From rugged mountains to global trails, Dr. Jimi ‘Dirt Tiger’ Bush combines his passion for biking with mentorship to blaze new trails. The seasoned trail builder from Australia, with a heart as big as his love for biking, is gearing up for a reunion with the trails he helped shape in 2020.

After years of sculpting tracks and riding through the rugged landscapes of Japan and beyond, he’s ready to revisit Pokhara in Nepal.

“I can’t wait to see how those trails are holding up,” Jimi says. “There’s something special about knowing you played a part in creating a place where people can ride and experience the natural beauty of Nepal.”

Born and raised in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury area, northwest of Sydney, Jimi’s life has always been intertwined with nature and adventure. His love affair with biking began on his second birthday with a solid runner tyre, fixed-wheel bicycle.

“Growing up, I was always in the garden, swinging a mattock or throwing dirt around. It wasn’t a job; it was just what I did for fun,” he recalls. Living next to Wollemi National Park, young Jimi had a vast playground at his disposal. At 13, he built his first jump line with a tractor and crafted a trail through the bush, riding a no-brakes BMX through rugged terrain. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for mountain biking and trail building.

In 2017, Jimi’s path crossed with Wilson Low, an authority in the biking world from Singapore. Low’s invitation to Nepal was a dream come true for Jimi.

“Who could say no to the land of the big mountains?” he exclaims.

Despite challenges like not having his tools and the language barrier, Jimi embraced the local culture and the task at hand. His work in Pokhara, alongside a team of local and foreign trail builders, was characterised by a smooth collaboration and a shared vision to create trails that showcased the breathtaking beauty of the region.

One of the standout features of the Pokhara Enduro trails is their organic flow, reflecting the area’s long history and untouched beauty. “Working through reclaimed forest and village trails was uplifting,” Jimi says. “Pipeline and Bibek’s Garden are some of the most stimulating trails I’ve ever ridden. It wasn’t work; it was pure fun.”

Years of planning and hard work culminated in a tangible reality last year. The Pokhara Enduro, the first-ever international enduro race held outside Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, attracted 56 riders from 11 countries competing in seven exciting categories.

The organisers expect around 100 riders from more than 15 countries across eight categories in the second edition. The event will take place from November 27 to 29 this year. Jimi plans to be part of it with his three sons to contribute to the event.

His goal isn’t merely to revisit old memories but to immerse them in a culture that stands in stark contrast to the superficiality of the modern world. “In Pokhara, you’ll find people who have so little but are among the happiest and most giving you’ll ever meet.”

Currently residing in Japan, Jimi has been a driving force in the mountain biking community there. His mentorship of Japanese female junior national champion Tsubasa Hara is a testament to his dedication. Hara, who has held the title of fastest female rider in Japan since the age of 14, has achieved significant milestones, including an impressive 8th-place finish at Crankworx Cairns and strong performances in the French Cup, reflecting the impact of Jimi’s guidance.

Earlier this month, Jimi was in Les Gets, France, with Hara and one of his sons, racing and riding through some of the world’s most challenging trails. “Our goal is to gain experience and spark interest in mountain biking in Japan,” he explains. As they tackle everything from flow trails to intense single tracks, Jimi remains focused on his broader mission: to share the joy and health that come from biking in the hills.

Jimi’s professional journey as a trail builder includes notable projects such as the rebuilding of the Smithfield World Cup course in Cairns with World Trail in 2013 and later with Contour Works. His work in Hakuba, Japan, has sparked a mountain biking boom around the ski hills, with ongoing projects aimed at establishing the region as a premier MTB destination.

With ongoing discussions to bring Crankworx to Japan and plans to establish a mountain biking school, Jimi’s vision for the growth of the sport is clear. He envisions a curriculum encompassing trail building, cultivating a new generation of riders and builders who share his passion. “Trail building is my passion,” he says. “It’s not really a job; it’s about having fun and sharing that fun with others.”

Beyond biking, he enjoys snowboarding with his sons and the occasional beer, always eager for the next chapter in his story of trails and triumphs.

As he approaches his 52nd year, Jimi is determined to keep starting from zero, embracing each new adventure with the same enthusiasm. His upcoming trip to Pokhara promises not just a chance to check on old trails but to show his sons the value of authentic experiences and genuine connections—lessons that go beyond the thrill of riding and into the heart of living well.

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