Some of you will understandably be quite pleased to see the back of 2016 as it exits the building. But in those times when it seemed like the world was spinning off its axis, bikes were always there to carry us back to a sense of normality. And with the holidays now less than two weeks away, we’re poised with our finger on the reset button. Roll on 2017!

First up, we put a bow on the 2016 Wellington DH Series, then we’ll give you a glimpse of Enduro events in the new year. We've got some correspondence from MTBNZ regarding National Champs, then we’ll catch you up with some exciting news from the crew working at Maidstone. Finally, we’ve got some ideas for under the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas! WMTBC

'16 Wellington DH Series 

That’s a wrap for the 2016 DH Series. This year’s three race series started, and concluded at Maidstone. The conditions at both races were challenging, with a bit of surface moisture keeping everyone on their toes, and providing no shortage of entertainment for spectators. Karori was the scene for Race 2, and conditions were a contrast to Upper Hutt. This was welcomed by competitors, who got to throw down on the steep, technical track, and brand new sections, in optimal conditions.

U19 Winner Jesse Cseh | Photo: Edward WIlcock/Peakside Media

We were blown away by the level of competition this year. Across all categories, the skills and speed on display were impressive. It’s obvious Wellington is cultivating some serious talent.

• Overall: Bryn Dickerson
  
• Hardtail: Matthew Dale
  
• M1: Dan Taylor aka Rasta
  
• M2: Rob Willis
  
• Open Men: Bryn Dickerson
  
• U15: Isaac Martins
  
• U17: Albert Snep
  
• U19: Jesse Cseh
  
• Women: Lisa Ng
  

Full results

We have a few shout outs. Firstly, a huge thanks to our volunteers. Cheers for taking the time to support these events. They simply would not happen without your contribution. Thanks to Kiwivelo, Mud Cycles, and The Cycle Centre for supporting the events. From day to day, these pillars of the community keep our bikes in top shape, and they’re regular supporters of local racing. And a final thanks also to our Series Sponsor - RED Clothing. We’re extremely grateful to Luca for supporting the series, and we were stoked to see him on track at the events. Please show your appreciation by following RED Clothing on Facebook, and Instagram. 

DH National Champs, Cardrona Alpine Park, Feb 25-26

Cycling New Zealand presents the 2017 Mountain Bike National Championships. This is NZ’s premier national mountain bike event, attracting New Zealand’s top Cross Country and Downhill Mountain Bike racers.

The 2017 event will be hosted by Bike Wanaka - Lake Wanaka's Mountain Bike Club, in the beautiful Cardrona Alpine Park. For more information visit: www.mtbnationals.co.nz

And hot off the press - MTBNZ have just announced the selection regulations for 2017 season international competition including Oceania Championships, World Cups, World Championship. They can be viewed here.  

The New Year brings more local racing!

We hit the ground running in January, with two events back to back, and your first chance to score Wellington Enduro Series points. On Wellington Anniversary Day, Mon 23rd - we visit Miramar for the annual Mt Crawford Enduro & Kiduro, and on Sun 29th, we return to Mt Victoria for the Yeti NZ Mt Vic Super D & Mini D.

Entries for both events are limited, and open in January. Keep an eye on Facebook.com/WellyMTB, or WMTBC.org.nz for more information.

'17 Wellington Enduro Series 

The 2017 Series consists of 6 races, with category winners being decided from their best three results. Points will be allocated based on competitors’ age group results. More details in the lead up to Race 1.

• Race 1 - Mt Crawford Enduro & Kiduro, 23 January
  
• Race 2 - Yeti NZ Mt Vic Super D and Mini D, 29 January
  
• Race 3 - Polhill Enduro, 5 March
  
• Race 4 - Revolve Super V, March
  
• Race 5 - Makara Enduro, 18 March
  
• Race 6 - Wainui Enduro, 30 April (TBC)

Keep up to date with MTB events at: www.wmtbc.org.nz/Events-Calendar

Maidstone - New Trail underway

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Facebook, in particular TGL Contracting, you may have noticed some impressive work underway at Maidstone. The new DH line has been built with the help of your Wellington MTB Club membership, and additional funding from the Upper Hutt City Council.

Initial feedback has been really positive on the track's jumps and progression, but there is still a fair bit of work still to complete before we can call it done. You can donate to Maidstone to help us complete the new line here, and by selecting Maidstone DH Track.

Trail Builder Bryn Dickerson testing one of his creations

Need a new pack? Evoc have your back

In the lead up to The Mt Vic Super D (or while stock lasts), Burkes Cycles and Capital Cycles in association with Evoc are offering 20%-50% of Evoc packs.

Head in store and check the range of packs on offer. Whether you're heading into the bush for an overnighter, or planning a full on day in the hills and need to carry provisions, these packs are awesome, and would make a great gift for the mountain biker in your family.

Cheers to Marleen Wholesalers (distributor of Evoc & Maxxis), Capital Cycles, and Burkes Cycles.

Cactus Outdoor WMTBC Member Discount

The team at Cactus Outdoor are New Zealand-based purveyors of quality outdoor clothing, and their kit is about as tough as kit comes.

Thanks to Cactus, all Wellington Mountain Bike Club members now 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. 

Next time you’re in store at 241 Thorndon Quay, simply mention that you’re a WMTBC member, and boom – the best kit and a sharp price. Alternatively, shop for Cactus Clothing online, and simply email or phone to confirm your WMTBC Club membership.

Head into Capital Cycles for a Club Member Discount

We’re stoked when local businesses show support for our community. There's always a lot of work to do so we could use all the help we can get. The Club is a volunteer led organisation, so your membership goes a long way. It buys materials and equipment for projects like Polhill, Miramar, and Maidstone to name a few, and helps drive events like the Wellington DH and Enduro Series.

To show their appreciation for your contribution - Capital Cycles have very kindly offered to put up a Club Member discount in store. See the team at Capital Cycles for a 10% off discount on parts and accessories. 

Applies to non-sale items only. Excludes labour, and bikes. At the counter, simply provide your name and email to confirm your Club Membership.

TrailFund NZ Rider Survey

Would you like to see better trails around the country, greater access given to mountain bikers on existing trails? Please take 10 minutes to fill out the TrailFund Rider Survey 2016.

It's for all mountain bikers, and it is very helpful to Trail Fund NZ, and other organisations (including DoC and local councils) who work in developing mountain biking and the necessary infrastructure.