In this newsletter:

1.     Race report: WDHS Rd 2 - Karori
2.     Juvie & Duel Slalom Track Opening
3.     South Coast Kids Track Update
4.     Draft Suburban Reserves Management Plan
5.     WDHS Round 3 - Maidstone
6.     WORD Bike-a-Polooza
7.     Escape from Mt Crawford Mini Enduro
8.     Klunkers, Chainless & Kids Bike Dual Slalom
9.     Trail Building Updates

Wellington Downhill Series Round 2 - Karori

The second race in the Wellington Downhill Series went down last month on the revitalised 98DH aka K-Hole. Historically, racing at this venue has been in the wet, and under these conditions simply getting a bike down the track becomes a game of survival. But on this occasion, Karori turned it on for riders.

At the end of racing - Daniel Meilink took out the Open Men category ahead of Michael Mells and Bryn Dickerson. In Masters 1 & 2 - Nathan Timoko and Ali Quinn claimed the top spots respectively. And the juniors were dominated by the Macdonalds - with Finlay taking out under 17 and brother Lachie, under 15. Current National Champ Sarah Atkin recorded a very respectable time that would have put her just outside top 10 in Open Men, and Finn van Leuven also put down a solid time in Hardtail.

We’ll catch everyone at the final WDHS round this Saturday, 6th December at Maidstone.

Race Results & Series Points

Juvie & Duel Slalom Grand Opening

Crews and contractors have been hard at work at Miramar of the past months and we’ve recently seen the completion of two new tracks - Juvenile Delinquent, and the Kids Duel Slalom. The sum of these, combined with the pump track and dirt jumps is a great zone for kids and beginners to hone their skills, only minutes from the City.

The grand opening of Juvie and the Kids Duel Slalom last weekend was a huge success. About 150 people turned up to mark the occasion on Sunday, including City Councillors and Mayor, Celia Wade Brown. Once the tape was cut, Mayor Celia spoke positively of the Club’s recent work at Miramar and Island Bay.

South Coast Kids Track Wins Another Award

You may recall that earlier this year, the Club received a Wellington Airport Community Award for its work on the South Coast Kids Track. Well last week the Kids Track did it again - this time at the 2014 NZ Recreation Association Awards.

The annual awards recognise excellence in the recreation and leisure industry, and the South Coast Kids Track was named Most Outstanding Project.

Thanks once again to Wellington City Council, Trail Fund NZ, Bike Wellington, Revolve Cycling and Southstar Trails. 

Draft Suburban Reserves Management Plan

Submissions close this Friday 5th on the WCC Draft Suburban Reserves Management Plan. This is the last opportunity members of the public will have to share their views on the future management of Wellington’s suburban reserves - between Khandallah and Miramar (including Makara).

This plan will have a significant impact on the future of mountain biking in our city, and the planning process only comes around once every 10 years. So, if you have a few spare minutes and a desire to see the WCC supporting mountain biking in our suburban reserves, get in there.

 

Upcoming Events

WDHS Round 3 - Maidstone - THIS SATURDAY

The final round of the 2014 Wellington Downhill Series will take place THIS SATURDAY, 6th December at Maidstone, Upper Hutt. Check the WMTBC website for details and online registration. Online registration closes Friday, 5pm. Enter online >>

The Club would also like to welcome Adrenaline MTB as the event’s major sponsor.

**VOLUNTEERS** Race marshals and drivers are urgently needed for this event. We greatly appreciate any help offered. If interested - please contact events@wmtbc.org.nz.

WORD Bike-a-Polooza - Sunday Dec 7th

This Sunday at the Wainuiomata Trails - WORD invites you to join them for the first Bike-a-Polooza - New Zealand's best, super fun, and raddest kids mountain bike event ever! There will be four great courses to choose from on the day - so something for all the 3-17 year olds.

Cost: $15 individual, $40 family of 3 kids. For more info and online registration check out WORD Bike-a-Polooza

Escape from Mt Crawford Mini Enduro - Jan 19th, 2015

The third annual Escape from Mt Crawford Mini Enduro is upcoming - Wellington Anniversary weekend, January 19th. We’ve run the annual fundraiser for the Miramar Track Project for the past couple of years, and 2015 will undoubtedly be the biggest yet.

As per last year, we’ll be running two classes - Misdemeanor and Felony, plus the Sufferfest hill climb, and we’re throwing in a Kids Mini D for the little rippers. Also, in breaking news - Yeastie Boys have just come on board as a sponsor. This is great news if you like beer.
 
Online entries opening later this month Event Details >>

Klunkers, Chainless & Kids Bike Dual Slalom - Jan 24th, 2015

After a successful event earlier this year, Klunkers is back! The aim of the race is simple: dig out your old kit and 90s race weapon, do as many timed runs of Jailbrake as your body (or bike) will permit within 2 ½ hours, and heckle like you’ve never heckled.

There will be four categories: Klunkers, Chainless, proKlunkers and Klunkers (under 12), and an additional Kids Bike Dual Slalom race. Entry is by donation of old (useful) bike parts, cash, or your bike. All proceeds go to Biketech and the Mechanical Tempest.

Event Details >>

Trail Building Updates

Clinical (Polhill Reserve)

As you may recall from the last Polhill update, The Brooklyn Trail Builders reported significant progress on Clinical. When it’s complete, the track will round off a grand loop of the Reserve. Most of the track is now rideable, and it’s set for completion sometime during early 2015.

