Growing up in a Trail Town

When someone asks me what it was like growing up in a small country town, I find it a strange question because, for me, it was a very normal experience. But in reflection, I now realise how lucky I was to have parents that cultivated a lifestyle of active exploring and adventure. 

I was born and raised in the small town of Mount Beauty (a population of around 1700 people). In winter, it is the gateway to Falls Creek ski resort, and in summer, it is a cycling and outdoor sports heaven! My parents took us hiking up the tallest mountain in Victoria (Mount Bogong alt 1986m) from a very young age... I think I summited it when I was 4 years old! We went mountain biking on the aqueducts of Falls Creek and floated down the Kiewa River. I was always very enthusiastic about the adventures that involved bikes. I would build jumps on our family chestnut farm and invite friends over to enjoy the latest kicker. I saved up for years to buy my first proper BMX while riding my brother's mountain bikes that were always too big for me. 

It wasn't until I was 14 that I realised I was okay at riding a mountain bike. As the youngest of five boys, I was always last in anything we did as children! In the 2005/06 national series round in Mount Beauty, I managed to drop my chain in the start straight and ride through the field to finish 4th only seconds off 3rd. I couldn't believe I was even competitive, but from then on, I was hooked! 

After that race, I started to train, and all that meant was that I rode my bike with mates (and my brothers) in the Big Hill MTB park. Living in Mount Beauty was a pretty relaxed lifestyle now I think about it. Mum and Dad bought the local bike/ski shop in town, so I had a base that I could ride from directly out of town. I remember riding back from school, chucking on some hand-me-down lycra, and heading straight into the MTB park until dark! The final downhill was always a rush because the light was fading, and the kangaroos were out and about. 

Mount Beauty wasn't the only trail town I was fortunate enough to explore. Just over the hill was Bright, Yackandandah, Beechworth, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, etc. As a family, we would go on micro-adventures on the weekend and sometimes on holidays to other locations with a van full of bikes and camping gear. Since my childhood in Mount Beauty, I've grown up and traveled the world racing and riding my bike on nearly every continent... but you'll have to wait for my next blog to read about that. 

Being part of Trail Towns, helping develop the stories as well as presenting is a dream job. I've always loved riding and going on adventures and always will. It's been such a huge part of my life, and I've met so many amazing people and explored so many awesome parts of Australia and the world.

Let the adventures continue, or see you out on the trails!