ISLAND LIFE

Simon French loves the panoramic views from Abbotts Peak near Maydena, but it’s the mountain’s 830m vertical descent that really excites him as a bike rider and trail builder.

The founder of mountain bike trail construction company DirtArt is perched here at Abbotts Peak near Eagles Eyrie lookout at the start of what will soon be a series of tracks that will lead into town as part of French’s new mountain bike park.

“People will be able to ride from the top of Abbotts Peak right down into Maydena,” French says. “The track will wrap around the hills and there will be something for everyone from families to more experienced mountain bike riders.

“We develop these tracks around the world and you don’t often get such a large elevation so close to a town. This is about the potential of the town and also the quality of the natural environment and vertical drop so close to the town. For us, this place is really unrivalled.”

Construction work is due to begin at Abbotts Peak within weeks, with council approvals now through, and French expects the first trails will open in late January.

“I’ve been riding mountain bikes for more than 25 years and it’s moved from being a niche activity to being an adventure sport,” he says. “It’s about getting outdoors, exploring and having fun.”