Editorial

2021 is here and mountain biking is still booming. There is a continued growth in trail networks, an explosion of riders new to the dirt, riders are pushing their abilities, bike stores can barely keep enough bikes on the floor and some event organisers are taking on more staff to meet the demands of a growing number of events. With all that, I’m left wondering who is steering the ship of the growth and development of mountain biking in Australia. With the recent formation of AusCycling, at the time of printing there isn’t a clear role for someone to stand at the helm for mountain bike leadership. AusCycling has a long road ahead to make a cohesive body for road, mountain, track and BMX. The policies should come in time, along with a clear path to success for all kinds of cycling in Australia.

But here and now, who is leading mountain biking? Who oversees how trails should be built? Who encourages riders to test themselves at an event? Who decides the best way to teach kids essential mountain bike skills? Who fuels your stoke for mountain biking?

I reckon the answer to those questions and more are different in each part of the country. Mountain biking is as diverse as Australia is vast, and lots of mountain bike leadership is already in place, it’s probably just more localised than you think. Australia’s mountain bike leaders are the riders who make sure the shop ride goes ahead every week. They’re the riders who organise and lead trail days. They’re the riders who are always part of club days, helping events run safely and in a fun manner. The wider mountain bike community is full of leaders, we’ve got lots of mountain bike heroes to thank for keeping mountain biking moving in the right direction. Make sure you thank your local hero next time you see them.