Trail-building weekend fun for Margaret River mountain bike enthusiasts

Keen mountain bikers have the chance to be involved in vital siteworks at the popular Stumpel Stiltskin track on the outskirts of Margaret River this weekend.

The Margaret River Off Road Cycling Association and Humble Bicycle Co are rallying the troops to help with crucial upgrades to the section running through the Pines, north of Carters Road.

The muster is planned for Sunday, with volunteers asked to meet at 9am for a few hours of hard yakka.

Co-ordinator Rex Dubois from Humble Bicycle Co said other tracks including Pugsley, Line Manager and Black Pearl received annual maintenance to keep them in good condition but MRORCA’s maintenance budget came from fundraising and didn’t always stretch far enough.

“After several years with no maintenance Stumpel Stiltskin was in dire need of a makeover, so we decided to get hands-on to make it happen,” he said.

Funds to engage some heavy machinery for the work came after Dubois got in touch with local trail builder Dave Du Plessis from Woodland Trails and Landscapes.

A fundraising T-shirt drive sold more than 100 tops, allowing the contractors to support volunteers working with hand tools this weekend.

Additional funds came from Margaret River Brewhouse — MRORCA’s unofficial clubhouse — after the brewery donated $1 from each of their MTB-themed ale In The Pines.

“We will be doing the finishing touches with hand tools and hard yakka,” Dubois said.

“No prior trail work experience is required to take part. All you need to help out is a positive attitude.

“We’ll have experts on hand to provide guidance. It’s a great one for all ages. Bring the kids down and let them get hands-on learning how a trail is built.”

Dubois said the willingness of the local MTB community to get involved was valued and he hoped that support could flow through this weekend.

Volunteers were asked to join the trail team via Lear Road off Bussell Highway, with a gourmet barbecue and refreshments included in the event.