This is your first Rider Briefing for the Mogo Trails! If you’ve slapped a Rocky Trail race plate on your bike before, you know the drill – we share all the important information of an event and venue for you to get ready. The venue: Mogo Trails in Batemans Bay in the Eurobodalla on the NSW South Coast. Your event: the early access to the network with over 70km of trails that had their tape dropped just a few days ago.
Thank you to all the awesome people in the wider project group for bringing the Mogo Trails to life!
VIRTUAL BRIEFING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
General information
What does “dropping the tape” mean?
The Mogo Trails are dropping the tape to the first Stage of trails these days, however, the network development is still ongoing. The main reason for the staged opening approach is that the 70-80km trails that are suitable to ride need wheels on the ground and that we wanted to invite the community to start exploring those. Riders will literally help us shape the network in this next phase until the full and official opening in early 2025, so we invite mountain bikers to join us on this journey.
As we progress with construction and network development, we have temporary signage installed and the “live” trail details and locations can be accessed digitally through the Trailforks app.
What’s important is that riding the trails in this phase until the official opening comes with a level of responsibility for trail users – if there is bunting across any trail entrance, it’s there for a reason – you would have to expect construction, water management activity or grooming activity on those and that may make it unsafe to ride. Some trails are very new and are settling and still need refinement and commissioning, so please respect our signage and DO NOT enter closed trails – whether closed off physically on-site with bunting and/or signage or virtually on Trailforks set to closed.
These were the photos from our gettogether with our Next Level MTB building crew, local contractors, the Eurobodalla Shire Council project team and the Rocky Trail crew on the eve of the inofficial Stage 1 and dropping of the tape. The full network will be opened in the first quarter of 2025. The full network length is scheduled for 130km and will span all the way to Mt Wandera, which will feature an adventure trail.
Where is the Mogo Trails network located?
On the NSW South Coast in the Mogo State Forest between Batemans Bay and Mogo Town and spanning from the Coast all the way to Mt Wandera.
How do I get there? Are there public transport options?
Batemans Bay is a 2 hour drive from Canberra and less than 4 hours from Sydney. The drive from Melbourne is less than 9 hours.
The closest regional airport is located 20min South of Batemans Bay in Moruya – Moruya Airport. The closest domestic and international airports are Canberra and Sydney.
What type of trails are there?
The Mogo Trails feature a huge variety of trails. This first Stage drops the tape to 70-80km of the network. Find out more about each trail via the Trailforks App.
Trails are structures so that they indicate their difficulty rating through a colouring system, adopting an internationally common system: Green (Easy), Blue (Intermediate), Black (Advanced) and Double Black (Extreme). Beginners can discover their passion, and where seasoned riders can push their limits.
The network has three major entry points and several minor hubs – Rocky Trail’s mission from the beginning was to implement a design that encourages social interaction is a key element in modern mountain bike centres. Therefore, several minor trailheads have naturally formed and are now formally established to make it easier for riders to navigate through the network and to congregate.
The network design will allow riders in a group to separate, take different skill level trails and then re-join in an easy, intuitive way. The network will cater for experienced riders and national or international events, but also welcome beginners to help create the next generation of riders – inspiring the local community and visitors alike.
Maps
During this early access phase and while construction is still in progress, there are temporary maps at each trailhead and the digital maps are on Trailforks.
Which trails are open?
As we progress with construction and network development, we have temporary signage installed and the “live” trail details and locations can be accessed digitally through the Trailforks app.
What’s important is that riding the trails in this phase until the official opening comes with a level of responsibility for trail users – if there is bunting across any trail entrance, it’s there for a reason – you would have to expect construction, water management activity or grooming activity on those and that may make it unsafe to ride.
Some trails are very new and are settling and still need refinement and commissioning, so please respect our signage and DO NOT enter closed trails – whether closed off physically on-site with bunting and/or signage or virtually on Trailforks set to closed.
Venue & Parking Information
Mogo Trails – www.mogotrails.com.au
The three major entry points are the gateways to the mountain bike network, providing you with essential amenities (or direction to those), information, and access to a safe, enjoyable outdoor recreation experience. The three MAJOR TRAIL HEADS are:
- Mogo Town (Cnr Annett & James Street)
Parking: in the main Mogo Town car park behind the shops.
The Mogo trailhead is accessed from the corner of James Street and Annett Street. Parking and amenities are available within the township and at Mogo sports oval. - Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden
Parking: Trails car parking and amenities are signposted from Deep Creek Dam Road. MTB Car Park located in the previous “secondary car park”, go past the main car park entrance and the secondary car park is on your right, opposite the main trail map board on your left
ATTENTION: the Eurobodalla Reginal Botanic Garden still has a gate that closes by sunset; please check the main signage as you enter Deep Creek Dam Road. The gate is scheduled to be moved over the next few weeks. - Curtis Road, Batehaven (https://maps.app.goo.gl/zUSif7DfZ2Rca3o86)
NO PARKING!
There is a simple entry way to larger trail head about 200m in form the end of Curtis Road (Cnr Crosby Drive, off Glenella Road). Access for anyone staying in Batemans Bay/ Batehaven, with car parking and amenities at Corrigans Reserve a short ride away. There is no parking on Curtis Road.
