The world’s longest off-road cycling trail has officially opened in Western Australia – and the first 26 riders have cycled the whole of it too.The Munda Biddi trail (which means ‘path through the forest’ in the Noongar Aboriginal language) stretches 620 miles from Albany on the south-west coast to Mundaring, a suburb to the east of Perth. Work on the trail started in 2001 and already attracts thousands of cyclists every year.
After 12 years of work the final sections of the trail were finished last month and 26 intrepid cyclists peddled the 1,000km route in three weeks. They were waved over the finish line at an opening ceremony by environment minister Albert Jacob at a Festival of Cycling event.
Western Australia’s unspoiled forests and bushland, gentle terrain and good climate combine to make excellent cycling conditions. Accessible by road, the trail lends itself to day-trips or shorter routes too, and loops and spurs off the main trail are planned now work has been completed. There’s cycling for all abilities and the chance to see native plants and wildlife as well.
For more information on the trail visit the website http://mundabiddi.org.au
