Freshly built jumps at Cobblers. Image: Emma Jane Warren
Mountain bikers are flocking from near and far to check out this new bike park situated in the North-Eastern suburbs. Many waited patiently for months as the council redeveloped the entire area. And nobody is disappointed with the final outcome.
The Cobbler Creek Mountain Bike Park is officially open to the public - and it looks incredible!
No matter what your age is, or your mountain biking ability,
there are tracks for everyone.
The Pump Track. Image: Emma Jane Warren
The first element to the park is the
Peddler's Paddock Pump Track. This small, dirt area has small humps that are perfect for beginners or young children. This spot can be ridden on with a BMX bike, mountain bike, trainer bike, or even a scooter or skateboard.
It's an ideal place to learn to ride and get confident on some small mounds. A small shaded area with a bench and table is located nearby - meaning Mum and Dad can sit down and still watch the little ones.
Beginner's Circuit. Image: Emma Jane Warren
Right next to the Pump Track, and nearby to the playground, is the
Beginner's Circuit. This one is reasonably flat and only extends for approximately 200m. Again, it's fantastic for kids, and parents can wander around the trail to give support and make sure the children are safe.
Jump Track 1 & 2 are side by side. Image: Emma Jane Warren
To go to the next level, you can explore the intermediate trails. This includes
Jump Track 1 and the slightly more advanced
Jump Track 2. The idea is that riders begin at the top of the hill, ride the tracks down and complete the jumps on the way, and then do a loop back uphill (a clockwise direction).
Along these tracks, there are dirt jumps no higher than one metre. If you or your child don't feel confident enough to complete any of the jumps, you can divert your direction to the left slightly and ride around them instead of going over.
It's important that if your child is planning on using these tracks, you remind them to keep a safe distance behind the rider in front of them. Mountain bike crashes and injuries can get nasty, so everybody should constantly consider safety while out and about. These downhill rides should only be attempted on a mountain bike.
The distance between the beginning and end of these trails is quite far, and you cannot see your child at the start if you are situated at the end. If your child needs constant supervision, this might not be the best idea for them unless you are also on a bike and can ride alongside.
Kids might discover that it is quite a long, exhausting trek back up the hill to begin the track again. They should sleep well the night after you've visited the park!
Bumpy jumps on Jump Track 3. Image: Emma Jane Warren
And finally, there is also a track that can test and challenge even the most experienced riders.
Jump Track 3 is labelled an 'extremely advanced trail' designed purely for professionals. This circuit has a number of difficult jumps that have been designed for the best of the best.
The wall. Image: Emma Jane Warren
Even if you're not at the right level to complete the track yourself, it's certainly a whole lot of fun to watch the experts try their hand at some tricks. I noticed that for every professional that attempted 'the wall jump', there was at least two kids who were watching with eyes wide open and mouths agape.
Downhill on the left, and uphill on the right. Image: Emma Jane Warren
As you drive East along Bridge Road, just before the Grove Way intersection, you'll notice the Cobbler Creek Mountain Bike Park up the hill on your right. If you head down Boundary Track Road, you'll be taken straight into a car park that is only metres from the bike park.
Considering the mountain bike park has only recently opened, it does get considerably busy on the weekends. During some hours of the day, the car park is entirely full. I found the best time to go and ensure you can get a park is before midday or after 2:30pm.
The Pump Track, Beginner's Circuit, Jump Track 1, Jump Track 2, and Jump Track 3 are all
BIKE ONLY trails - meaning no walkers are permitted. There are some shared paths nearby, including the Easy Does it Circuit and the Kafnarfa Trail. Both bikers and walkers are allowed on these.
It's fun to watch experts on the more difficult tracks. Image: Emma Jane Warren
If you are confused upon arrival to Cobbler Creek, then take note of the maps and signage around you. They indicate where trails are, and detail their difficulty level so you can know what you're in for before you start. Otherwise, you can download a
map online.
Along with the new renovations, there has been a public toilet placed at the bike park. It is the colourful shed-like building found between the playground and the car park.
The nearest bus stop to the park is Stop 45A on Bridge Road - South East side. To find timetables and to plan your trip, you can head to the
Adelaide Metro website.
The Cobbler Creek Mountain Bike Park is unlike any other in Adelaide at the moment, so it's definitely worth checking out.
