Winter progress
Despite mornings that have been cold enough to turn breath into snowflakes and make toes rethink their sock strategy, with temperatures around -5˚C, Common Ground's dedicated trail crew is making significant progress.
Current work includes XC15 Up and XC15 Down on Sam Hill, and GR2 and GR3 on Mt Mesley.
Despite a mountain of rockwork to do, the trails developed so far are impressive, with recent inspections receiving positive feedback.
It all starts just 200m from the town centre and the gravity-descent trails lead you (almost) right back to the main street.
Over 100km of trails are planned, with much of the network set to be open this spring.
And the 22km of trails that are already open offer an action-packed weekend for any mountain biking enthusiast.
Plan your route with Trailforks
Before heading to Omeo, you can check out the trails and plan your mountain biking adventure.
The Trailforks app now gives you the latest trail status updates - so you'll be first to know what's open. Please respect the trail builders and only ride on the open network as indicated on Trailforks.
Check it out at www.trailforks.com/region/omeo. Stay connected
Stay in the loop!
The Omeo Mountain Bike Trails Facebook page has topped 500 followers and Ride Omeo on Instagram has sped past an incredible 1,500 followers.
Stay updated: Get the inside running on project milestones, construction updates and completion timelines. Plan your future rides and visits as you see the trails come to life.
Join a thriving community: Engage with riders, share experiences, and exchange tips and advice.
Get insider access: Enjoy behind-the-scenes content, including photos and videos of the trail development process.
Stay connected at www.facebook.com/omeomtb and www.instagram.com/ride.omeo.
Ultimate Omeo Experience winner
Congratulations to the winner of the Flow Ultimate Omeo Experience giveaway!
The lucky winner, Andrew Ryan of Campbells Creek, has secured an incredible package valued at $2100, which includes two nights' accommodation for four at Omeo Rise; a mountain bike clothing voucher; one-day shuttle pass with Ride Omeo Shuttles; a GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera; a $200 fuel voucher; and a $200 voucher for the Golden Age Hotel in Omeo.
"I'm super stoked to win this trip and get to experience the new Omeo trails," Andrew said.
"I've heard so much about the new MTB park there and can't wait to try them out! Thanks Flow and all the other sponsors!"
Promoted by Flow magazine and backed by East Gippsland Shire Council.
A budget boost
Omeo's prospects are brighter than ever, with a substantial $6 million investment allocated for the 2024/25 financial year.
Key projects include:
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails: $3.48 million (total project value: $9.72 million)
• Livingstone Park upgrades: $2.18 million
• Main street improvements: $364,000
These investments are poised to create jobs, attract visitors, and showcase the town's natural beauty and hospitality. Upgrades to Livingstone Park will address flood damage, stabilise Livingstone Creek, and protect park infrastructure, including the pump track, ensuring the park remains a community hub and gateway to the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails.
Meet Jamie Mills - our newest Trail Maintenance Officer
Born in the United Kingdom, where he was originally bitten by the MTB bug, Jamie moved to Australia with the intention of becoming a kite-surfing instructor.
After mastering the kites, he got into landscaping, then agriculture - so he's handy with a shovel.
A move to Gippsland reignited his passion for mountain biking and after joining his local club he also discovered a passion for trail building and maintenance.
Jamie says he's loving getting out on the Omeo trails with our two other maintenance officers, Jack and Jack, and we welcome Jamie to the team.
Exciting developments in Omeo
Omeo recently celebrated a milestone with the opening of the upgraded recreation reserve netball and tennis courts, officiated by Councillors Arthur Allen and Sonia Buckley.
These amenities are now open to everyone, offering a vibrant space for exercise and catching up with friends.
The project, valued at $631,015, received significant support from the Federal Government through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program, contributing $586,528.
Our barbie dolled-up
The back of our barbecue shelter in Livingstone Park provided the perfect canvas for some mountain bike-inspired imagery at the gateway to the trails, thanks to Council and Flow Mountain Bike magazine.