At just 10 years old, Omeo local Dusty Gardiner is tearing up mountain bike trails with a skill and passion.
But it wasn’t always this way, before the rumble of construction echoed through Omeo for its now-renowned mountain bike park, Dusty had little interest in two wheels.
It was the arrival of a seemingly simple pump track, and then the burgeoning Omeo mountain bike trails, that flipped a switch, transforming him from a casual observer into a dedicated rider with dreams as big as the jumps at Red Bull Hardline.
Dusty’s journey began not with a grand plan, but with the quiet curiosity sparked by local infrastructure.
“Bike riding wasn’t something I was interested in, until the pump track came, it looked fun, and then seeing the bigger trails being built made me want to try something new with my friends,” Dusty said.
As the Omeo track began to take shape around him, so too did Dusty’s fascination, he watched, learned, and soon found himself drawn to the sport that would become his year-round obsession.
The diverse terrain of the Omeo track quickly became Dusty’s training ground as mum, Cindy watched on.
“He’s spent countless hours mastering the berms on Flomoe perfecting his jumps on it, and building endurance on the longer climbs. The sheer variety here offers new challenges every time,” Cindy said.
His dedication quickly translated into competitive success, Dusty has already tested his mettle in events at Mount Taylor and Bright.
Beyond the thrill of speed and technical mastery, mountain biking has opened up a vibrant world of connections for Dusty.
“I’ve made friends from all over the place at the Omeo track,” Dusty says.
Indeed, the Omeo Mountain Bike Track has quickly established itself as a major drawcard, bringing an increasing number of visitors to the area, a trend noted by local businesses and supported by official figures showing a doubling of rider numbers in the months following the track’s opening.
This influx has not only enriched the riding experience for locals like Dusty, who now connect with riders from diverse backgrounds, but also provides a significant boost to the local economy. Dusty has even forged unique bonds with some of the very best in the business, the top mountain bike riders involved in constructing the Omeo trails.
“It’s so cool to talk to them, they teach me things about lines and what goes into building a trail,” Dusty said.
This unique mentorship has further accelerated his development and understanding of the sport.
For Dusty, mountain biking isn’t just a seasonal hobby, it’s become a vital part of his active life, perfectly complementing his other sporting interests.
“When footy season is over, I love that I can just jump on my bike and keep riding,” he explains.
This year-round dedication feeds into his growing ambitions, while he’s grateful for the incredible local trails, Dusty has his sights set on the biggest stage in the sport.
“I dream of attending Red Bull Hardline,” he states, referring to the world-renowned, incredibly challenging downhill race.
“It’s just the wildest race, the jumps are massive, and I want to see what it’s like to be there someday,” a beaming Dusty said.
Dusty’s story is a compelling testament to the power of local investment in sporting infrastructure, transforming nascent interest into dedicated passion.
But Dusty isn’t the only one finding joy on Omeo’s trails, the love for mountain biking has become a family affair.
His dad, Cam also shares a passion for the sport, as does his sister, Summah, creating shared adventures and bonding experiences.
From his initial spark on the Omeo pump track to competing on regional stages and dreaming of the ultimate global challenge, this 10-year-old rider embodies the exciting future of mountain biking in the Omeo community.
His journey inspires not only other young athletes but also showcases the far-reaching benefits of the Omeo Mountain Bike Track, creating not just trails, but future champions, thriving communities, and a year-round destination for adventure for families
like Dusty’s.
