THIS IS QUEENSLAND

The vast State north of the Tweed river might be best known for thongs, singlets, rugby league and a poor understanding of daylight savings – but beyond the jokes, Queensland is a mountain bike paradise for much of the year. From Nerang, almost on the New South Wales border, up to Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland, there are countless places mountain bikers can find exquisite trails to ride. With a subtropical climate in the south and a tropical climate in the north, the whole State is the perfect place to visit through winter when you need to escape the winter chill of the south. Best of all, there are countless locations that are expanding what they offer for mountain bikers. Nerang is being overhaulled ahead of the Commonwealth Games, trail networks around Brisbane are being refreshed and pumped full of flow, and Hidden Vale - not even an hour west of Brisbane - is likely to become Australia’s next must-ride location with 80km of World Trail singletrack carved into the south-east Queensland property. And there’s more to come. So in this issue we celebrate the Sunshine State. We meet the people who call it home, visit some of the iconic destinations for a taste of trail shredding or adventure, and speak to some of the cycling companies - big and small - who have chosen to set up here. I’m biased, as I live in Brisbane myself and think it’s an ideal place for a mountain biker to call home – but clearly others agree. And, in addition, the world’s eyes will be on Queensland later this year for the World Championships and again in 2018 for the Commonwealth Games. Look through the issue, read the stories, and admire the images. There’s lots to offer up north, and this is only a taste.