Remember that forgotten corner of your mountain bike trail network? The one rumoured to be full of hidden gems, but eerily quiet? Enter the Parklands Dash Experiment! My goal was simple: lure riders out of their comfort zones, boost their skills and confidence, and showcase the hidden potential of these forgotten trails. The solution? A playful event for teams or solo riders that combined exploration, friendly competition, and just a touch of chaos.
As the Club Secretary of the Bushrangers Mountain Bike Club, I saw an opportunity to turn this underutilised zone into an adventure zone for our members. But there was a problem: intimidation. Unfamiliar terrain, perceived difficulty, and a lack of guidance kept riders away.
SMART Objectives
- Increase the use of the neglected ‘Beehive’ and ‘Upper NZ’ trails in the Parklands Mountain Bike Trail network by 20% within 3 months after the Parklands Dash Experiment, as measured by a post-event survey showing 80% of participants reporting increased confidence in tackling new trails.
- Achieve a net positive response rate in social media responses and post-event survey regarding satisfaction of the event.
Planning the Adventure
I designed a map with a “choose-your-own-adventure” route with key checkpoints, each checkpoint holding a unique challenge such as:
- removing and then reinstalling your wheels
- transport a raw egg to the finish line
- eat a dry Weetbix (gluten-free, of course!).
To add a twist, I threw in “joker” cards granting lucky riders special advantages. Safety was paramount, with pre-ride checks, eagle-eyed volunteers, and detailed maps (printed and digitally on Trailforks app) ensuring everyone explored confidently.
The Day of Discovery
Many brave riders from various clubs joined the fun, with enthusiastic volunteers keeping things rolling. The air buzzed with excitement as riders embarked on their journeys, maps clutched, strategising their routes. Laughter filled the air as they tackled challenges, made bad choices, discovered hidden singletrack gems, and swapped stories at the post-event BBQ and afterwards on social media. They conquered not just the trails, but their own inhibitions, proving that exploration doesn’t have to be scary.
The Great Egg Challenge (and One Unbreakable Rider!)
“Checkpoint Clubs” was where riders encountered the infamous “package”: an egg entrusted to them for safe delivery back to the finish. Let’s just say I envisioned a few more cracked shells!
Turns out, our riders were surprisingly adept at egg-cellent bike handling. But the real star of the show was the guy who toppled down a technical descent, with his egg tucked precariously in his jersey… and it still emerged unscathed! His impressive skill and (perhaps) strategically padded camelback saved the day, earning him bragging rights and proving that confidence and control are key ingredients for success.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
The feedback was music to my ears. Riders craved more length, more singletrack, and more challenges (they must really love Weetbix!). Suggestions for bigger map fonts and pre-race breakfast were duly noted. Even the orienteering community chimed in with valuable insights on unmanned checkpoints, opening doors for future adventures.
The Parklands Dash Experiment wasn’t just about utilising new trails; it was about conquering hesitation. By creating a fun, accessible, and engaging experience, I proved that exploration can be thrilling. The future is bright at the Parklands trail network.
My Secret Tools (Project Management and Collaboration Skills)
- Planning: Research, stakeholder collaboration, diverse needs consideration.
- Content Creation: Engaging maps, social media, promotional materials, clear communication.
- Safety: Detailed planning, volunteer coordination, risk mitigation.
- Adaptability: Weather delays, course adjustments, feedback integration.
- Collaboration: Engaging riders, volunteers, and community experts.