Once upon a time, there was a sleepy little town that folks referred to as a has-been, a backwater, a one-horse town. It soared on the back of tin mining from the 1870s through to the mid-1900s, boasting the richest tin mine in the world. But it soon shrivelled to a tiny population and no doubt tumbleweed could be seen blowing down the lonely main street. If it grew there...
But how things have changed!
We’re speaking of the northeast Tasmanian township of Derby, which has seen a massive resurgence after more than 125km of purpose-built mountain bike trails have been built in the Derby and Weldborough area since the official launch of the Blue Derby Trail network in February 2015.
Dales of Derby is proud sponsors of the trails. We wholeheartedly believe in the future of this beautiful little town, the surrounding wilderness and the sense of fun and adventure that the trails encourage.
And we’re not alone. Derby was the first Australian mountain bike trails to host the World Enduro Series in 2017, again in October 2018 and more recently, Round 2 in March this year. It’s been an absolute boom for the area, and we’ve loved seeing the place come alive with all kinds of mountain bike enthusiasts, from elite competitors to individuals and families.
“Tell me more about The Blue Derby Trails,” you say...
If you haven’t heard about our local, world-class mountain bike trails, check out the official website here. The trails are free to ride 365 days of the year. The other good news is that, with more than 125km of purpose-built trails, there are options to suit all skill levels.
“I don’t have a bike!” you say...
No problems. Derby is set up to cater for all mountain biking needs. Bike shops like Mountain Biking Adventures Derby (MAD MTB) and Vertigo MTB offer rental bikes, and there are also shuttle services to take you to the trailheads if downhill is more your thing.
“I’m too unfit,” you say…
We hear you! That 125km-of-trails figure can sound a little bit exhausting. Enter ebikes. Evolution Biking and Vertigo MTB give you the option of hiring an ebike to give you some extra momentum along those stunningly beautiful trails. And you know what? Often it’s the fit riders who give this option a go, so they can fit more trails into their stay!
“I don’t even know how to ride trails,” you say…
It really is just a matter of selecting a beginners trail and jumping on your bike. But if you’d like some help before launching, why not book in to a skills clinic, or opt for a guided ride? The businesses linked above will help you out.