Currently, contractors are finishing construction of bridges on the trail, and volunteers are working on approximately 200m at the bottom. Although this section is incomplete, there’s a steep track that can be used to bypass it. The next dig is this coming Sunday, 7th December at 3pm. Details over at Brooklyn Trail Builders. There will be an event to commemorate the official opening of Clinical, tentatively around April 2015. We’ll keep you posted.

We would also like to congratulate BTB whose work was this week recognised at the Roll on Wellington Cycle Awards.

Mt Victoria

Thanks to all those who contributed recently to the Mt Victoria trail user survey. We’re currently compiling the results, but feedback was largely positive.

In case you missed it - here’s the full rundown. But in short, the WCC has requested that changes be made to the lower part of the Super D line. The Club, in consultation with trail leaders and the Council, has come up with a plan that involves essentially realigning the trail, from the SPCA south. In addition, the plan includes work around busy junctions to reduce the risk of conflict with other trail users.

No major work will take place on Mt Victoria until the new year. We’ll keep you updated. 

Want to keep in touch?

For up-to-date Club news, updates and media - follow WMTBC on Facebook or check the Club page at WMTBC.org.nz

Mt Victoria has always been a great place to ride and with developments over the last couple of years it has become a more popular destination for mountain biking. This is really positive but due to being a public space that is also shared with other groups, has created a few issues that need to be addressed

The Club has been working with the Wellington City Council, public and other groups to ensure Mt Victoria remains an exciting destination for mountain biking.

The purpose of this post is two-fold. Firstly, the Club wants to keep the mountain biking community up to date with what’s happening on Mt Victoria. And secondly, we will be seeking your feedback on the developments outlined in the following.

There are a number of projects in the works for Mt Vic. Some have been finished, some are under way and some are just on the horizon. Below is a bit of an update on their current status.

What has been done recently?

What is being done at the moment? 

Rod's Drop

Mt Vic Management Plan

Right, so what is happening next? 

Changes to Trail Exits

The hope is that once the Mt Victoria Management Plan is finalised, we can commence with Rod's plans to fine tune some of the more advanced trails to the north and west of the hill. The following alterations to existing trails have all been discussed with Council and agreed to in principle (although there may still be a few minor adjustments to the plan for Damains).

Damian's

1. Close existing entrance and re-open from LH cnr before wooden step-down on Hippy’s
   
2. Form a trail from new entrance to a safer walking track x-ing approx. 10m south of existing exit
   
3. Create a new trail from bush exit along grass plateau parallel to walking track to a slow LH trail x-ing. This new trail can have dirt brought in to create features
   
4. At main walking track intersection, create a natural barrier feature to slow riders and divert walkers away from bank step-down
   
5. Divert trail exit to a LH berm and slow uphill exit to prevent high–speed exit onto playing field
   

Grom (Jump) Track

1. Re-work trails exit with features to slow rider exit
   
2. Re-open lower trail to grass slope exit to prevent riders exiting down walking trail. Then extend trail along bushline to join with Damian trail exit
   

Rock Drop

1. Re-work trail after rock feature to slow riders up to treetrunk jump then join trail to Grom track exit
   

V Trail

1. Create a natural barrier to protect rider exit to upper walking track x-ing (below toilets) and improve sight lines
   
2. Re-work lower V trail exit and extend south to join with TTS at final walk track x-ing
   

TTS

1. Create new trail parallel and below road with slow exit to reduce rider/walker conflict and to prevent riders travelling down tarmac on wrong side of road
   
2. Create a natural barrier at main walking track x-ing to alert walkers
   
3. Alter trail exit to an abrupt LH uphill exit and add a new final trail section parallel to lower main walking track with a T-intersection exit to meet up with Park Bench trail and leading into playground trail exit

Park Bench

1. Re-shape traverse around ridge under bench
   
2. Add exit and entrance barriers at main walking track where LOTR tourists congregate to define rider direction
   
3. Create a new trail exit parallel to lower main walk track to connect with TTS so there is a single, safe exit

Lower Super D Line - Proposed New Track From SPCA Roots to Skills Area

So what next? 

Give us some feedback

In this month’s newsletter:
 
 

1. Wellington DH Series Rd 1 Report - Long Gully
2. Upcoming WDHS Races - Karori & Maidstone
3. Long Gully Start Ramp Retired
4. South Coast Kids Track receives Regional Community Award  
5. 8Wired, Bruhaus & WMTBC present Ales for Trails
6. Trail Building Updates
7. Chance to see “Rad Company” on the Big Screen
8. T-Shirt Orders
   

Wellington Downhill Series Round 1 – Long Gully

Matt Walker styles is up on the way to taking out the Pro Elite win. Photo: Dave Preece/Big Design.

The first race in the Wellington Downhill Series went down Saturday 11th October at Long Gully – and what a day. The race doubled as the second round of the NZ Downhill Series, so the field was stacked. All up about 140 riders took to the hill including a strong contingent from out of town and uncharacteristically for Wellington – the weather was hospitable, creating impeccable conditions for racing at the infamous Gully.
 
Top spots in the Pro Elite category went to Matt Walker, Louis Hamilton and Wyn Masters respectively, demonstrating the calibre of competition on the day. In other categories – Wellington’s Oceania Champ Sarah Atkin took out Open Women, and in Open Men – Lloyd Jenks snuck into 5th narrowly ahead of Jourdan Lethbridge in 6th. In Under 15 – the Hutt Valley’s Lachie McDonald took 8 seconds out of the competition, and Wellington dominated Masters 30+ and 40+ with Derek Winwood and Ali Quinn in top spots respectively.
 
A huge thanks to all our volunteers, and to everyone that came out to support. We’ll catch you at WDHS Round 2 in Karori, Saturday 8th November.
 

