FOR over two decades, the Friends of Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Trail Committee have worked to upgrade and maintain the stunning 34-kilometre route.

However, the trail, which runs through countless farms, has often had obstacles such as farm gates, and overgrown grasses, making it difficult to ride the full journey between towns.

This weekend though, the gates will be open, and a clear path formed for mountain bikers and gravel riders to freely ride through red gums and into the rolling hills of Coleraine.

The Red Gum Trail Velo Rally has been organised by the Friends of Hamilton-Coleraine Rail Trail Committee to share the trail with as many people as possible.

Committee member, Chris Sharples said following countless working bees to get the trail ready for riders, runners, and walkers, this weekend would be the first time the trail has been completely open for the public to enjoy.

“I guess it’s the culmination of 20 years work,” he said.

“We have been doing a lot of work … trying to link it so you don’t have to walk over the road … before, if you wanted to do it, you’d have to stop every kilometre, get off your bike, and carry your bike across the fence.

“The rail trail has the potential to be one of the best rail trails in Australia, because it has quite a few iconic things to see … it’s not just a rail trail.”

Mr Sharples said the main obstacle to the rail trail reaching its potential, was lack of funding – for the most part, maintenance of the trail has been left to individual donations, small grants, and the generosity of volunteers who give their time where possible.

Mr Sharples said proper funding would stimulate interest and attract tourists to the area - in turn bringing an influx of out-of-town visitors to local hospitality and accommodation venues.

“Over the last 22 years they (the Committee) have done a lot of cleaning and maintenance – what they could do with what little money they had through grants,” he said.

 “It’s an active little group, it’s always been a small Committee, there’s always been a lot of friends and helpers.”

“We need assistance from all levels of government … it will be a tourist attraction.”

This Saturday’s event is both an open day and donation drive, with the Committee inviting the local community to explore the trail and enjoy the many sights and health benefits this backyard jewel has to offer.

Riders will meet at Hamilton Bunnings for a briefing at 10am on Saturday, before pedalling down Balkins Road and onto the trail.

If the full distance sounds daunting, shorter options include a 7km Bunnings to Bochara ride, and a 16km Bunnings to Wannon ride.