The UC Stromlo staff are taking a moment to work through how to best maintain this asset, whilst allowing people to enjoy it safely. More details soon.
was buzzing around University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo) today as the official launch of the BMX Freestyle facility took place, attended by Minister Chris Steel MLA, Special Minister of State, Tyson Jones-Peni (President of Freestyle BMX ACT Club), and diverse national and international BMX riders.
UC Stromlo and Freestyle ACT BMX club engaged the expertise of Andy Verri, Director, and trail builders Raine Turnbull and Tom Mallet from the building company Think, Make, Enjoy. The construction of the BMX freestyle facility, Hillfire, commenced on September 21 and was completed within a matter of weeks with the intention to have the facility ready in time for the nationally recognised ACT Jam event, sponsored by Boost Mobile, scheduled to take place this weekend.
Designed by Freestyle ACT BMX Club, Hillfire caters to riders ranging from beginners to elite levels, offering a community space and a venue for BMX freestyle events. Minister Steel, stated this investment in a purpose-built BMX freestyle facility gives riders a place to call their own and offers seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels.
Nick Hannon, Executive Manager of AusCycling said, “What’s really exciting is that participation among women and girls has gone up more than 180% over the last five years. Local riders like Caroline Buchanan and Harriet Burbidge-Smith are winning some of the biggest events in the world and inspiring the next generation back home to get on a bike.”
Tyson Jones-Peni, President of Freestyle ACT BMX Club, emphasized the importance of having a BMX jump facility in Canberra capable of hosting top riders globally. This, he believes, will position Canberra prominently in the world of freestyle BMX and strengthen the local BMX community.
Caroline Buchanan, multiple national and world champion BMX/MTB rider, said, "It is such an exciting time in Canberra with the launch of a world class level Freestyle BMX jump line at UC Stromlo Forest Park. It's very rare in Australia to have a jump line of this size, but also of the amazing ad safe standard that Tom Mallet builds.
The whole team at FACT & UC Stromlo have built a progression line for the future of the sport and a large pro line for riders like myself to train and enjoy.
I couldn't wipe the smile off my face riding the dirt jump line this week with other professional rides Mike Ross, Harriet Burbridge Smith and international pro BMX riders like Kris Fox. This weekend is the Boost Mobile ACT Jam and I encourage everyone to come enjoy the jam action'.
Caroline Buchanan expressed to the crowd at the launch how she begun riding when she was just five years old, and that the home she grew up in, sadly burnt down in the 2003 fires, almost right where today's launch was held.
Crosby, who is also starting off his BMX journey at just five years old, was the first to ride the beginning of the progressive line after the official launch, demonstrating how this facility caters for all levels and abilities.
For any questions or feedback, please contact stromloforestpark@act.gov.au.