Mark Grebert in collaboration with his partner Jane Noack, have developed the concept of local bike hire for tourists and locals alike to have the same opportunity to experience the enjoyment of bike riding on the variety of scenic roads and trails in our Shire.

It all started in Spring 2010 when local Brierfield resident Mark was a parent helper on his son’s Chrysalis Steiner School camp. They were on the final day of their six day New England Wilderness Trek that began at the Bellinger River headwaters, (Point Lookout) and finished back at the School campus in Thora. The original idea to canoe the final stretch was thwarted by low river levels at the time.

Subsequently, the means to complete the route was changed to a bike ride from the top of Darkwood Road with bikes hired from Coffs Harbour. Mark was so inspired by the experience of gliding on the bike through the scenic Thora Valley, he purchased the bike he was riding, and the seeds were sown for the new eco-inspired local tourism venture Bellingen Nature Bike Rides.

Mark is probably better known locally for a noisier sort of bike- particularly his vintage 1985 Harley Motorcycle. However, it was this single experience that reignited his interest in the simple pleasure of pedal powered bike riding that he hadn’t enjoyed since he was a boy.

Bellingen Nature Bike Rides are located at Mark and Jane’s property in Brierfield, a scenic 15 km drive south from Bellingen, with affordable short-term bike hire to explore native bush land trails from their doorstep.

The concept of Bellingen Nature Bike Rides is to remind yourself of the joy of riding a bike and enjoying your natural surroundings.

Bellingen Nature Bike Rides have 2017 model mountain bikes, designed for comfort and ease of riding, available for hire. Tailored bike hire is also available with a bike drop off and pick up service available to customer’s accommodation or location of choice within the Shire (25km radius from Bellingen).

Helmets and locks are included with bike hire and maps are available for a variety of scenic ride options from easy to more challenging trails. The emphasis of Bellingen Nature Bike Rides is keeping it simple; facilitating an eco-friendly, healthy and fun way to explore and experience the unique Bellingen Shire.

As Mark says, “It’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s just about helping it spin”.

Bellingen Nature Bike Rides launches on March 1st, the first day of Autumn. Share their Facebook Page with 10 friends for the chance to win a voucher for 3 hours of hire from Brierfield for you and 3 friends.

You can find out more through their website www.bellingennaturebikerides.com.au or Facebook page or by contacting Mark 0423 272 897 or Jane 0432 844 870.