to overlook that fact. With plenty of accommodation options and lots of water activities to do, it is a great place for a holiday. The addition of the MTB trails gives people something to do when the surf doesn’t want to play ball.

Not one of the volunteers have any formal trail building training, but you wouldn’t know it when riding. The trails are all well-built and flow brilliantly with climbs that suit the grading. The majority of the trails were built following wallaby tracks that naturally hug the contours.

Those looking for a lung busting climb, head for Evil Tom and anyone who wants a more sedate ride upwards, Kingys is the one to go for. Each climb ends up at the same place and the options from the top are numerous.

Looking for a longer loop? Head to the Fireshed trails, which will add another 20km of singletrack to your ride or take a descent back down. Most of the trails from the top are close to a road and begin with a narrow squeeze through some trees – a good way to perturb dirtbikes from using them.

Starting from the top, Hatti Gaddi is a fast and fun descent with rollers, small jumps and berms galore while Bridges, as the name implies, contours down over ten bridges, each relatively wide but overall more technica.

The most difficult section, Ground Swell, is only short and can be skipped but gives advanced riders something to really smile about. A tight line through some rocks is a natural qualifier before heading into a series of tight and steep corners that follow a narrow gulley. The final downhill is Anchors Away, a chance to enjoy a quick view of the ocean before letting rip and flying through the fast, bermed corners and the final rocky section to finish.

With the trailhead no more than 50 metres from the beach and ocean, it can be the perfect way to end the ride. Surf a few waves, head for a swim or maybe a spot of fishing from the wharf.

Tathra is an idyllic location and perfect for a holiday where you can surf and ride within a stones throw.

Getting There

250km south-east of Canberra, 400km from Sydney and 600km from Melbourne, just off the Princes Highway.

Merimbula airport is just 25km from Tathra and you can fly on Regional Express direct from Sydney or Melbourne.

Technical Nature

The trails in Tathra are definitely faster and more flowing than super technical. The majority will suit beginners right through to advanced riders and most moderately technical features will have alternative lines.

You’ll Need

Trail maps can be bought at Tathra Bike and Beach for $2. It is worth grabbing one as the trails can seem like a maze at times and the money raised goes towards maintaining the tracks. Being close to the town, you won’t need anything over and above the usual riding gear.

Distances

One of the best things about the trails is they have been built in a way to allow a great deal of variety and options. Ride options from under 10km, right up to 40km are available. The most popular option is the 20km Bundadung loop. Graded trail options include green, blue and black.

Best Time of Year

The weather in Tathra is very settled and the trails are suitable to ride all year round.

Tathra MTB club hold several events year round, most notably the 100km Enduro, set for 12-13 April 2014.