Mt Buller - All you need to know

[John U]

Rode International yesterday with Blue Dirt and the work that's been done is superb. The entire top section (up to the road gap) has been revamped and has heaps more flow. Several other sections have been improved to increase flow and there's a brilliant ramp/drop that's been put in at the bottom. The 'steppy bit' just before the wall ride has had an additional bit of matting put in that makes it way less sketchy.

Overall the track has a lot more flow and is way less brutal than it used to be. It's also lot faster. I was riding it on a trail bike and managed just fine, whereas it used to be pretty much DH only.

I am by no means a hard core downhiller, but what you describe Nautioner sounds a lot like the other runs on the mountain. Is there not room for a run that can't be ridden easily on a trail bike? When you say it has more flow what do you mean? Have they reduced all of the wedged in boulders that used to stick out of the track that could catch you out if you weren't on your toes?

Who did the work on it?

 

[Nautonier]

I am by no means a hard core downhiller, but what you describe Nautioner sounds a lot like the other runs on the mountain. Is there not room for a run that can't be ridden easily on a trail bike? When you say it has more flow what do you mean? Have they reduced all of the wedged in boulders that used to stick out of the track that could catch you out if you weren't on your toes?

Who did the work on it?

It's not like other runs on the mountain, as in it's a lot more challenging for sure, but can be ridden on a trail bike if you're comfortable with relatively technical riding. It has more flow than it used to because the trail fairies have filled in some of the really big holes that used to be harsh even with 200mm travel. Also the top section has been kind of 'dug out' so there is more dirt and less one big rock garden. I wouldn't say it's been 'dumbed down', just faster and more doable for a wider range of riders. The 'wall ride' is probably the hardest section of trail, but it's possible to ride down the guts of it (not up the wall and dropping off the end), although it does take a very specific line to turn that sharply into it. As I said the hardest bit of all, which was the entry to the wall ride, is now smoother and its possible to brake more, leaving more room for negotiation in the wall section. It's still going to be a totally hectic track for downhillers at speed, just not quite as scary as it was after no maintenance for years, several races on it and much erosion.

I was told that the work was done by the Buller trail crew (of 2), ask the guy who runs the shuttles if you want the details.

 

[wkkie]

Yes the Mirimbah Store have just posted their Xmas/NYE opening schedule: View attachment 323105

Plus the Northside Express Chairlift will be operational.

Anyone know how much a day pass for the lift will be? Can't find any prices online.

 

[Nautonier]

Anyone know how much a day pass for the lift will be? Can't find any prices online.

It will be at the price of your life. Seriously, I can't believe they get away with no bike hooks on the chairs. Balancing your precious rig on the arm of a shonky old chair lift seat while unable to deploy the safety bar isn't the safest. Have you ever read the fine print in their disclaimer? Something along the lines of: "if you choose to get on our chairlift with your bike you will not be able to use the safety bar and will therefore forgo all rights to guaranteeing staying on the seat, thus putting either your life of the fate of your bike in your own hands". A couple of years ago I saw a kid fall off the lift in a VDHS round after struggling with his bike for several seconds after getting on the lift.

 

[benannear]

Anyone know how much a day pass for the lift will be? Can't find any prices online.

Hey wkkie all lift prices are here on the Bike Buller website http://bike.mtbuller.com.au/chairlift_info.php

 

[iUDEX_nCr]

It will be at the price of your life. Seriously, I can't believe they get away with no bike hooks on the chairs. Balancing your precious rig on the arm of a shonky old chair lift seat while unable to deploy the safety bar isn't the safest. Have you ever read the fine print in their disclaimer? Something along the lines of: "if you choose to get on our chairlift with your bike you will not be able to use the safety bar and will therefore forgo all rights to guaranteeing staying on the seat, thus putting either your life of the fate of your bike in your own hands". A couple of years ago I saw a kid fall off the lift in a VDHS round after struggling with his bike for several seconds after getting on the lift.

urgh... I forgot that you couldn't use the safety bar. Although it has been over 5 years, I never found the chair lifts shonky. Being a shorter guy I did find it a little sketchy having to hold my bike in front of me and wait for the chairlift to scoop me up.

