Brand new for this summer is Copperhead - brought to you by Specialized, a unique trail concept that is the only one of its kind in the country. A mix between a beginner downhill and a cross-country trail, Copperhead is described as a ‘flow-down' style, and according to World Trail's director, Glen Jacobs, represents a whole new area for mountain biking in Australia. Copperhead incorporates a flow country style but with a downhill edge suitable for both downhill and cross-country bikes and all types of riders. Glen reckons this trail is all about funk and flow - and marks the creation of a new style of riding that's never been seen before. Excited yet? We are. Visit Mt Buller this summer and ride it for yourself.
This gravity offering combines the best of both cross-country and downhill riding featuring banked turns, descending terrain and jumps. The 2.7km trail has a rolled capped surface and is shaped like a huge smooth single track, so it's perfect for your hardtail, XC machine, DH rig or freeride bike.
Check it out:
Copperhead - brought to you by Specialized
This summer, Mt Buller has teamed up with leading bike manufacturer Specialized, and we're super excited about the combined forces of the Bike Buller and Specialized brands!
Specialized is an ideal fit for Mt Buller, with both brands experiencing considerable growth in the Australian market in recent years. Specialized offers a wide range of bikes and gear covering road, XC, DH and more, ideal for the thrills and challenges of Mt Buller's extensive trail network and gruelling uphill road climb. Mt Buller has put a lot of work into developing the bike product, and we're thrilled to have Specialized onboard supporting the Bike Buller name and helping to cement Mt Buller's reputation as a premier mountain biking destination.
Specialized is linked to the hottest new trail in the country, Copperhead, launched at Mt Buller on December 3 2011. The launch of the Copperhead Trail - brought to you by Specialized - marks the start of era for mountain biking in Australia and a brand new style of riding that's never been seen before and signifies the start of a fantastic partnership between Mt Buller and Specialized.
About Specialized Specialized was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Headquartered in Northern California and with local offices in Melbourne VIC, Specialized focus on the rider's need for functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit.
Copperhead - what's the deal? We've had a few questions pop up and have heard lots of chatter about our brand new trail, Copperhead - brought to you by Specialized. We thought we'd do a quick summary of the main queries and if you had any comments or questions, feel free to drop us a line on bikebuller@mtbuller.com.au.
Q: Is Copperhead a downhill trail? A: No. Copperhead is a brand new type of trail called flow down, and is the first of its kind in Australia. You can, however, ride it on a downhill bike - any kind of mountain bike for that matter. It is generally suitable for a beginner downhill rider or intermediate XC rider, however riders of all levels can enjoy different features so even hardcore downhillers can get some serious speed and air in some sections.
Q: Is Copperhead suitable for a complete beginner? A: No. Copperhead is suitable for beginner gravity riders, keen to learn the basics of riding gravity assisted trails. Riders should possess basic MTB skills before attempting this trail.
Q: The surface of Copperhead seems a little loose right now, what's going on there? A: In order to produce a sustainably viable trail, Copperhead is capped in its entire length. This material will bed in over time to reach its optimal surface, and just a like a fine wine, will improve with age.
Q: Do you have to wear a full-face helmet whilst riding Copperhead? A: No. As the trail is suited to all styles of riding, it is at the rider's discretion as to how much protective gear one chooses to wear whilst riding Copperhead. Full-face helmets are required if riders are on Abom, Yellow Post or International downhill trails.
Q: Can we still ride Copperhead when the Horse Hill Chairlift closes at the end of January? A: You sure can. Operating every Saturday and Sunday from February 4th, the Bike Buller Shuttle will extend Mt Buller's lifted season until the end of April with a bus service from Lower Tyrol Car Park back up to the top of the Horse Hill Chairlift. Read all about it here.
