Thrill seekers can now tackle 56km of challenging single-track on a new mountain bike trail in the Victorian high country.
The $2 million Indigo Epic Trail, billed as “world-class” by the local Indigo Shire Council, links existing trails between Beechworth and Yackandandah in a helix-loop design.
Riders are encouraged to take on the trail in its entirety, or opt for shorter outings.
“Choose your own challenge level, from the full loop or just a small section,” says Ride High Country ambassador Paul van der Ploeg. “It’s really up to you and your group to decide.
Open year around, the one-way Indigo Epic Trail is built to an intermediate blue rating and includes rolling B-lines. plus more testing A-line features such as berms, step-ups and gap jumps.
Undulating journeys are on offer through the Fern Gully and Gold Rush areas with ridgeline views, lush ferns and cascading creeks.
The homeward-bound section offers a thrilling 6km descent with a 3–4% gradient, presenting adrenaline junkies with an array of advanced features on the way down. B-line features are also offered for less experienced riders.
The Indigo Epic Trail is designed to meet the criteria for an “Epic Trail” laid out by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. That means a demanding adventure in a natural setting, which is “technically and physically challenging, more than 80% single track and 32km in length."
The Indigo Shire Council says that, once certified, the trail will be the only all-season Epic Trail in Australia. It is expected to attract significant tourism to an already popular region for bike riders, and generate more than $5 million annually for the local economy.
You can check out the promo video for the Indigo Epic mountain bike trail below.