Sun, 31/10/2010

Mary recently opened a new trail at Stromlo Forest Park in memory of the late James ‘Willo’ Williamson.

The new trail, which is 1.5 km long, starts at Wombat Junction and links to the western mountain bike trails near Slick Rock.

“James Williamson, or Willo, as he was more affectionately known, will be remembered for the huge impact he had on the mountain bike world in such a short period of time, both on and off the bike,” Mary said.

James was a world champion. After only one year on the 24-hour circuit James became the 2006 Australian Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Champion. In 2008 he took out the World Solo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championship in Canmore, Canada.

In 2010 he realised his dream to race the Cape Epic, a seven-stage mountain bike race in South Africa. He completed Stages one and two with his friend and riding partner Shaun Lewis. Then early in the morning of 23 March 2010, before the start of stage 3 James tragically died.

James was also the editor of Enduro magazine which enabled him to communicate his love of mountain biking to a wider audience. His editorials were particularly memorable as they effortlessly captured the spirit of mountain biking in a profound and unforgettable way.

“James had a strong connection with mountain biking and Stromlo Forest Park and it is with great pleasure that we are naming this link trail after him, “Mary acknowledged. “He will be remembered for his energy, his enthusiasm and his passion for the sport that he loved.”

“I think everyone would agree that the facilities at Stromlo are a great asset to the community, and a wonderful use of this part of the ACT since the devastation of the 2003 firestorms,“ Mary concluded.

To find out more about it please visit http://www.stromloforestpark.com.au