THE adrenalin charged sport of downhill mountain biking is taking off in the Latrobe Valley.
Mt Baw Baw, Mt Taylor (north east of Bairnsdale) and the Churchill/Moe areas all have terrain ideally suited to the sport, according to Gippsland Mountian Biking Club's downhill representative Nick King.
He said not only was downhill becoming more popular within the club, it was attracting new people to the sport of mountain biking.
"Over the last few years the number of people participating in downhill has steadily increased and continues to do so," King said.
"Since the early 2000s, the price of the bikes and equipment has been dropping because of increased global demand, which is making the sport more accessible."
Similar to cross country mountain biking, downhill is much faster paced as the courses are set out on steeper terrain.
A course usually takes between two and five minutes to complete and is scattered with natural and man-made obstacles such as tree roots, jumps and 'berms,' which are banked turns with a tight radius.
King, who fell into the sport through his love of biking and the mountains, believes it is a great activity for anyone who loves a challenge.
"It's a unique kind of fitness - to be fast and successful there are a lot of good riders, and you're always challenged mentally," he said.
"The obstacles scare a lot of people so you have to have that toughness to hit the jumps."
One would also be forgiven for thinking most of the takers are young boys; however the club has male and female participants ranging from 12 to 60 years of age.
Last year, the club's Leonie Picton was the women's downhill national champion.
Picton made it to the World Championships in Italy, but injured her shoulder during practice and was unable to compete.
Races are held across Australia, and due to the travel involved the club has invested in tents and other equipment that can be utilised by members.
On race or ride days the club also hires shuttle trailers to help with transporting the bikes.
Although the gear may seem expensive, King said "lots of people take up the sport as a cheaper alternative to motocross".
"The equipment is cheaper, transportation is cheaper and of course there are no fuel costs with a mountain bike," he said.
The club has hosted a number of downhill rides this year, with another club day coming up at Mt Baw Baw on Saturday, 18 February.
People can come and watch as well as chat to members of the club about the sport.
Riders will be displaying the best of their skills, with the Mt Baw Baw giant air bag being in use on the day.
"It's a very social sport that can offer all kinds of people a great experience," King said.
For more information about Gippsland Mountain Biking Club, phone Melissa Cosson 0427 935 553.
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