... or is there a technique?

 

[John U]

I always use the safety bar. I've never been told off for doing so. It's not the most comfortable trip up, and I get covered in shit from my bike, but it beats walking.

Looks like it'll be $65 a day this year. Pretty good value considering the resources involved and the number of people actually using it. I'm sure it costs a fair bit to get a multi million dollar chairlift up and running for the day.

If you've got concerns with you're technique getting on the lift tell the lift operators. They can slow the lift down for you to get on if you're new to it. They will have a lot of pointers on correct method (which could be relevant to newbs and veterans alike).

Bike hooks would be a great addition. Does Thredbo have them?

 

[Duane]

I always use the safety bar. I've never been told off for doing so. It's not the most comfortable trip up, and I get covered in shit from my bike, but it beats walking.

Looks like it'll be $65 a day this year. Pretty good value considering the resources involved and the number of people actually using it. I'm sure it costs a fair bit to get a multi million dollar chairlift up and running for the day.

If you've got concerns with you're technique getting on the lift tell the lift operators. They can slow the lift down for you to get on if you're new to it. They will have a lot of pointers on correct method (which could be relevant to newbs and veterans alike).

Bike hooks would be a great addition. Does Thredbo have them?

Likewise, I get the bar over the seat post on the Glory and it holds the bike in place, a bit of added security for me too.

 

[benannear]

I always use the safety bar. I've never been told off for doing so. It's not the most comfortable trip up, and I get covered in shit from my bike, but it beats walking.

Looks like it'll be $65 a day this year. Pretty good value considering the resources involved and the number of people actually using it. I'm sure it costs a fair bit to get a multi million dollar chairlift up and running for the day.

If you've got concerns with you're technique getting on the lift tell the lift operators. They can slow the lift down for you to get on if you're new to it. They will have a lot of pointers on correct method (which could be relevant to newbs and veterans alike).

Bike hooks would be a great addition. Does Thredbo have them?

Some great points John U,

one other point is that the Buller lift staff will happpily load your bike onto the rear of each chair, so passengers can ride the chair without holding their bike and with the safety bar down.

Yes Thredbo you self load, however, Thredbo chair is a detachable and therefore allows the cable and chair to rotate through the load station at a much slower speed. Buller has tried to look at this system, however, at the Chalet Creek mid-load on the Northside Express (botttom of Abom, International etc.) at Buller the chairlift speed is too high to operate a self load system. Sure they could slow the chairlift speed, this would then take 3 times a slong tio get back to Spurs.

Cheers,

Benny

 

[mymasseur]

Full face necessary

Hi all have been on 3 main threads looking through the 100's of pages about buller. Planning on heading up there with the mrs and couple of mates in January 2017, have it pretty sussed in the way of what we want to ride lifts etc, we are going to stay in Mansfield and uplift some days from the cafe or drive up and chair lift others, 2 main questions, anyone have any recommendations for houses to rent for a week at Mansfield and is it really necessary to have a full face helmet for the chairlift run and klingsporn? Reading some forums say that it is compulsory but others not. We are not bringing the dh rigs, just the 150-160 trail/am rigs, doing epic, and xc stuff etc but want to do many klingys and all chair uplift trails bar international. advice appreciated. ps is it worth driving to you yangs from Melbourne and doing 2 days there or spend the 7 days in buller????

