IN the wake of the super-successful Great Escapade Bike Ride which saw a plethora of cyclists and support staff injecting a massive boost to the local economy, it has been revealed that there is a major push to begin promoting Oberon as a haven for cycling enthusiasts.
The Great Escapade brought with it around 1500 riders and volunteers who camped in Oberon earlier in the month, and a new cycling group which has been developed will seek to capitalise on the good impression made through the event.
“As most people are aware, on the same day as the Great Escapade, there was also the opening of the Oberon to Hazelgrove Pioneer Rail Trail which is a facility for cyclists as well as walkers,” said Oberon Bicycle Development Group member Wayne Cooper.
“A separate group has now formed – the Oberon Bicycle Development Group (OBDG) – which is headed up by Aiden Clark, that is particularly interested in developing Oberon as a cycling centre,” he explained.
“Our first objective is to promote the sport as well as walking for Oberon people in general, and the health and fitness aspects of it.”
“This has been brought about by Oberon Council constructing these wonderful paths around the town which for a community like ours is truly remarkable.”
Mr Cooper went on to explain the two major cycling loops which have been constructed by Oberon Council – the northern loop which follows the Rail Trail before heading onto Black Bullock Road, through the Blenheim State Forest and back to Oberon via Shakespeare Close and Albion Street.
A southern loop has also been developed, which begins in Albion Street, and eventually heads out to Oberon Dam, across the dam wall, around part of the foreshores, and eventually heads back to Oberon past the golf course and water treatment plant.
“Maps and brochures have been produced by the Tourism Association, and have been sponsored by Council, the Business Association, and Jenolan Caves and include an aerial map and some information about the tracks and some directions,” Mr Cooper said.
“In addition to this promotion, the OBDG will also be trying to help promote the sport itself, and will be looking to develop some mountain bike tracks in the district to promote Oberon and hopefully bring some events to the town,” he said.
“The group has decided to try and develop cycling in an environmentally friendly way – the worst thing you can do is just whack a track on the side of a mountain, so we will have to consult with a few people and really get some community input into the idea.”
He said that the group would also prepare a business case for such an initiative, based on highlighting other areas around the world where the sport has been embraced and become a major source of community revenue.
“With the Great Escapade, the way the town welcomed the riders made such an impression that I’m sure there are 1500 people who think Oberon is a great place, and many will be back here, which means that they will spend money here,” Mr Cooper said.
“Every business that stayed open was busy which was great to see.”
“It is very exciting to be a part of something that will benefit Oberon – and it needs to be remembered that this is primarily for Oberon people;research shows that across Australia, 60 per cent of people that use trails such as these are locals – visitors are sharing a local resource with them.”
“Council has been doing this for Oberon people – not necessarily visitors.”
At this stage, the OBDG includes representation from Winning Edge Cycles in Bathurst, Jules Bros from National Parks and Wildlife, Aiden Clark, Wayne Cooper, Gary Taunton who is an organiser of the Blayney to Bathurst cycle race, and Craig Flynn, president of the Central Tablelands Mountain Bike Club.
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