Simon Yates has kindly put together this race report for the 2012-2013 season. Simon’s been a member and supporter of the club for a long time now and is a regular at club events as well as providing very valuable input and assistance around advocacy for new trails and facilities. Cheers Simon!
The Spring season began with a roar at 7am, in late November 2012 at Taupo with the 85km Huka Challenge. A marathon MTB race first up with 400 riders in the field. Continue reading
Where: Woodhill MTB Park
When: Round #1– 14 July, Round #2 – 28 July
Reminder, club ride at Hunua this Sunday (21st of April). Come check out this unique park, and the recent trail work completed by the club and council, including the new skills area.
Meeting at 8:45 at the Upper Mangatawhiri Dam carpark off Moumoukai Road at 8:45am, riding at 9am: directions
Reccomended for intermediate rides, we’ll check out the farm loop first, then if your up for the challenge the Challenge Track. More info on the trails
We had an efficient crew for the April working bee. Task of the day, fine tune the new skills area at Hunua. The Club has been involved in the design, the council got in early with a digger to do some of the hard yards. A productive day, it is almost complete and ready to ride.
There is a good mix of berms, rock sections, table tops, roll overs, log and other structures to test most riders. To be opened soon.
Next working bee is on Sunday the 5th of May
On Saturday 23 March, Arch Hill was swarming with mountain bikers for the inaugural Arch Hill Spin. The track was in optimum condition after three working bees and the endless summer of 2013.
45 riders in 13 teams showed up in a flurry of fancy and not-so-fancy dress to tackle the 3 hour relay race with an – actually quite literal – twist. At the start of each lap you had to spin the giant wheel of chance. This could have you doing anything from push-ups, pumping up a tyre, dressing up or getting an instant Planet Cycles spot-prize.
After 3 hours of fun, the team Hundies 4 #fresh took out the top spot by taking full advantage of a controversial game changer that gave bonus laps for bags of litter, followed closely by TWB and American Dream tying for second place.
A fun day was had by all and we hope to see many more people for the next Arch Hill Spin in December.
Watch the amazing video of the event put together by Axel Busch:
This is going to be a great ride on some fantastic trails that we don’t ride too often. Geoff Buysman will be showing us the local trails, some of which he has built with his own good hands.
After the ride we may go and jump in the hot pools before a drive back to Auckland.
Here’s a previous ride report from Te Aroha: http://aucklandmtb.co.nz/2011/04/28/te-aroha-away-ride/
Date: Sunday 26 May Start location: Information office, 102 Whitaker Street, opposite the Grand Tavern.
The task for this working bee, the new skills area!
The council has been working with the club to design and build a new skills area near the carpark, great to see it moving forward. A digger has been in to do the hard yards, but there is still more work needed for fine tuning the track and obstacles.
It is intended for young and old, beginners to experienced. We your help on Saturday to fine tune the track and get some feedback.
As usual, meet at the carpark at 8:30 for a ride to check out the trails. 10:30am to meet the ranger. Tools and an energy packed lunch provided, make sure you wear sturdy footwear.
Email us to let us know your coming: trails@aucklandmtb.co.nz, or call Hayden on 021 665 242
It is with regret that the club and BikeNZ have made the decision to cancel the National Secondary Schools to be held at Hunua over the 13 and 14th of April.
The decision was not taken lightly and considered resource and funding concerns that could not be overcome.
BikeNZ and their clubs are trying to get a NZSS MTB Championship in place for 2013 but at this stage, it is almost certain that we will not be able to do so in time for the original dates.
Update 28/3/13: Riverhead Forest is now open again for MTB
The long, dry summer is taking it’s toll on our riding options with Riverhead the latest forest to close access due to the fire risk. With no rain on the long range forecast we thought it would be good to remind you of where you can ride. Continue reading
The Arch Hill Spin is a 3hr Mountain Bike Relay for everyone! Taking place at the only city centre MTB trail in Auckland, Arch Hill, on Saturday 23rd March. Any funds raised go to the Auckland Grammar School MTB Club.
Go here for more details.
