Mountain bikers get double the wild ride

THE Wild Mersey mountain bike network will double in size this weekend with the opening of stage two — 16km of trails connecting Latrobe and Railton and extending into the hills above Goliath Park.

Stage two of the $4.1 million Wild Mersey development will officially open this Saturday.

The much-anticipated extension includes a five-kilometre loop climb and gravity trail plus a dual walking and cycling track connecting the existing trails at Warrawee Reserve with the Railton trailhead at Goliath Park on Ramsay Rd.

The new trails are classified as green — “easy” on the International Mountain Biking Association’s rating system.

There is also a pump track for riders of all ages and abilities.

The latest trails have been built by Trailscapes with the Mersey River bridge link designed and installed by Latrobe business, BridgePro.

An amenities block complete with showers and bike wash down has also been constructed at the Railton trailhead by local construction company Mead Con.

When completed next year the trails will connect to Sheffield and encompass just under 100km of off-road experiences.