Full race results – WDHS points –Photoset from the event –Wyn Master’s race run

WDHS Rounds 2 & 3 - Karori & Maidstone

Rounds two and three of the Wellington Downhill Series are forthcoming. Round 2 next month - Saturday 8th November at Karori Park on the revitalised 98DH. And for the final round we visit Maidstone - Saturday 6th December. 
 
Information and registration online at WMTBC.org.nz.

1. Karori 8th Nov - Enter Online >>
   
2. Maidstone 6th Dec - Enter Online >>
   

 

**VOLUNTEERS**

Race marshals and drivers are urgently needed for these events. We greatly appreciate any help offered. If interested - please contact events@wmtbc.org.nz.

Long Gully Start Ramp Retired

 As some of you may be aware, changes are afoot at Long Gully. In short, the landowners are building a house at the top of the Race Track, and earthworks are starting this week. So - the time has come for the original Long Gully start ramp to be put into retirement.

 
We’ll bring you updates regarding further developments as soon as they come to hand. But in the meantime, as construction on the house begins - access to Long Gully will occasionally be limited. Status updates will be sent out as required via Facebook, WMTBC.org.nz, and email. We would appreciate your cooperation during this time.
 
We would like to extend our thanks to the Watsons for their hospitality over the past 14 years during which Long Gully has has become synonymous with Wellington Downhill.

Regional Community Award for the South Coast Kids Track

The award takes pride of place in Floyd's Cafe, right underneath one of the club's new posters that you will see up and around town. Photo Mat Wright / Floyd's Cafe

Last month the South Coast Kids Track was formally acknowledged at the 2014 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – receiving the top accolade in the Sports and Leisure category. The awards pay tribute to volunteer groups from the Wellington Region whose work has had a positive impact on their local community.
 
In June, the track was officially opened in Island Bay, and the past months have seen significant uptake by local families and children, and Island Bay School who are running cycling classes on the track. Future plans are in place to encourage more local schools to utilise the track, and Wellington City Council has indicated that the successful model could also be viable in other suburbs.
 
Thanks to Wellington Airport, Wellington Community Trust, Wellington City Council, Trail Fund NZ, Bike Wellington, Revolve Cycling and Southstar Trails, and importantly - all those in the community that have supported the project. 

 

8Wired, Bruhaus & WMTBC present Ales for Trails

A few weeks ago we received a call from Brian at 8Wired asking if there is anything they could do to help us out. A few days later, we had a tap takeover at the Bruhaus organised.

There was an excellent turnout on the night, and some very tasty beers from their very special barrel aged series. All in all the event raised $600 for trail building, probably the easiest fundraising we will ever do, just turn up and drink beer.

A huge thanks to all those that turned up and imbibed, and to 8 Wired and the Bruhaus for organising the event and their donations.

Trail Building Updates

Clinical (Polhill Reserve)

 The Brooklyn Trail Builders are nearing completion of the latest addition to the Polhill Reserve trail network - Clinical. The new track was made possible through funding received last year from Transpower, Wellington Marathon Clinic and private contributors.

Brooklyn Trail Builders volunteers hard at it on Clinical. Photo lifted from BTB Facebook page. 

 
Ultimately it will be an uphill only trail completing an approximately 7km ‘Grand Loop’ of the Reserve. But for the short term Clinical will be open to two-way traffic, contingent on the development of the proposed downhill only trail - Ladylumps. Advice from the Brooklyn Trail Builders is that downhill traffic on Clinical should ride with caution, and give way to uphill traffic.
 
The majority of the trail has now been built including surfacing and the planting of approximately 500 natives by the trailside. All that remains is 200m of track to be built by volunteers over the next few months, and the installation of structures to cross a number of streams on the track.  
 
Clinical will remain closed until opening in early-2015, and plans are in place to host an event marking the occasion. Watch this space. 

98DH (Karori)

Over the past few months a crew have been working behind Karori Park rejuvenating the 98DH track which played host to Round 2 of the Wellington DH Series last year. 
 
November 8th this year, 98DH will again host WDHS Round 2 and riders can expect a few welcome changes - most notably more elevation and a longer track. While the lower section into the finish remains relatively unchanged, the top section has been reworked, a number of new lines and jumps have been added, and a start ramp will be in place on race day. On the whole the track retains its characteristic technical personality and will undoubtedly keep riders on their toes.   
Cheers to Curtis and crew.   

Miramar Track Project

The big news is the completion of Juvie and the grade 2 loop, including the kids dual slalom.

The new kids dual slalom, part of the new beginners loop at the top of Mt Crawford.

Southstar toiled away for a couple of weeks with their diggers opening the line up, for TGL and vollys to come through and tidy up the line and put in several hundred plants. Thomas from TGL has been doing some long hours in the run up to Labour Weekend to get the gravel down and compacted so it was good to ride.

Plan is to have an official track opening and open day 30th November. Look out on the club site and Miramar Track Project facebook page for details.

Mt Victoria

Southstar have also been putting their 2 diggers to good use on Mt Victoria. The lower section of Hippy's has been tidied up from the wooden step down to the exit. New tables and hips have been shaped.

Futher down the hill, some of the other tracks have been tidied up, including the Zig Zag and a new climbing track down above the Badminton Hall.

WCC has also been running a consultation and coming up with a plan for the northern part of Mt Vic (from the SPCA to the summit). The club is working closely with the planners, ensuring that Rod's plan for those tracks gets incorporated.

The club has also been working with WCC on the design for a new descending track from the SPCA roots to the kid's skills area. This proposed new track will eventually form part of the Super D line and will work round some sections of this track that the council is going to close. A high level plan has been mapped out, and can be see on the club site.

