IT TOOK less than 100 metres of trail at Hollybank Forest to impress Joey Klein.
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The international mountain bike rider, trail designer and builder tested out the freshly constructed trails for the first time yesterday, and the verdict – they are world class.
Klein said Tasmanians had some of the best tracks in the world right on their doorstep.
‘‘What inspires me is that we did this design, let’s say 10 years ago, but I can see already that this is very progressive and they are trails for the future,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s almost better that we waited because the technology and the strategy of how we built the trails now are so much different to when we designed it.’’
The trails were completed less than three months ago and already local, national and international visitors have made the most of Tasmania’s unique environment.
‘‘The sport fits in with the Tasmanian culture,’’ Klein said.
‘‘The forests are more deeper and darker and the trails are more rough and rugged and that’s a big part of the sport.
‘‘Tasmania has a mystique about it that will draw people here.’’
Klein said one of the key features of the trails was their progression, allowing riders of any skill level to enjoy the forest.
‘‘People who are not mountain bikers, if they learn how to ride here they’re just going to excel so much faster,’’ he said.
‘‘We have a really good progression from easy to difficult.
‘‘All you have to do is get here.’’