Mogo MTB trails ready to go, with some special new additions

Weaving through the bush of Mogo, the back of Batehaven, now stretching out to Mount Wandera in the west - all trails will be ready to ride from Saturday, May 10.

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher said the excitement over Mogo Trails kept growing.

"Since opening part of the network last August, we've seen an influx of riders keen to explore the trails - over the Easter holidays it felt like every second car had bike racks," Cr Hatcher said.

"As we head into the cooler months, the mountain bike trails at Mogo as well as Narooma will continue drawing visitors, keeping them active outdoors and supporting our local businesses.

"The newly finished trails will be ready to ride on Saturday, but we're also planning a community event in July as part of a grand opening celebration - details coming soon."

Mogo Trails project manager Shane Spicer said five new trails and a skills park have been added to the eastern side of Mogo Trails, and a 28km trail will be opening on the western side - as well as a shuttle service to be announced soon.

"The new 28km trail - called Burnaaga - is a special addition to the network that will put Mogo Trails on the must-visit list," Mr Spicer said.

"It's a one-way trail from the top of Mount Wandera that's a remote and untamed experience - not for the rookies!

"It's built for riders who know their way around technical lines and have the skills and fitness to tackle challenging terrain. You must be self-sufficient, carry water, food, basic first aid and be prepared to ride for 1.5 - 3.5 hours."

Local elders named the trail Burnaaga - meaning goanna in Dhurga language.

With its remote four-wheel drive access to the starting point, a shuttle service is necessary and will make the experience much safer and smoother.

"We have been supporting a shuttle operator through the setup process, and they'll announce their offerings before Saturday," Mr Spicer said.

Additionally, Mr Spicer said there was so much more in the works - new amenities and a bike wash station at Mogo Oval, as well as a new pathway to a pump track.

"Mogo Oval is shaping up to be a great trailhead and a hub for mountain bikers, families and young riders," Mr Spicer said.

Eurobodalla businesses have been interested in Mogo Trails, wanting a slice of the mountain bike tourism. Council's final Ride Ready sessions in March provided businesses with valuable insights into potential opportunities.

Participants heard from the Mogo Trails project team as well as Narooma Mountain Bike Club and Sea Otter Australia.

President of Narooma Mountain Bike Club Georgie Staley highlighted the history and achievements of Narooma's trails. She encouraged businesses to get involved and familiarise themselves.

"You don't need to learn to ride, but you should definitely take the time to understand the trails and have a basic grasp of mountain biking so you can talk to your people - they love when you are interested," Ms Staley said.

"Visitor experience is everything. When riders have a great time, they spread the word, and that impact is huge."

Narooma Mountain Bike Club's surveys showed 52 per cent of visitors learned about Narooma's trails through word of mouth, while 32 per cent discovered them through social media.

"It really shows how important it is to give riders a great experience, so they keep coming back," Ms Staley said.

Over the past two years, Ride Ready sessions helped more than 131 people in Eurobodalla's businesses community connect and learn about mountain bike trails.

Businesses can access Ride Ready resources and fact sheets, or connect with Eurobodalla Council's economic development manager, Teresa Lever, who is available to provide guidance: Teresa.Lever@esc.nsw.gov.au

For the latest news and updates on Mogo Trails, visit mogotrails.com.au or follow Mogo Trails on social media.

Mogo Trails was funded by $8million from the Australian and NSW government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the Growing Local Economies Fund under Restart NSW.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upcoming opening of the Mogo Trails would be a great addition as part of the region's 250km trail network across Narooma, Eden and Mogo.

"Not only will it be a place for riders of all ages to get outdoors and be active, but it will also attract visitors to the region all year round," Ms Moriarty said.

"I encourage anyone looking to get away and get outdoors to look to visiting our regional NSW towns like Mogo where there are plenty of things to see and do."