Page 104 - AMB Freelist

TECHNICAL NATURE
Mystic offers everything from sweeping green flow trails to proper Double Black Diamond runs. Snakes & Ladders falls in the Blue category, however it’s important to remember that trail grades are based off the standards of other surrounding trails in the same area. So what may be a Blue trail at your local park, may be considered a Green trail at Mystic. While it’s not too steep, Snakes & Ladders can be loose in dry summer conditions. Take care as you may lose your grip through some of the corners. An open face helmet is adequate, with knee guards for those who want to rail the corners.
YOU’LL NEED
The only water is a tap near the shuttle pick-up area and toilet, so be sure to plan refills at the end of each run. This trail is quite exposed, so sunscreen is always a smart idea. The centre of Bright is a short 10 minute ride from the park, so lunch and snacks are easily accessible.
DISTANCE
Snakes & Ladders is approximately 900m long, a similar distance to the majority of the trails which start half-way up the hill. It can be accessed via and connected to other trails in the area (see below).
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
If you’re riding up the hill, connect onto Snakes & Ladders via Moran Road (aka the Launch Pad Loop access road). Or if you’re shuttling, ride down to this road from the Hero drop-off point (you will still need to pedal up this road before reaching the start). Experienced riders can alternatively ride upper World Cup from the Launch pad which will spit you
onto this fire road. A short ride up this road will have you at the start.
BEST TIME OF YEAR
Bright is known as a summer holiday destination, but winter here is severely underrated. The soil can be exceptionally tacky and loamy in the wetter months, and a lack of dust makes riding the shuttle-laden fire roads much more enjoyable.
WHILE IN THE AREA
Again, Mystic has an enviable variety of trails strewn throughout the park. Some lesser known gems include Corkscrew, Avid Way into Jeep Track, and Huggins DH into Dreamweaver. To reprieve yourself from the peak season crowds, head to Big Hill Mountain Bike Park in Mount Beauty, just over 20 minutes away.
TECHNICALITY
••••• FITNESS LEVEL
•••••
LOCAL BIKE SHOPS
••••• TRAIL
••••• excellent mechanics and a variety of parts, accessories,
XCOUNTRY
There are two bikes shops in Bright itself, both with and apparel in stock.
LOCAL CLUB CONTACTS
Alpine Cycling Club - alpinecyclingclub.com.au
REGULAR EVENTS
Apart from the local club’s 6-week summer dirt crit series, Mystic hosts various XC, Gravity Enduro, and Downhill events throughout the year. Round 4 of the wildly popular Victorian Gravity Enduro series will be held at Mystic in September.
Georgina von Marburg
ALL/MTN
••••• DOWNHILL
••••• JUMP
••••• 103
Photos: Georgina von Marburg