Branxholm feeling bike impact

• Bike mechanic Ben Stephens setting up shop at Branxholm.

By Tony Scott,
September 01, 2021

The impact of the popularity of mountain biking on Derby is overflowing to the surround area, including nearby Branxholm.

Already with a trail connecting the two towns, real estate prices in Branxholm are surging, albeit not as dramatically as Derby’s over the past five years.

Services expected in a mountain bike village are also expected to start popping up.

One such is the Metal Mountain Bike Garage, after a planning application was approved by Dorset Council for bike mechanic Ben Stephens.

A former New Zealand bike shop manager, Mr Stephens arrived in the North-East in January via Cairns and Brisbane to work with the Big Mountain group, hiring bikes and fixing them for the company and other customers.

His proficiency especially with parts like suspension components has quickly earned a following.

He will continue some guiding work with Big Mountain, but also plans to build and run his garage on a block he’s bought in Scott Street Branxholm.

“I couldn’t afford Derby and I like it a bit quieter anyway. It can be a bit mad over there in summer or holidays.

“I’m still on the main road, so people who break something on their first day of a week’s holiday on the trails should be able to get it fixed not far away and still have plenty of riding time.”

Mr Stephens appreciates the cooler climate over Queensland’s and closer to what he and his partner, a vet in St Helens, experienced in New Zealand.

“And it’s great to live next to some of the best bike trails in the world.

“I like to get three or four good rides in a week, but when it gets busy I’m lucky to get one.”

His building plans have struck a hurdle with some Covid-stranded contractors, but he’s hoping to have his new garage operating by the end of the year.