Behind every great mountain bike club is a community of people willing to roll up their sleeves – and for Hunter Mountain Bike Association (HMBA), that volunteer spirit has been driving the club for more than 40 years.
Established in 1985, HMBA is the oldest mountain bike club in New South Wales and one of the longest-running clubs of its kind in Australia. Today, a passionate team of volunteers continues to play a central role in growing the sport across the Hunter region and beyond.
Throughout the year, HMBA volunteers deliver a packed calendar of racing and participation opportunities, from regular club events to rounds of the AusCycling National Downhill Series and AusCycling NSW/ACT Cross-country Series.
The big events and race days aren't just the focus of the club.
The club’s volunteers also help manage and maintain Awaba Mountain Bike Park, ensuring its trails are safe, sustainable and ready to be enjoyed by the thousands of riders who visit each year.
Their contribution was recently recognised when Awaba Mountain Bike Park was awarded Outstanding Visitor Experience at the Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards – a fitting acknowledgement of the role HMBA plays in recreation, tourism and the local community.
For incoming HMBA President Mel Hoffman, it’s a reflection of what has always made the club special.
“Our volunteers generously give their time to build trails, run events and create opportunities for others to experience mountain biking, ensuring the sport continues to grow for future generations.”
From building trails to running race days, HMBA’s volunteers are helping create the experiences that keep people coming back to the bike – and ensuring the club’s legacy continues for the next generation.
That’s the power of a club built by its community.
AusCycling's 'Clubs in Focus' series showcases the outstanding things that our clubs are doing at the grassroots. If you have a great story about your club, let us know at [email protected].
Photos: supplied