 

[ForkinGreat]

Hi all have been on 3 main threads looking through the 100's of pages about buller. Planning on heading up there with the mrs and couple of mates in January 2017, have it pretty sussed in the way of what we want to ride lifts etc, we are going to stay in Mansfield and uplift some days from the cafe or drive up and chair lift others, 2 main questions, anyone have any recommendations for houses to rent for a week at Mansfield and is it really necessary to have a full face helmet for the chairlift run and klingsporn? Reading some forums say that it is compulsory but others not. We are not bringing the dh rigs, just the 150-160 trail/am rigs, doing epic, and xc stuff etc but want to do many klingys and all chair uplift trails bar international. advice appreciated. ps is it worth driving to you yangs from Melbourne and doing 2 days there or spend the 7 days in buller????

I recommend staying on the mountain. the drive to buller and back to Mansfield each day - a 96km round trip - will take up precious riding and chillout time and may begin to shit you and your wife intensely, IMO. 672km of driving you can do without.

Take the full face helmet for any lifted run. facial surgery is expensive and painful.

 

[mymasseur]

Ok now I am stuffed. Where do I stay on Buller then? 4 of us and food on the hill any dramas, looks like foodworxs on the hill and restaurants etc so should be good for food. Especially taking food on epic rides. Basically then what's the best MTB accommodation for 4 storing bikes etc.

Cake or death?

 

[---Matt---]

I recommend staying on the mountain. the drive to buller and back to Mansfield each day - a 96km round trip - will take up precious riding and chillout time and may begin to shit you and your wife intensely, IMO. 672km of driving you can do without.

Take the full face helmet for any lifted run. facial surgery is expensive and painful.

Completely agree with everything said here. A full face isn't required on Klingsporn but I've had some good stacks there so it's full face only for me these days. The DH trails under the chairlift require a full face.

There's plenty of summer accommodation on the mountain and it's relatively cheap compared to the winter months. You could either stay on the mountain or at the bottom of the hill near Mirimbah or Sawmill Settlement. I'd start by looking at AirBnB for accommodation. There's also info on the Mt Buller website: http://www.mtbuller.com.au/Summer/plan-your-visit/accommodation#accommodations

There's a Foodworks supermarket on the mountain that is open most days and a good restaurant that you'll see when driving through Sawmill Settlement.

 

[Mywifesirrational]

Ok now I am stuffed. Where do I stay on Buller then? 4 of us and food on the hill any dramas, looks like foodworxs on the hill and restaurants etc so should be good for food. Especially taking food on epic rides. Basically then what's the best MTB accommodation for 4 storing bikes etc.

Cake or death?

Stay in one of the lodges Andy manages, hes a top bloke and easy to get along with.

http://www.andysfattyrebikelodge.com.au/#home

Foodworks is open in the summer period, dont expect anything else to be open, it may be, but I'd confirm prior.

Fullface required for Abom and international, but not copperhead.

 

[sufferthesinglespeed]

Possibly thinking about adding a few days in Vic to try and get up to Buller too.
Staying up there seems the best idea, as previously mentioned here, how many days would be worth doing? A weekend, 3 days?
And is it better to go mid week? Andys fat tire looks like the likely place to stay. Any ideas or feedback would be much appreciated. Will be solo
Full face recommended obviously. Is hiring an option up there? Will have my bike with me if I go, 29r Enduro.
I see that there are buses and such to get up there with bikes but would it be preferable in a hire car?
Lots of questions, sorry, but the wife just threw it out the other night that I should extend for a few days after going to Tassie.
All this will be in November.

 

[Mywifesirrational]

Possibly thinking about adding a few days in Vic to try and get up to Buller too.
Staying up there seems the best idea, as previously mentioned here, how many days would be worth doing? A weekend, 3 days?
And is it better to go mid week? Andys fat tire looks like the likely place to stay. Any ideas or feedback would be much appreciated. Will be solo
Full face recommended obviously. Is hiring an option up there? Will have my bike with me if I go, 29r Enduro.
I see that there are buses and such to get up there with bikes but would it be preferable in a hire car?
Lots of questions, sorry, but the wife just threw it out the other night that I should extend for a few days after going to Tassie.
All this will be in November.

I find three days is pretty good for seeing most of the tracks, but it really depends on what you want to ride and focus on.

