Top 20 questions with MTB coach Loz Stranger

Tips from Derby local experts

When you are looking for the authentic visitor experience it helps to get the best information from the locals. If you know what they like to do, where they like to ride or walk, then you can start to form your own journey - before you get to Derby.

As mountain biking has grown in popularity in Derby, so have the opportunities for passionate outdoor people to enjoy the lifestyle that our town offers by living here.

Loz Stranger has found her place in our town Derby and the town is a better place as a result. Loz loves Derby with the magical forests that surround it, and she loves to share her knowledge of the area with visitors.

Her job as a MTB guide and instructor takes her out onto the trails of Blue Derby most days of the week teaching skills as a mountain bike coach. Through this job she is helping kids and adults, from beginners to those looking to improve their expert skills with Rideo MTB.

With a passion for the environment and strong connection to the Tasmanian landscape she a friendly and welcoming face for first timers and returning visitors to the town.

We grabbed Loz and asked her to take a few moments to answer our 20 questions, to hopefully help you find out something about Derby from a local.

Special thanks to Loz for her time and also to Josh Firth (https://www.instagram.com/vertigojosh/) for the awesome shots of Loz.

Loz’s Top 20 Q&A

What is your profession in Derby?
Rideo Mountain biking – skills coaching and guiding.

How many years have you been living in Derby?
Off and on for 5 years (between Hobart and Derby)

When is the best time of the year to visit Derby?
All year round! Except September/October, can be quite wet and unpredictable weather.

What is the one thing that a visitor to Derby should bring with them (not including a bike)?
Energy.

Favourite blue trail in Derby?
Kings Wall

Flat pedals or clipped in?
Flats

What is the one thing you always take with you when riding?
Snake Bandage

Finish this sentence. Derby locals are…
Eclectic and friendly.

Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunrise

Return to Sender or Trouty as a last trail of the day?
Trouty at sunset.

Shuttles to Blackstump or ride up?
Mmmmm both

Best spot to have a cold drink in Derby?
Dorset Hotel

Margherita (Tomato base) or Blanco Special (Cheese base)
Tomato base.

Pipers River Pinot or Tassie craft Gin?
Golly that’s a hard one, Gin

Pyengana cheddar cheese or St Helens Oysters?
Cheddar cheese

Scallop pie or wasabi cheese?
Scallop pie

Favourite local animal?
Echidna

Finish this sentence… There’s more to Derby than just riding bikes, you can also…
Swim, fossick for gems, bushwalk, chill,

Finish this sentence. When I am not working you will find me…
Riding my bike, at home renovating, on my pottery wheel, or sewing machine.

You send a postcard from Derby what is the picture of on the front?
The amazing Derby forest.