Reserves Consultation

Yup it's WCC Consultation time again. This time it is the "Suburban Reserves Management Plan". This plan hasn't been updated in 10 years, so now is the time for us as Mountain Bikers to get some input.

Whilst most of our tracks are either in the Town Belt, Outer Town Belt or special areas that have their own plans, like Mt Vic, this will impact a small number of tracks. Most significantly Miramar and likely, 98DH.

The proposed plan also includes some intentions by WCC to investigate options for Watts Peninsula. This is the Defense land north of the prison in Miramar.

If you want more cycling facilities like pump tracks and skills areas in local reserves, then head over to the WCC website and make an online submission. We have had some really great turnouts from the community over the past couple of years on these and it has made a big difference to these plans, and the money is starting to come, so please take 5 minutes and fill out the form. 

Rad Company Showing - 26th November

The Aotearoa Adventure Film Festival is returning to Wellington!
 
BRANDON SEMENUK'S RAD COMPANY - WELLINGTON - ONE NIGHT ONLY 
 
The Aotearoa Adventure Film Festival (AAFF) is proud to return for its second year. Presented by RotoruaNZ.com and Torpedo7, AAFF is pleased to present some special one-night only screenings of the latest epic Red Bull mountainbike film: Brandon Semenuk's Rad Company. 
 
Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr-4LbSSriY
 
Spectacular riding and filming, so grab some mates and come on down for a night of cinematic mountain bike action on the big screen
 
Wellington - Rad Company
Date: Wednesday, November 26th, 8pm
Venue: Lighthouse Cinema Cuba
Tickets: $15 available directly at www.lighthousecuba.co.nz and limited door sales on the night. 
 
We hope to see you at the festival!
Web: www.aaff.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aotearoaadventurefilmfestival

T-Shirt Orders Are On Again

Just in time for a summer of shredding, or for stocking stuffers, we are doing another run of our classic logo T.

As per normal, we do preorders only. This means that we can offer more colour combos.

The T's are all 100% cotton, AS Color T's and screen printed here by Brazen.

$30 to you, all profits go back into the club to help us with events and trail building.

Orders will close Sunday 16th November. You will have your Tshirt 7-10 days later.

Order yours on the club site now.

 
 

Want to keep in touch? Follow WMTBC

For up-to-date Club news, updates and media - follow us on Facebook, or check the Club page at WMTBC.org.nz.

1080p WMTBC Desktops

Mo’ whips. Rider: Wyn Masters

Download Desktop

And here’s one commemorating the recently retired Long Gully start ramp. Rider: Steve Wallace.

Download Desktop

A new Grade 2, beginner track will be built in Centennial Reserve this September. The Miramar Track Project, a project of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club, has been working closely with the Wellington City Council and Southstar Trails on the design for this track called "Juvenile Delinquent", or "Juvie".

Where does this track go? 

Juvie will be a digger built, grade 2 track. The track start at the Boot Leg exit (White Gate Car Park) on the Mapuia side of the reserve. From there is will sidle around to join up with Conviction (the uphill track) just below where the tree fall from last year's storm occurred. Those who know the area well, will know that there was an old walking track that went up to a small clearing that was created from some tree fall a few years back. Juvie will make it to this clearing and then run underneath, then cross that existing walking track before continuing on to join into Conviction.

(Click the image to see a full size version)

To complete a Grade 2 loop, the very top of Conviction and Boot Leg will have some new work done on it to reshape corners and ease the gradient. As part of these new works, the board walk that was damaged as part of the storm will be repaired and this section of track reopened. In addition to this, the very top section of Boot Leg, that runs on the old farm bench under some old pines, will be closed and a new track to the Boot Leg clearing will be opened. This track is at risk from these old pines and tree fall, so this is a great opportunity to mitigate this risk. 

In addition to these changes, a new down hill pump track / mini 4x section is planned from the Boot Leg clearing to the Water Towers Gate. 

What style of track / who are the intended users? 

What other plans do you have? 

Who do we thank? 

More information?

If you want to know more details, you can contact Miramar Trail Leader and Club Secretary Russel at secretary -at- wmtbc.org.nz, or contact Ben or Russ via the MTP Facebook page. 

The club's AGM for the 2013/2014 season was held on the 7th of August. 

Read the minutes >>

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their support and assistance during the 2013/14 membership year. Additionally I would like to thank those members (non committee) who frequently offer their assistance and time, and all members and sponsors for your continued support of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club.

We have seen consistent growth in our club membership over the last few years and a 23% increase in the last year (184 vs 149 in 2013), this has been largely in part to The Club widening its appeal to the community through our trail building, events and advocacy.

A year of solidarity

In 2013, the club was approached by a small group of parents, a couple of whom were already club members, who wanted to develop a kids loop track in Island Bay. They are lead by a highly motivated Janet Miller and Jeremy Blake. We talked them through their options in how they could operate and they decided the best long term option would be to undertake this project as part of the club’s umbrella. From here, the group and our committee worked together to gain tools, funding and expertise, all to ensure the projects success.

The South Coast Kids Track (in Island Bay) have been selected as finalists in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2014 – Wellington City Region (Sport & Leisure Category) Thanks to WCC for nominating the project and to all of those who helped to build the track. We hope you're all out there putting it to good use!

In our first year of being a registered charitable organisation, the club received an impressive amount of financial support from both the public & funding organisations. This money has gone directly back into benefiting the community; through trail building, tools, equipment and secure storage.