The last few visits, I'd normally do a DH - chairlift day, a delitite run / mirrimbah shuttle day and then an XC day to enjoy the trails around the village and out to sterling / cornhill. This way you get to see most of the trail network.

I'd hire a car, it's going to save a lot of time travelling wise. No idea what runs in summer transport wise to the mountain (anything?), someone will know.

 

[djam]

Mirimbah Store Shuttle runs as of Tomorrow

The Mirimbah bike shuttle is back up and running for the 2016-2017 bike season.

Not only is it running, but with many more buses

More details on the Mirimbah store site.

http://www.mirimbah.com.au/mountainbiking.html

I can't wait to get back on the trails, ok so I've had a little ride already :|

If you are getting out early, beware the trails could still have some fallen trees and other
sticks etc on the trails. It's been snowing almost every week since the ski season ended,
so the trail maintenance has been compromised some what.

This photo is from last Sunday morning.

 

[djam]

Targa starts tomorrow

Targa starts tomorrow and as always there will be road closures, details below.

The Mirimbah Store bus will only run on Friday from 08:00-12:00 and Saturday afternoon,
14:00-17:00.


ROAD CLOSURES
The following roads will be closed to all traffic on the following days and times.

Friday, 4 November 2016

7:52am - 12:22pm The Mt Buller Road is closed between Chalet Creek and Mirimbah Store.
13:11pm - 18:03pm The Mt Buller Road is closed between Warrambat Rd and Cow Camp Lane.

Saturday, 5 November 2016

9.13am - 13.43pm The Mt Buller Road is closed between Chalet Creek and Mirimbah Store.


Sunday, 6 November 2016

7:15am - 11:45am The Mt Buller Road is closed between Chalet Creek and Mirimbah Store
14:30pm - 19:00pm The Mt Buller Road is closed between Warrambat Rd and Cow Camp Lane.

*Outside of these times, you may experience delays when vehicles are moving into position at the start line.

 

[Kangri Kangri]

Climbing Buller

Hi All,

What would be the best way to climb from Mirimbah to the Village without using the road?
Leaving the roadie at home, but still want to get my 7peaks stamp!
As a bit of background I've done the Epic before, Stonefly and the stuff near the village, and really want to try Delatite this time around.
My research is currently at.

1. Climb Klingsporn, descend Delatite. But I've been told Klingsporn is really steep, so don't like the idea of having to walk my bike.
2. Climb Delatite, descend Epic. I don't mind doing the Epic again, but would climbing delatite give me a feel of what delatite is like? Is delatite okay to climb since its marked as a one way...?
3. Climb Delatite, descend Delatite.
4. Climb Stirling Rd to TBJ, epic to stirling, then return to the village via. stonefly/trigger happy. Descend Delatite.

Thanks!

 

[Mywifesirrational]

Hi All,

What would be the best way to climb from Mirimbah to the Village without using the road?
Leaving the roadie at home, but still want to get my 7peaks stamp!
As a bit of background I've done the Epic before, Stonefly and the stuff near the village, and really want to try Delatite this time around.
My research is currently at.

1. Climb Klingsporn, descend Delatite. But I've been told Klingsporn is really steep, so don't like the idea of having to walk my bike.
2. Climb Delatite, descend Epic. I don't mind doing the Epic again, but would climbing delatite give me a feel of what delatite is like? Is delatite okay to climb since its marked as a one way...?
3. Climb Delatite, descend Delatite.
4. Climb Stirling Rd to TBJ, epic to stirling, then return to the village via. stonefly/trigger happy. Descend Delatite.

Thanks!

Klingsporn is now closed to bikes, unless someone can someone confirm otherwise?

Is delatite a one way trail? I presumed it was two as its shared with walkers and horses. I'd be inclined, if allowed to, climb delatite, but knowing that after the box corner turn off its going to get very steep in a few spots. And descending wise delatites always fun, or if you want to add another 30+ km going to epic instead.