Mountain biking (MTB) is fast becoming a popular endurance sport, and if you are looking to plant your wheels in the dirt and find your happy place among mountain ranges, picturesque creeks and native bushland, look no further than the traction action home of MTB in Rockhampton – First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve or the Mount Morgan Trails.
Nestled in the foothills abutting Mount Archer National Park, First Turkey is the Capricorn region’s premier trail network, both recreational and competitive, and features over 25 kilometres of fun obstacles.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a leisurely day out with the whole family, a cross-country fanatic or a rider more prone to testing your endurance in the Gravity Enduro scene, the 29 diverse and scenic trails offer a challenge for riders of all abilities and fitness levels.
From the high speed decents and technical terrain of the 1.7 kilometre ‘K-9’ (which can bite if you aren’t paying attention!) to the easy 4-5% gradient of ‘Finley’s’, the network of impressive routes will enable you to push your physical boundaries while experiencing nature like never before.
This stunning slice of the Capricorn region is powered by the Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club, who continuously work hard to cater to the growing interest of mountain biking and strive to establish Rockhampton as a major mountain biking destination.
Mount Morgan is the home to the region’s newest MTB trails with 25 kilometres of exciting challenges weaving around the No.7 Dam.
Closer towards the Capricorn Coast, Seeonee Park at Limestone Creek is the region’s second trail network and is a popular training ground for XC riders working on their endurance.
Image credit: @meanderingaroundaustralia
Five of our favourite First Turkey Trails
1. Bush Chook Donut – forms a loop which runs off Horseshoe. This is a great trail for beginners and also a fun warm-up for more experienced riders.
2. Finley’s – Rising 93 metres over its 2.4 km length, Finley’s is a great way to warm-up and get your day started. With plenty of tight switchbacks and single track through native bushland, this popular track also features the odd scrub turkey crossing the path to keep you on your toes!
3. Hanging Rock – named after the ominous boulder that hangs impossibly off the side of a turn in the trail, this track is a fast and twisty connector that links Horseshoe to the base of Jackhammer.
4. Horseshoe – a fun XC trail that runs above Moore’s Creek. Arguably the best trail in the whole First Turkey reserve, Horseshoe serves as a connector trail and is one that you will find yourself crossing many times during your day at First Turkey.
5. Scrub Turkey – Tight switchbacks, slippy corners and rocky outcrops make Scrub Turkey a fun filled ride. The two-way trail is accessible from Horseshoe at the bottom and Turkey’s Nest at the top.
Click here to view the First Turkey Trailforks Map.
For more information on the trails and hubs weaving through First Turkey, visit www.rockymtb.org.au and make mountain biking part of your next #visitcapricorn holiday.