Due to the success of funding received, in late 2013 the Club became GST registered with IRD. The Committee agreed for the Club to absorb the additional 15% in operational costs (rather than passing the cost onto our membership) as a large percentage of our GST payable can be offset through the Club’s events.

As you may have noticed, The Club has started promoting itself a bit more to the general public. We started with membership stickers for our members bikes, the sale of branded t-shirts (that we will be continuing) and the start of two brand campaigns (we will be launching posters in local businesses over the next few months).

I would like to personally thank the following businesses and organisations for their support over the last year – Burkes Cycles, Bike Barn, Bicycle, Mud Cycles, Dirt Merchants, Cycle Science, Place Makers Evans Bay, cSixx Products, Spoke Magazine, Bike Wellington, The Rock FM, BIG design, Floyds Cafe, Yeastie Boys, Gasworks, Infinity Foundation, The Lion Foundation, Transpower, Trail Fund New Zealand, Upper Hutt City Council and Wellington City Council.

Trails

Long Gully

Over the last year Tony Harvey, Adrian Armstrong & Dan Smith (along with their happy trail pixies) have all done an outstanding job ensuring the existing trails at Long Gully remain ridable for everyone to enjoy.

As many of you have by now heard, the future of Long Gully is set for some change. Tim Watson and his wife plan to build their family home on the section of land we use for our trails. The entire Watson family are extremely supportive of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club and wish to ensure we retain access to our trails on their property.

There will be some change coming – trail access and some trail location may be changing, also the Watsons have proposed raising the amount we pay them to help their ever growing cost to maintain the road we use for shuttling. Over the next few months the Committee will be working on ways The Club can ensure we can financially afford to keep access. This may also include raising the trail users cost to access Long Gully.

I would like to ensure you that The Club acknowledges the importance of Long Gully to its membership and we do wish to retain access, along with the trails, at Long Gully for everyone to enjoy.

This is an ongoing project and we will keep you updated with developments through our newsletters.

Miramar Track Project

The focus this year for Miramar has been on fixing trails after last July’s storms, and finishing off the Pump Track/Kids Area. A grant from the Infinity Foundation, together with funds raised from the enduro events was used to purchase a container for tools and to act as an in town base for the club for trailers and race equipment. With the assistance of local earthmoving contractors, WCC and South Star trails the pump track has been increased to twice it’s original size. MTP have been continuing with their rubbish collection and planting efforts. In the coming year, there will be some changes to the top of the tracks to re route around some dangerous trees and open up a family loop at the top of Mt Crawford.

Brooklyn Trail Builders

After the opening of the new Windmill climbing track and the revamped Car Parts, the focus for BTB moved lower down Polhill. The new Serendipity downhill track takes the load off the busy lower part of Transient and is already proving to be a hugely popular ride.

On the other side of the valley, a substantial grant from Transpower has allowed the club to run a paid trail crew, working on a hand built uphill called Clinical. The track runs through some very challenging terrain that’s difficult to build in and whilst progress is slower than originally planned, the end result will be very high standard. The track should be completed by summer.

BTB have been very busy with planting both at the Aro Valley park end and up on Sawmill. Planting days have been very well attended, and have been well supported by the local community and schools. The work by volunteers has been supplemented by the recent investment from WCC to tidy up the entrance to the trails in Aro Valley. Design work is ongoing for a new descending track (Lady Lumps) that will connect into Clinical. The hope is that approvals will be granted for this track in the coming year.

Mt Victoria

Mt Vic was hit particularly hard by the July storms. From this devastation new opportunities have presented themselves. Once again club members and other riders mobilised in large numbers to help clear the debris on the trails. A fallen tree on Hippy’s, become a brand new table top, thanks to WCC and some digger time from Southstar Trails. Trail Leader Steve Wallace worked very closely with the council on mapping out the existing trails and installing trailhead makers. The super d line is now marked top to bottom with special trail makers. In terms of new build, the climbing track from the saddle now provides an easier climb up to the top of Mt Alfred and helps separate riders from walkers on this busy area. Steve has since stepped down from the trail leader role to focus on a new professional opportunity, and we thank Steve for his efforts in establishing Mt Vic Trails. This coming year we welcome back Rod Bardsley into the fold who will be continuing Steve’s good work.

South Coast Kids Track

As mentioned earlier, this brand new project has proved itself an instant success. The club is proud to be associated with this project and commends the hard work from the team of parents who drove this project. The project received significant support from both Trail Fund, for tools and trail surfacing, and the WCC Community Fund which allowed the club to contribute towards Southstar Trails digger time. The expertise from Southstar, combined with the grunt from the digger meant this track could be largely realised in less than a week. There has already been interest from other Wellington communities in this type of trail and the club looks forward to contributing to these projects and the development of these very junior riders.

Portal

The timing of the July storms could not have been crueller to the Portal trail crew. No sooner had they put in place some new, quality structures, the storm came through and decimated large portions of the hill. Undeterred, Eugene, Jourdan and the rest of the crew have been chipping away at the track, rerouting new obstacles and revitalising a number of the old stunts and creating new ones.

Karori

The storms were again brutal on Karori. But thanks to the efforts of local diggers, led by Tony Harvie and the WCC tree team, the track was cleared and ready for racing in round 2 of the DH series. This was a huge ask given the amount of tree fall.

Tony has sinced moved out of Karori and has turned over care for the trail to Curtis Johnstone. Huge thanks to Tony for all his efforts, and his continuing work on the Race Track in Long Gully. Curtis is working with the likes of Ricky Pincott and the council on a possible extension to the track that would move the start line to further up the hill and make the most available vertical. This extension should add some more time to the track and with a little luck and much effort, it could be ready for the DH series this spring.

