With the exception of being injured, no time of the year is harder for mountain bikers than winter. Unless you have the good fortune of a holiday in the northern hemisphere, there is little reprieve from numb toes, and muddy socks. We soldier on, but deep down, we’re counting the days until September 1st. That’s 30, by the way. Tick tock...
With all the rain recently, the city’s trails have come through relatively unharmed. Cheers to all the hard working trail pixies out there every weekend in the cold, doing remedial work and cleaning up. Unfortunately there has been one notable casualty, Mystic Portal. But there’s a silver lining. More on that, and other news below.
WMTBC AGM - Weds 2nd Aug, 6pm, Southern Cross
Once a year, we like to get together somewhere fun, and reflect on the past 12 months. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge our hardest working volunteers, and appoint new roles on the committee.
More information and registration here.
You’re all welcome! In fact, we encourage you to come along and get amongst the conversation. Even better, if you would like to get more involved in Wellington events and trails, there’s a spot for you on the committee.
Keep an eye on the Facebook page for more info. But mark on your calendar Wednesday 2nd August 6pm, Southern Cross, 39 Abel Smith St. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian with you (it’s a licensed venue).
2017 Wellington Enduro Series
This year’s Wellington Enduro Series was a banger. Thanks to everyone that participated in the 6 race series. Full Series results can be found here.
Numbers were up across all races and the level of racing was notably higher than previous years. This also contributed to all-time high WMTBC Membership numbers, which goes straight back into making Wellington mountain biking great, through investment in new and existing trails, and new equipment like the new SPORTident timing system we’ve been running successfully all season.
It was excellent to see really strong participation in all categories including the Juniors and Women. We’re striving to create inclusive events for you all to push yourselves, and most importantly, have a rad time.
Thanks to everyone that’s given us feedback on the Series. We have taken a lot of this on board. And a massive thanks also to all the volunteers (organisers, marshals, drivers) that make these events possible.
The 2018 Series kicks off with Mt Crawford on Wellington Anniversary Day, January 22nd, followed by Mt Victoria in early February.
Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2017 Finalist
A wee while back, we received an email from Wellington Airport, notifying us of our nomination for a Regional Community Award. This award “recognises the valuable contribution of volunteers to community groups across the Wellington Region”.
The reward for all our hard working volunteers and regular contributors is the satisfaction of a trail project complete, and smiles on faces at a successful event. But this nomination is recognition of teamwork in our community, and its contribution to Wellington City.
The Community Awards ceremony is on August 10 at which point we’ll know how the Club got on. Keep an eye on Facebook.
DHNZ Downhill Series coming to Wellington!
For the first time since the closure of Long Gully in 2015, we've got a round of the DHNZ Downhill Series coming to Wellington!
We're more than stoked to be able to share the local scene with riders from all over the North Island (and a few from the South) in a round of what has become New Zealand's premier DH race series.
The Wellington round will be held on the 18th of November, at K-Hole (behind Karori Park). Legend Mike Stirrat is leading the charge, adding a new top section to the track, and shaping it up for the race. And he could use your help.
Keep an eye on Facebook for information about dig days in the near future.
Brooklyn Trail Builders Update - A busy winter
Local contractors recently completed the resurfacing of Transient, and through all the rain we’ve had lately, it is holding up very well. Windmill was also partially graveled, and the BTB crew have put a request in with WCC for more in September. A huge shout out to Wellington Marathon Clinic, who funded $10k for the project, about half the total.
On the new tracks consultation which closed on 3 July, whose aim is to alleviate congestion on Transient. BTB would like to thank everyone who contributed to this. We are told the outcome is positive, but more will be known after a full Council meeting on 17 August, at which point we’ll let you know how they got on.
It’s been a busy, successful winter’s planting for the Brooklyn Trail Builders – Polhill Protectors’ collaboration, with 2,000 trees going in at five main sites, and numerous other places. The annual Brooklyn Primary School planting has transformed the busy intersection of the Sawmill and Fenceline tracks. WCC will soon further enhance this area by removing a section of intruding fence and improving the directional signs.
Other groups that have helped clear and plant areas are the Wellington Runners’ Meetup Group, the Conservation Volunteers, and some local riders and runners celebrating a 50th birthday together. A public planting for BTB and Polhill Protectors’ volunteers successfully infilled the scrubby area at the bottom of Clinical.
Other achievement of note was that the first rimu were planted in Polhill. Rimu were prominent in the original forest of this area and this was the first year this species was available from the WCC nursery. Lots more to come. BTB have purchased a further 200 rimu seedlings to grown on and plant out in about four years.
Mystic Portal update - Temporary closure
The recent foul weather wasn’t nearly as catastrophic for our trails as past weather events. Unfortunately though, a number of trees came down in and around Prince of Wales Park, resulting in the closure of trails in the area, most notably - Mystic Portal.
Jourdan, Eugene and the crew have done incredible work in there, and the Council has really come on board to support further development of the area.
We ask that you please stay clear of the area until the Council have been through, and repairs have been carried out. This work will take several weeks, but word from Council is that it may result in some fresh dirt on site for an alternative line, and to improve the existing line.
Wheels4Life Guatemala Project
This update via one of our members - Davide Yakuza, who spent the last few months fundraising to support kids in the developing world through the Wheels4Life Project. This past week, Davide presented a fleet of bikes to kids in Antigua. Congratulations, mate!
“I would like to massively thank the Welly MTB Community for the support given in the Wheels4Life project. Today I had the huge honour of donating 50 bikes to the EFTC (Education For The Children) school in Antigua to students who have difficulty reaching school. It was stoking to see the smile and the happiness of these kids and guys and how much the teachers and managers of this school were amazed with the donation. And this is all because of you guys!!!”
More information on the Wheels4Life Project here.
Enjoy a WMTBC Member discount at Burkes Cycles, Capital Cycles, and Cactus Outdoor
We’re very lucky here in Wellington, that we have local business who love to support the mountain biking community. Thanks to the following businesses, Wellington MTB Club Members receive discounts in store - the shop’s way of saying thanks for supporting Wellington Mountain Biking.
At Cactus Outdoor, WMTBC Club Members qualify for the Cactus Pro-Team discount. Benefits include trade pricing, preferential repair and alteration services, and access to other special offers from time to time. In-store at 241 Thorndon Quay, simply mention that you’re a WMTBC Member. Alternatively, shop for Cactus Clothing online, and simply email or phone to confirm your WMTBC Club Membership.
The team at Burkes Cycles have just come on board with an offer for our members. Visit them in store at 16 Coutts St, Kilbirnie for 10% off all non-sale product and bikes. Excludes labour, in-store only. At the counter, simply provide your name and email to confirm your Club Membership.
To show their appreciation for your contribution - the team at Capital Cycles (corner Victoria & Dixon Streets) offer 10% off parts and accessories for Club Members in store. Applies to non-sale items only. Excludes labour, and bikes. At the counter, simply provide your name and email to confirm your Club Membership.
Please support Wellington's local retailers