Main network sectors
The network is structured geographically – the sectors are:
• North (area near and below Round Hill Lookout)
• Botanic Garden
• East (pocket Ridge Road Dog Trap Rd towards Coast)
• Mogo Hill (Mogo Trig area)
• Mogo Heights (access to Mogo Trip and jump lines near Dog Trap Rd)
• Mogo Town (up from trailhead and skills area)
• Mitchells (towards Zoo)
Two more sectors are under construction on the Western side of the Pacific Highway; Maulbrooks and Wandera.
Minor Trailheads (“Hubs” or “Meeting Points”)
From the beginning our vision was to implement a design that encourages social interaction is a key element in modern mountain bike centers. Therefore, several minor trailheads have naturally formed and been formally established to make it easier for riders to navigate through the network and to congregate.
The network design allows riders in a group to separate, take different skill level trails and then re-join in an easy, intuitive way. The network will cater for experienced riders and national or international events, but also welcome beginners to help create the next generation of riders – inspiring the local community and visitors alike.
Trail Grading
The Mogo Trails network employs a difficulty grading system rooted in the principles established by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). This ensures a standardised approach to trail classification, aiding riders in selecting trails suitable for their skill level. These guidelines are universally known by regular and experienced mountain bike riders and Rocky Trail Destination included some more descriptive elements for riders who may not be familiar with those yet.
A guide to trail difficulty ratings is part of the main printed maps on the major trailhead entries.
Are the Mogo Trails suitable for adaptive bikes?
Yes, many are. As we move into the next phase, the RTD and NLM teams have been reaching out to the adaptive riding community and engaged opinion leaders and riders. Moving towards the official opening in early 2025, each suitable trail will get an adaptive rating. This will then be reflected in digital data, which can be implemented across online and on-site formats.
If you are an adaptive rider, in this early access phase, start your journey at the Botanic Garden and explore the green trails.
Temporary Signage
The temporary trail signs are coloured as per each individual grading to make identification of difficulty levels very obvious enabling a smoother riding experience. This is still a work in progress as we move towards the official opening in the first quarter of 2025.
Emergency information
Local emergency services have been briefed on the network, trail names and access points through a system of operations sectors that we implemented. To prepare for an emergency, please be aware of the following signage elements and recommended apps to have on your mobile devices.
The network operates the ///What 3 Words system. is a geocoding system that divides the world into 3-meter squares and assigns each square a unique combination of three random words. This system provides a simple and efficient way to pinpoint precise locations.
The system works offline, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Emergency services can use What 3 Words to pinpoint exact locations quickly.
Each sign post has a red emergency sign with the What 3 Words code at the bottom. As a rider the What 3 Words can be found:
• On each sign post
• Via the Emergency + App look out for the /// on the bottom
What should I do in case of an emergency?
• Call 000
• State your emergency
• Communicate your location by those options:
///what3words (Emergency+ app or from Mogo Trails sign post)
Trail name – what trail are you on? Are you at the start, half-way or almost at the bottom?
Closest minor trailhead (hub) you remember?
Closest major trailhead you remember?
Is there mobile phone coverage?
Yes, the entire network has mobile phone coverage.
Are there any bike shops or repair services nearby?
Batemans Bay Cycles
Unit B/23B Vesper St, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
P: (02) 4472 1777
Opening: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sunday closed
Ride The Bay
236 Beach Rd, Batehaven NSW 2536 (opposite Corrigans Beach)
P: (02) 4472 2698
Opening: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm, Sunday closed
Moruya Bicycles
10 Ford St, Moruya NSW 2537
P: (02) 4474 3978
Opening: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm, Sunday closed
Are there any other trail networks to explore in the region?
The NSW South Coast is gearing up for mountain biking – Narooma is about a 40 min drive South from the Mogo Trails. Info: https://www.mountainbikenarooma.com.au/trails
TRAIL ETIQUETTE FOR MTB USERS
- Minimise your impact by staying on the MTB trails.
- Carry a mobile phone, especially if you are riding on your own. Know who to call in an emergency – 000 for emergencies.
- Install the EmergencyPlus app on your phone and use the what3words function when describing to emergency services where you are located.
- Pass other trail users with care.
- Slow down at intersections where you are likely to meet other MTBers.
- Ride your MTB at controlled speed, especially approaching blind corners.
- Courtesy is the best saftety on the trail. Remember that your behaviour is a reflection on the MTB community as a whole.
- Other trail users may not be familiar with the MTB trails. Talk to them about their use, directions and safety.
- Cyclists should yield to horses by stopping and asking permission of the horse rider to pass. Cyclists should not ring bells as they may startle a horse – voice contact is preferable. A frightened horse is a danger to you, the horse rider and other trail users. It is advisable not to pass within a meter of a horse as they may kick if startled and have considerable reach.
- Trail users and visitors are required to obey all signage throughout the Mogo Trails network.
GENERAL WARNING AND EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Sporting activities at Mogo Trails may be dangerous and may result in injury or death to the person and/or property loss or damage. Users participating and spectators viewing these activities do so at their own risk.
To the extent permitted by law, Eurobodalla Shire Councils excludes all liability, including but not limited to liability for personal injury, death, property damage, property loss, and consequential loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of and/or entry to the Mogo Trails network, whether in contract, by negligent act or omission, or any other tortuous action.
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