Maidstone DH

Maidstone had been one of the areas that was in need of some TLC and some leadership around the trail crew. Our thanks to Kerry White for putting his hand up here. Thanks to his hard work, both on the tools and coordinating other volunteers, the track was in tip top shape for the first round of our DH series.

Mt Albert 4X

Another area that was in need of someone putting their hand up to take some leadership in the care and maintenance, the 4X had become somewhat neglected. Kudos needs to go the club members who organised some impromptu work parities to clear the line and reshape the lips last spring. In the coming year we look for better and bigger things to come with Dan Smith and Peter Cassidy coming forward to coordinate digs on the track. The goal is to get some casual Friday night racing going again over the summer.

Events

The Club has continued our strong relationships with both Revolve & PNP in support of both there and our events. A special thanks goes out to Bernie Cruze for his help in providing quality timing at our events.

DH Series

After taking a year off, 2013 saw the long awaited return of our Downhill Series. The series proved to be popular again with 79 individual competitors competing across the three events. We are eager to build on this momentum and plan for this years series to attract even more riders to Wellington.

As part of the series in 2013, we secured $5,000 worth of funding. This ensured the purchase of a new PA system and Portable Generator (these have both been put to good use) along with some money to go towards the cost of hiring First Aid, Toilets and Shuttle Vans.

Enduro Series

This year the club ran our first Enduro Series. Comprised of some already established events, the Escape from Mt Crawford, the Mt Vic Super D and Revolve’s Super V and two brand new events, the Wainui and Makara Peak Enduro’s. There were over 500 entries over the 5 events.

Funds raised from this series went directly to the trail centre’s hosting the races, with over $8,000 raised to go towards trail maintenance. The club drew no revenue from this series and were happy to do so as many of our projects were direct beneficiaries. Next year we will be looking to run the series again and take a small per rider fee to cover our costs. A huge thanks to the Yeastie Boys for their support of the series.

Shuttle Days

Our Shuttle Days have proven to be hugely popular with both members and non-members. Our Christmas Shuttle Day was hugely popular and we managed to raise $350 for Arthritis New Zealand.

Once again, by running these events both within and outside of Long Gully, the Club has also attracted new riders who would normally shy away from events.

Fundraisers

Tom (the Pom) Adams was the brainchild behind the inaugural Klunkers for Chainless for Charity. The goal was to raise some funds and collect parts and bikes for the Mechanical Tempest and Bike Junction. A great evening of low key racing on bikes of all types.

In partnership with SPOKE Magazine, we showed the New Zealand premiere of Won't Back Down, the Steve Peat movie. The event had a reasonable turnout and the auction we ran was hotly contested in which we raised $220 for Sarah Atkin to help get her to the 2014 World Championships in Norway

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WMTBC Members racing overseas

During 2014 the Wellington Mountain Bike Club have had club members racing internationally. After claiming the New Zealand title, Sarah Atkin secured the Oceania DH Womens Elite title as well.

Local rider Bryn Dickinson has been competing in both the European and World Cup races for the Devinci Global Racing DH team. Both Sarah and Bryn will make their way to Norway to compete in the 2014 World MTB Championships

Advocacy / Community engagement

Over the last 12 months our Committee has been working directly with the Wellington City Council (along with other community groups) to advise on the following topics,

• Town Belt policy
• Draft Annual Plan
• Capital Spaces Plan
• Transport planning
• EBikes policy.

This has involved a significant amount of time in the preparation of both written and oral submissions. The officers would also like to thank all club members who made individual submissions on these plans.

The committee has also been engaging with council officers on short and long term plans for track and mountain biking in the city. It is encouraging to see that the council is placing an emphasis on outdoor recreation and informal sport by looking to include it as part of the recent Sport and Recreation Forum that I and some of our trail leaders attended.

Our contribution and involvement in these projects has been widely recognised by Wellington City Councillors and has helped in solidifying our name further within the Wellington community.

Achieving Goals

Last year the committee laid out a Strategic Plan for this year. It is indeed encouraging that so much of what we set out to achieve was achieved in the areas of trail building, events, advocacy, and governance of the club.

One area that is ongoing is working on a suitable replacement for the 12 bike trailer. This trailer is really not suitable for use outside of Long Gully due to the size and nature of the tyres and width of the deck. A number of options have been investigated for new trailers and designs, with the committee very nearly closing a deal for a ready made trailer, only to find that although it was shorter, it was in fact wider than the existing 12 bike. Our thanks to Bike Wellington and David Woodnorth for the use of their trailers over the past year. The committee now has a plan for the trailers and is collecting quotations in preparation for a funding application to purchase at least one new trailer.

Ongoing challenges

1. Volunteers – We need to grow the number of people who can both help organise, perform jobs and marshall at our events. Without this help, we simply can not run events. We continue to look at ways to incentivise volunteering, but our ideal would be for club members to encourage friends and family to help out wherever they can.
2. Trail user conflict – We encourage all trail users to be courteous to each other while using the trails. Even if the other user is at fault in an incident, by being polite, it will help build a good repore for all mountain bikers.
3. Illegal trail building in the community makes both mountain bikers and WMTBC look bad - it affects our sanctioned work we are carrying out with the WCC.

Looking ahead to the next year.

The committee has developed a strategic plan which puts in place some tangible goals we are looking to achieve in the coming year. We will present this plan at the AGM. These goals have been aligned with a broader vision for the next 5 years. I encourage you all to review these plans, and invite you to help us make these a reality.

Please continue to support your Club & your incoming Committee. Thanks for all your support over the last year.

Best wishes to all in 2014 & 2015.

