Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders MTB Club, located in Greater Taree City Council, is a prominent sports club in the area. The club is primarily focused on mountain biking and is known for its extensive trail network at the Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Park.
Originally established 20 years ago by a small group of friends, the club has transformed the initial couple of trails into almost 70 kilometres of hand-cut mountain bike specific single trails. Often referred to as the 'Tip Trails' due to their proximity to the Taree Waste Management Centre, these trails are renowned for their exceptional quality.
Unlike other trail systems that consist of one or two loops, the Kiwarrak trails form an interconnected “web” of trails that intersect multiple times. This unique design allows riders to create their own unique adventure by selecting from a wide range of trails to stitch together their ride. Moreover, 95% of the trails are non-directional, meaning riders can ride them in both directions, providing even more options.
The park and the volunteer builders cater to all styles of riding, from fast and flowy cross country (XC) trails to gravity-fed enduro style trails with purpose-built structures like jumps, bridges, wall-rides, drops, and roller coasters. The club takes pride in acknowledging the efforts of all the trail builders and maintainers, both past and present.
The Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders encourage individuals to become paid members of the club, which comes with the added bonus of receiving a free Tippies T-shirt. For those interested in helping maintain the trails, the club regularly organises Trail Days where members can volunteer their time. Alternatively, individuals can also make donations to support the upkeep of the trails.
The Kiwarrak MTB trail network caters to riders of all levels and preferences. Whether you're looking for family-friendly loops or challenging all-day epics, the trails offer a variety of options, including cross country, flow, and enduro. To navigate the trails, riders can refer to the club's trail map.
In addition to regular rides, the club organises social rides and dig days throughout the year, providing opportunities for locals and visitors to get involved in mountain biking and engage with other riders in the community.
The club is also proud to have the support of various sponsors, such as Bourkes Bicycles, RFS, Barrier Signs, Manning Valley Free Range Eggs, Forestry Corporation of NSW, and Shearwater Engineering.
Overall, the Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders MTB Club is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the mountain biking trails in the area, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for riders of all levels and styles.