However, my mature-aged sons enjoy this fantastic sport and have invested in thousands of dollars for bikes and equipment.

They frequent professionally constructed mountain bike trails in and around where they live in Southern Queensland.

Having accompanied them on several occasions, I have been impressed by not only the standard and care in which the trails are constructed, but the conscientious attitude my sons and other mountain bikers demonstrate towards the environmental and operational standards.

Of course, we all know there are environmentally sensitive areas on Mount Canobolas. Zone these areas and make them 'no go' areas.

As reported by others, an effective environmental management plan for a mountain bike park will improve the mountain - not destroy it!

I speculate that many objectors to establishing this tourist magnet for our city have not visited a professionally constructed and managed mountain bike park.

I urge them to give it a go - like me, you may well be impressed by what you see and the people you meet.

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