Eurobodalla business people meet to hear about the opportunities being provided by the mountain biking industry. Photo: ESC.
As Eurobodalla’s network of mountain bike trails develop, businesses are getting ready for the influx of dirt-chasers.
Business owners and entrepreneurs looking to capitalise on the opportunities attended another Ride Ready Eurobodalla networking event recently, co-hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Batemans Bay Mountain Bike Club at the Foxdog Distillery in Mogo.
“It was great to have a sneak peek and host the Ride Ready session at the new distillery before it’s open to the public,” council’s Economic Development and Place Activation manager Teresa Lever said.
“About 70 people attended to hear the latest news on the Mogo Trails build as well as Rocky Trail Destination’s exciting news about Sea Otter Australia.”
Ms Lever said council had run eight Ride Ready initiatives over the past year.
“We have also been fortunate to have the Narooma Mountain Bike Club’s support, as they’ve provided us with valuable insights and lessons learned from their opening experience,” Ms Lever said.
“The sessions are designed to bring businesses right across the shire up to speed with this new type of tourism in our shire.
“The Mogo Trails will begin to open mid-year, with plenty of opportunities for businesses to jump on board and cater for mountain bike visitors and their families.”
Jake Adams and Rob West, of Nelligen Steampacket Hotel, have started thinking about ways to cater for mountain bikers.
“We’d love to utilise our courtesy bus with bike racks and a trailer to service the western side of the trails,” Mr Adams said.
“We are tossing up ideas on how we can make use of all the land we have – things like secure storage for bikes.”
Angus Murphy, owner of Narooma and Moruya bicycle shops, said Eurobodalla’s accommodation options lacked in bike storage and bike washing areas.
“It’s mega important; riders are coming down with expensive gear and want to keep it clean and secure,” Mr Murphy said.
James McEwen, of Batemans Bay Engineering, saw a gap in the market to make custom-fit bike racks.
“I saw the progression in mountain biking and the need for bike racks you can easily manoeuvre to access the back of your car and have made quite a few now,” Mr McEwen said.
His wife Grace McEwen, of Health-E-Living, was also jumping at business opportunities.
“The Ride Ready sessions have been great to understand what the mountain biker wants so I can turn my business towards some of their needs like healthy ready-to-go food options,” Ms McEwen said.
Shop neighbour Traci Deegan of Earthed Jewels and Dreams has been a regular at the Ride Ready sessions.
“To know there’s a great deal of visitors coming and that we can profit from mountain bikers even if we don’t sell bike gear – people will still come to support our shops.”
For more information on Ride Ready Eurobodalla, visit council’s website.
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