MEDIA RELEASE

Kalamunda on track to open new bike trail

03/12/2012

This Sunday, mountain bikers from across Perth will head for the hills to be among the first to hit a brand new trail.

The West Australian Mountain Biking Association (WAMBA), along with Rock N Roll Mountain Biking, will officially open the beginner trail to the public at 9am.

Free rider workshops will run until 2pm, with experienced coaches on hand to offer riding tips. Free loan bikes will be available for adults wanting to try their hand at this exciting sport.

WAMBA committee member Ian Humphrey said the new 800 metre beginner loop and skills area will give new riders a place to practice before tackling the more difficult trails.

"Mountain biking can be a challenging sport, and there are a few important skills riders need to develop before hitting the track," he said.

"This trail will help new riders learn about some of the obstacles they're likely to face, such as rocks and logs, while teaching them about good riding technique. It'll also help experienced riders home their skills."

The trail, which is free to use and open year-round, will also be used to promote health messages, through a partnership with WA's LiveLighter campaign.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for singles, couples or families to try something new and improve their fitness," said Maurice Swanson, CEO of the Heart Foundation (WA Division).

This National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health initiative was funded by the Australian Government and supports the aims of the national Swap It, Don't Stop It campaign and the Western Australian LiveLighter campaign.

Where: Paulls Valley Rd, Paulls Valley (adjacent to Calamunnda Camel Farm)
When: Sunday 9 December, between 9am – 2pm

For more information, please contact:

Ian Humphrey, WAMBA:
0434 945 046
info@wamba.org.au

Media and Communications Manager
T: (08) 9382 5913
E: media@livelighter.com.au

-ends-

Background

  • Only 53.7% of WA adults get enough physical activity (National Physical Activity Guidelines, 2010)
  • 66.3% of Western Australian adults are overweight or obese. (WA Department of Health, Health and Wellbeing of Adults in Western Australia 2011, Overview and Trends)
  • Western Australia has the highest proportion of overweight and obese people of all the States and Territories. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Overweight and Obesity in Adults in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007–08)
  • Of the OECD countries, Australia is ranked 5th for highest percentage of obese adults. (OECD, Obesity Update 2012)
  • Swap It, Don't Stop It is funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health. For more information, visit www.swapit.gov.au
  • LiveLighter is funded by the WA Health Department and run by the Heart Foundation (WA Division) in conjunction with the Cancer Council of WA. For more information, visit www.livelighter.com.au