Winter is behind us! In a few weeks it’ll be like it never happened. Before you know it, that incredible day will come when you can put your bike away covered in dust, and you can wear your favourite kit for more than one ride unwashed, without looking like a creature that crawled out of a swamp.
We’ve got a few updates for you all in this newsletter, kicking off with the upcoming DH Series. We’re also pleased to announce the return of the Wellington Enduro Series, and Mt Vic Super D next year, the Brooklyn Trail Builders have more than one taste of exciting news, and we’ll update you on progress out at Porirua DH. We sign off with a cheeky little edit featuring Wellington's Bryn Dickerson.
2016 Wellington DH Series
The annual Wellington DH Series is upon us once again. Registration is open now at the Events page.
Race 1 - Maidstone, Sat 15th Oct | Race 2 - Karori, Sat 5th Nov | Race 3 - Maidstone, Sat 26th Nov
This year’s three race series kicks off on Saturday 15th October at Maidstone, Upper Hutt. Mark Latham and his team have been hard at work at Maidstone over the winter months, in addition to receiving a $1,500 cash injection from Trail Fund NZ, so riders can expect some welcome improvements to the characteristically fast, exciting race track. Race two will take place on the now infamous K-Hole track, behind Karori Park, Nov 5th. And likewise here, the track has had a good freshen up recently courtesy of Curtis and his crew. Riders will be treated to a few surprises, likely to keep the intensity high on race day. For the deciding third race, we return to Maidstone, Nov 26th.
Finally - a BIG shout out to RED Clothing who have come on board as series sponsor. Jump over to the website and show your appreciation.
www.rideeveryday.nz/ | www.facebook.com/REDmtb
Volunteers - WE NEED YOU!
If you’re keen to help out with the DH Series, we’re urgently seeking drivers, and course marshals. Please email events@wmtbc.org.nz with your name, contact details, and availability.
2017 Wellington Enduro Series
We’re very pleased to announce that after a brief hiatus, the Wellington Enduro Series returns in 2017, kicking off on Wellington Anniversary Day with the Mt Crawford Enduro & KidDuro, followed closely by the Mt Victoria Super D on Jan 29th. The Wainuiomata Enduro, Polhill Enduro, and for the women only, the Revolve Super V - will round out the series races in the months following.
More details to come!
Brooklyn Trail Builders - Update
Wellington Marathon Clinic has approved funding of $10k to go towards the cost of gravelling lower Transient track, with the Wellington City Council funding the balance, and also graveling part of Windmill Track. A contractor will be on site this month, closing the track for about a week to complete the work. We’d like to thank WMC for their continued support. They’ve previously supported BTB with a grant towards the development of Clinical, and we’re really pleased to be able to work with other community groups that appreciate the trail network like we do.
We’ve also obtained a $5k private donation, and a $10k grant from DoC for the purchase of traps to be installed in Carrey Gully, below the Turbine. We’re doing our bit to make Wellington predator free! Also, a further thanks to iRide for a $160 contribution from the donation box in September. This month, you can find the donation box at Capital Cycles.
On the awards front, BTB recently won the Sport & Leisure section of the Wellington Community Awards. We now have three sizable awards over the last few years. Keep your eyes open for commemorative native trees we’ve planted in the Reserve, each accompanied by a brass plaque, to mark the awards.
Finally, consultation will start soon for the descending track in Polhill, run by WCC. Please support the consultation when it comes out, and share with others in our community to get behind it.
www.facebook.com/BrooklynTrailBuilders
New Porirua DH update
Since the closure of Long Gully in 2014, the Wellington Region has been lacking a DH track suitable to host Nationals rounds. However, over the past months, we’ve been working with a couple of partners within the region towards the development of a new track suitable for DH racing, behind Porirua. The track will be good - nearly 350 vertical meters of descending, and features that are guaranteed to make it a classic.
We'll keep you up to date over the coming months with developments, hot off the press, including invitations to join the trail building team.
Mt Vic Dig Day, Sunday 16th Oct.
Here's your chance to get a taste of what trail building is about - get involved and give back to the mighty Mt Vic for a morning. Riders of all levels (and non-riders) are encouraged to come out, cut some new lines, earn some trail karma and have a hand in expanding the formidable Welly trail network.
Rod ‘Rodfather’ Bardsley along with experienced trail builders and good sorts from WMTBC, will lead digging on the Mt Vic Super D Trail on the day. Work will be focussed on cutting back vegetation and preparing the riding surface, tidying up the Super-D line along the side of the road.
Huge thanks to Specialized NZ who will be on site digging, and supporting volunteers with food, drinks, tools, AND maybe some bikes to ride afterwards!
Full Details here
It's always worth the effort
Bryn Dickerson knows a thing or two about bike handling. Check out this edit from Joram Adams, featuring Wellington’s Bryn, who recently returned from his successful World Cup DH campaign.
