Two of Wollongong's best mountain bike riders have given Cringila's long-awaited bike trails the big thumbs up.
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Josh Carlson and Leanna Curtis loved what they saw when they tried out Cringila Hills Recreation Park's mountain bike trails, which officially opened yesterday.
Multiple Australian mountain bike champion Carlson said the trails, Wollongong City Council's first mountain bike park, was fantastic.
"It is a really great stepping stone for the mountain bike community here in the Illawarra," the Mount Keira-based rider said.
"It is perfect for those entry level, intermediate riders. It also accommodates for the the more experienced riders, with some Black Diamond jump trails.
"That scenario of entry level trails is something that has been missing in the mountain bike community we have here in Wollongong.
"To have a legal space that is so close to a city CBD, that is accessible and attractive to mountain bike riders for every single level of varying ability is quite an anomaly and pretty cool opportunity for Wollongong as a bike city and to build on heading into the road worlds."
Well known enduro racer and BMX rider Curtis was also "super impressed".
"I'm really surprised with how much they have done with the space," she said.
'It looks like it has got a little bit for everyone, which is pretty good and quite refreshing to see some more jumps in Wollongong.
"Coming from a BMX background, the jumps are exciting."
Riders can now explore almost 12 kilometres of the new purpose-built trails.
Within the large site there is also more than 2.5 kms of renovated walking trails for the broader community to enjoy.
Biking enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the recreation park will also include the addition of a mountain bike skills playground and an asphalt pump track with works beginning later this year.
Read more: Cringila Hills accessible playground open
"With the riding trails and walking tracks now open, we're looking forward to seeing more community members get on their bikes and walking around what has become a wonderful asset for the city," Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
The Federal government provided $1.2 million funding for the project.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