Dave Preece

WMTBC President

New membership year - time to renew

No doubt you have received your reminders via email. Memberships are now open for the 2014/2015 year.A reminder that you need to be a current financial member of the club to vote at the AGM and to be nominated for an officer or committee role.

New Family Membership

This year the committee is very happy to announce a new Family membership for $50. This recognises the growing number of families that are joining the club, and hopefully will encourage a few existing members to sign up the rest of their family. A family is defined as two or more family members who all live at the same address. Sign yours up now.

Just a note that you should be able to change your membership from an individual to a family at renewal, any problems, then contact the club secretary.

Notice of AGM

A reminder that our AGM will be held on Thursday August 7 starting at 6:30pm with pizza, then into the meeting at 7pm. If you are intending on coming, please RSVP by registering for the event so that we ensure we get enough pizza.

The agenda is as follows:

• Minutes of last years AGM
• President's report
• Treasurer's report and statement of accounts
• Election of officers
• Constitution updates
• Strategic Plan review
• New Business

Nominations for officer and general committee roles are now open. A good number of our existing committee are happy to continue their roles, but as always, we are keen to get new people involved. See the AGM event for details about the committee roles and how to make a nomination.

Constitution Updates

The AGM is an opportunity to update our constitution. As a registered charity, we need to take special care when we update our constitution to ensure that we comply with the charities rules.

This year we are making 3 changes. These are all around payments the club can make to club members for services they provide, and a new clause that allows for (but does not require) honoria payments to committee members. A great deal of research and talking with Charities and the Societies Office goes into preparing these changes and the committee would like to thank Peter Cassidy for his efforts here. To see the full proposed changes, see the AGM agenda. A majority vote of those present is required to pass these changes.

Racing Update

The club would like to congratulate Sarah Atkin on her selection for the World Champs in August. Sarah has had a stellar year capturing both the National and Oceania titles. It is an expensive business getting to World's and there is no financial support from the national bodies. As a privateer, this means Sarah has to pay for the lot out of her own back pocket. If you would like to to help her out, head over to her giveallittle page and make a donation. See the full team kiwi announcement on the BikeNZ site.

Brynn Dickerson is in Europe with Gypsy Racing and starting to get some solid results. Check out his track preview of the Val di Sole course on Pinkbike, Yeah boi!

"Whisky" Mike Cowlin is on a van trip of BC and has been hitting up a few Enduro races. Looks like he has been giving the locals a scare with some solid finishes, even as he contends with some bruised/cracked ribs after giving himself a scare on some BC singletrack.

We wish all our Welly racers well. If you know of anyone else giving it a crack overseas, then drop us a line so we can give them a feature.

Planting Season In Full Swing

Epic Turn Out For Planting in Polhill

BTB had an epic turn out for their mega planting work party in early June. 50 people turned up to help put the 350 plants into the ground and spread mulch. A great cooperative effort with Aro Valley Regeneration Group and Kai o te Aro, the neighbouring community garden. Brooklyn Primary School then got stuck in and got another 350 plants into the ground at the top of Sawmill. Top effort all round.

Cleaning up and planting out in Miramar

The Miramar Track crew started their planting season with a clean up, with a dozen volunteers, including some kids and trail dogs, picking up rubbish at the Nevay Rd entrance. The team managed to fill a skip in less than an hour and make a start on their planting efforts for the season. Miramar will be running at least two more planting work parties in early August, so watch their Facebook page for details.

New Trail Leader For Mt Vic

Steve Wallace has stepped down from the Mt Vic Trail Leader role due to new work commitments. The committee would like to thank Steve for his efforts over the past couple of years. On top of the new track development around the Saddle, Steve has been working hard with the council on maintenance and signage for riders on the hill.

The committee has confirmed Mt Vic fanatic, Rod "he of the many many #tag" Bardsley as the new trail leader. Rod's focus in the coming year will be on maintenance and reworking exits on some of the trails that cross popular walking tracks to reduce walker/rider conflict. Rod is planning a group ride to run through and discuss some of the changes, so keep tabs on the Mt Vic FB page for details.

South Coast Kids Track Official Opening

The SoCK Track crew planned their official opening to coincide with a big planting work party. Due to the large turn out, the planting was done and dusted in around 20 minutes!

This meant the kids could get straight into the fun, with an old school lolly scramble (if anyone from OSH/ACC is reading, no one was killed or maimed) followed by race. A le mans start, with the parents messing around with the parked up bikes, then a lap of the track. Congratulations to the winner Izzy. Her prize, to help Deputy Mayor Justin Lester cut the ribbon. The track has been nominated for a Wellington Community Award, well done to Jeremy, Kether and the rest of the crew.

A big thanks to WCC for their continued support of the track, Trail Fund NZ and Revolve for kicking in some funds, Southstar Trails for the epic build, Floyd's Cafe and New World Island Bay for donating food for digs and sausage sizzles, Welly MTB Club members for pitching in at work parties and Placemakers Evans Bay for lending us their epic BBQ trail for the sausage sizzle at the track opening.

The track has received some huge praise, with congratulations and interest from as far afield as Perth, WA. The club is already talking with WCC councillors about the possibility of similar tracks elsewhere in the city, so watch this space.

Wicked Wellington Competition

Bike Wellington and HELiPRO are turning it up for the ultimate adventure experience. After being choppered in to Makara Peak, you'll ride the track down with a professional photographer snapping you like a pro. If you are keen, all you need to do is enter online.

See you on the trails!

1. Enduro Series Wrap

The Wellington Mountain Bike Club has a position available as a Trail Builder based in Wellington City.
 
