The Blue Derby mountain bike trails have a reputation as some of the toughest, most technical and exhilarating challenges a modern mountain biker can ride.
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Their international reputation is now so strong, riders from near and far continue to flock to Northern Tasmania to test their mettle.
But for those of us who prefer a more leisurely ride, a new trail is being constructed around the remarkable Briseis Hole, just off the Derby township itself.
The dam is not well-known by outsiders, but that is soon to change.
World Trails director Glen Jacobs said the new trail would target both walkers and more casual bike riders who wanted to enjoy the beauty of Derby without tackling the strenuous kilometres through the Blue Tiers.
“This trail is at the soft end of the market, it’s going to be for walkers and riders so you can head off to the lake and up to the lookouts,” he said.
“There is simply nothing like it, it’s one of the rare gems in Tasmania, a lake in the middle of a township.”
Mr Jacobs said Derby’s location and history of tin mining meant the bike trails had endless opportunity to capitalise on old infrastructure and roads.
The new trail will include a suspension bridge across the river to the lake, currently under design with engineers, and lead across from the north of the township.
A leisurely riding and walking track will loop all the way around the lake, with another trail taking a tougher climb up the cliff-face of the old mine to a “spectacular” lookout at the top of the cliff.
Mr Jacobs said while the new trail system won’t be open until mid 2018, it was incredibly exciting seeing Derby’s reputation increasing internationally following the success of the Enduro World Series earlier this year.
He said the challenges of constructing the suspension bridge were not small, but would help reveal some of the region’s best offerings.
More than 300 elite international riders took to the trails in April, with thousands of visitors pouring into Derby and surrounding towns over days of intense mountain biking competition.
Dorset Council mayor Greg Howard said the new trails would be a welcome addition to the technical challenges of the Blue Derby tracks, and would encourage young and old visitors to get on the bike and explore the town.
“We wanted something for the partners and families of genuine mountain bikers,” he said.
“In the long term we hope to develop recreational activity open on the lake itself, and some that may work off the actual mine face.”
Mr Howard said council hoped to expand Derby’s offerings with ziplines or rock climbing, to attract more outdoor adventurers.
