We have the opportunity to mark out and organise the construction of a MTB specific descending trail from the Pilchers Hill Water tank in Geilston Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. This area forms part of the greater Meehan Range recreation area that is home to an ever growing network of tracks and trails built and maintained largely by volunteers. Here is a snap shot overview from Strava Heat Maps showing usage in the area (Geilston Creek / Pilchers Hill is in the top left of the picture).



The proposed decent trail is an important trail to the Geilston Creek trail network for there following reasons:

- The recently built dual use Pichers Hill Track (G-String) has proved very popular with riders but due to construction techniques and poor sight lines in some areas, is not suitable for MTB descending. This trail has now been formally closed for descending but is still open for climbing.
- The area now has 2 new tracks that have been built in Geilston Creek over the last 18 months that are essentially designed for walkers and not specifically for MTB riding. Let's show that we can self fund a project and prove that more MTB specific trail is worth investment!
- There is a immediate need for a loop to allow riders to enjoy the area without having to descent of highly degraded fire roads.

The Clarence City Council has also received and reviewed a Targeted Risk Appraisal Report for Pilchers Hill that has recommended this trail be constructed. There is currently no funds in the CCC financial year budget to construct this much needed trail. 



The proposed 1.1 kilometre Pilchers Hill Descent will make use of some disused fire road, existing cleared area, informal trail and around 300m - 400m of area that will require clearing via an excavator. The trail proposed will take in some unique features in the area and be similar in style to existing trails. The green area on the map is managed by the Clarence City Council.

Being designed with MTB riding in mind, the trail will incorporate sections that will challenge advanced riders while still being suitable for those with an intermediate skill level.

The trail will start at the Pilchers Hill water tank and finish near the start of the partly constructed Meehan Skyline trail at Geilston Creek. This area is recognised as the best location for a central trail hub.

A proposed alignment has been tape out by local riders, volunteers and members of the Clarence MTB Parks committee. The alignment is expected to be approved over the coming fortnight and construction could then start. An initial quote estimate received for the excavation work required is $750. All remaining construction work would be completed by registered volunteers under the Clarence MTB Parks volunteer structure. There will also be a need to install measures to discourage use of the trail from motorbike riders and also install appropriate signage.

A Small section of existing informal trail still to be completed:

Existing trail at the creek where trail ends. At 00:08 on the right hand side is where the trail will exit: 
Check out both the Meehan Facebook Page - Meehan Range MTB and The Meehan Range Trail Groomers Group - Meehan Range Trail Groomers

Even at this early stage, a big shout out must got to the following people to getting the project where it is - Mark Ambrose, Troy Grundy, Luke Griffiths, Jason Unwin, Clint Siggins, Lee Warrington and anyone else who currently volunteers there time to help out with trail maintenance in the Meehan.

Even if you can't financially contribute to this project, please keep an eye out on the Meehan Range Trail Groomers Facebook page for regular build and maintenance days.

*** Disclaimer ***

If for any reason this trail does not gain final approval for the land manager (Clarence City Council), all funds raised (Minus Pozible fees) will be given to the Clarence MTB Parks Committee for use on other MTB specific projects.

Funds estimated to be used as follows:

$750 - Excavation Work
$75 - MEE HAN Official Supporter stickers for those that pledge.
$75 - Supporter BBQ
$50 - Associated Pozible fees.
$50 - Trail Signage

If more funds are raised, they will go towards making the trail a more enjoyable experience through features and upgraded signage (We'll also provide gourmet snags for the launch BBQ!!!).

Any remaining funds at the completion of the project will be given to the Clarence MTB Parks Committee for use in other areas within the Meehan Range.

We are essentially managing the construction of a section of trail that has been recommended within the Targeted Risk Appraisal Report for Pilchers Hill and identified by local users. Like with any piece of infrastructure, keeping a large range of user groups, individuals and those with vested interests happy is the aim of the game.