Having to deal with unprecedented challenges in its first year of operation, the East Coast network recently announced several new setbacks caused by the coronavirus clampdown.

However, the trails' potential has been recognised with a national award less than six months after opening.

"It has been a crazy time for all of us," SHMBT said in an announcement to all its trail users.

"COVID-19 basically stopped us all in our tracks and has made us reevaluate, basically our entire lives.

"While we appreciate that getting out in nature and on your bike for many is your happy place, we hope you understand that in light of Government announcements and the need to stop people moving around, the decision to close our trails we felt was the responsible one.

"This was a hard decision for us to make."

The network had been due to launch two new trails this month.

It plans instead to announce their details in an upcoming special edition newsletter.

In addition to this, organisers have had to cancel the Dragon Trail event, dealing a blow to both the St Helens trail network and the North-East economy.

Event organisers Craig Bycroft and Louise Foulkes had arranged accommodation, guest speakers and a full race experience for more than 300 competitors.

Network officials were hopeful the event would proceed in 2021.

In more encouraging news, the St Helens trails have received their first award.

The Power of Partnerships accolade was announced among the Mountain Bike Australia achievement awards.

It was presented in March to Break O'Day Council, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and World Trail for their collaborative efforts in delivering the St Helens MTB Trails.

"What an honour it is to be receiving our first award not even six months after opening," Break O'Day Mayor Mick Tucker said.

"This really was a surprise but also great recognition of the collective effort that went in to the design, construction and delivery of the project. Without the expertise, support and assistance of our partners, this project would not have been possible."

World Trail project manager Gerard McHugh and PWS deputy secretary Jason Jacobi echoed these sentiments.

Tucker said plans were also afoot to open a 23km adventure trail taking riders to hidden water holes and waterfalls.

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