This is an exciting role that will see you working on the newest trail in the Polhill Reserve, Clinical.
 
Our ideal candidate will have trail building experience, and be passionate about the development of new trails. A First Aid Certificate is also preferred.
 
Approximately 4-30 hours of work are required per week. However, working hours/days are flexible so you’re able to manage other commitments.  
 
This is a 4 week fixed term contract, commencing Saturday 10th May until Friday 7th June 2014 and remuneration is $15.00 per hour.
 

Applications closed 5pm, Sunday 27th April 2014.

Click here for full results

NZ National Downhill 2014 - Sarah Atkin FTW!

Sarah going for the win. Photo "borrowed" from BikeNZ website.

The big news from the recent National Downhill Champs held in Rotorua is Sarah Atkin’s inaugural Elite title. Wellington local Sarah took the top step emphatically with a 6 second lead over Alanna Columb, and almost 7 seconds ahead of Harriet Letcham, both from Queenstown. Some would say, ourselves included, this has been coming for a long time and it’s great to see Sarah riding strong.

The Elite men’s field was stacked as usual and the title was taken out by Hawkes Bay’s George Brannigan, with Wanganui’s Sam Blenkinsop less than a second back followed by Switzerland’s Nick Beer.

So sending a massive congratulations out to Sarah and to all other club members who took part in the event! Check the full report over on the BikeNZ site.

Christmas Shuttles x Longest Day Ride

It’s a while ago now, but we neglected to mention it earlier. Saturday the 21st marked the fifth annual Longest Day Ride and we thought it was a good opportunity to get our Club members together for some Christmas Shuttles. Besides an amazing excuse to ride your bike all day, those participating in the Longest Day Ride raise funds for Arthritis NZ.

And what a day! The super keen were up at Polhill for a run at first light and shortly after 9am, the late risers were met at Miramar. After a couple of hours there, we moved on to Wainui, then to Karori Park followed by Mt Victoria and then finally back to Miramar for the last runs. By about 8pm, the last handful of riders were calling it quits and yarns were being spun around the BBQ.

At its high point we had about 30 riders and surprisingly there was only one incident all day involving one lad riding off Hippys. You’ll be pleased to know he wasn’t off the bike for long.

We’re also pleased to announce that $350 was raised for Arthritis NZ. Many thanks to all those that came along and to the drivers.

Welly Enduro Series

For a full calendar of events, results and points standings head over to wmtbc.org.nz/enduro

Round 1 Report - The Escape from Mt Crawford

Round 1 of the Enduro Series at Miramar was a blast. Over 90 riders on the day, so great conditions and relaxed vibe. The riders in the Felony class soon mastered the top of the track diversion (nick named “Ball and Chain”) and everyone got three runs under their belts.

The Sufferfest Hill Climb up Jail Brake lived up to it’s billing. Riders must have been hitting their max heart rate by the time they hit the rock drop.

Karl “The Weasel” Patterson backed up his performance from last year and took at the Felony class Enduro and the King of the Mountain. Whilst in the Women’s it was Sascha Smith taking the double in the Women’s.

A huge thanks to Placemakers Evan’s Bay, The Rock FM and Burkes Cycles for supporting this event, and of course to The Yeastie Boys who are supporting the entire series.

Round 2 Next Sunday March 9th at Wainuiomata

The second round of the WES will be at WTP next Sunday.

This will consist of 2 runs down different courses, with untimed liaison stages to the top of each course.

Registration from 9am. Race runs should be done and dusted by 1 with prize giving shortly after.

We are running all age group classes, with prizes for each class. Excellent Yeastie Boys beer for those of age, and something equally sweet for those who aren’t.

Enter online >>

Round 3 Revolve Super V

Ladies, don't forget there is one round of the WES just for you - the Revolve Super V. This will be a fun day of shuttles and racing in Polhill. Head over to the Revolve site to enter.

Round 4 cSixx Mt Vic Super D Entries Open Now

March 30th is lining up as a big one. The Mt Vic Super D gets bigger and better each year.
Entries are open now on the club site.

New for this year is the Mini D, a super D for 7 - 12 year olds. This will be held on a different course that follows some of the easier trails down from the top of Mt Vic back to the event village at the Harrier Club.

Steve Wallace and the Mt Vic Trails Crew will have a few course changes in store for this edition of the event that will keep you on your toes. Digs are running mid week in the evenings. Check the  Mt Vic trails facebook page for details.

Volunteers Needed - Get us a volunteer, get free entry.

We need a number of volunteers, particularly to Marshall for our upcoming events and we need your help to find them. To that end we are going to offer free entry to all of those who find us a volunteer.

Here is how it works:

• Find us a volunteer for Wainuiomata, and you get free entry to the cSixx Mt Vic Super D
• Find us a volunteer for the cSixx Mt Vic Super D, and you get free entry to the Makara Enduro
• If your volunteer turns up and does their bit on the day, then we will sort you an entry.
  
• It is that easy.

If you have a husband, wife, brother, sister, father, mother, friend or flatmate who can help out, then please email secretary at wmtbc.org.nz with their contact details.

T-Shirt Order - Get your order in before this Thursday Night

Yes we are doing another run of T-shirts, and you have till tomorrow night to get your orders in.

Men’s and Women’s styles, a range of colours, $35 including NZ postage.

Order yours now >>

Karapoti - Volunteers required.

We have had a request from Michael Jacques for 6 more volunteers required for help on Saturday, including tail end Charlie.

There will be free lunch, T shirt and a free entry to next years event, if you can help please email Michael direct-  Michael Jacques michael@mdj.co.nz