Kaiteriteri 6Hr 2012

As the shortest day comes round again, it's time to start getting your team together for the Mid-Winter Breakout!
After the success of last year's inaugural 6 Hr, the Mountain Bike Park is again playing host to the region's most popular recreational mtb event on June 17.
Because we're anticipating even greater numbers this time, we've shifted the tent city to Bethany Park, adjacent to the MTB Park at the end of Martin Farm Rd.

Solo or teams of 2-4, tandems and even a unicycle class - everyone is catered for.

Imagination in devising your riding kit is rewarded over how fast your lap time is so, whether you're biking mates, a family or a corporate team, get your entry in and your creative juices flowing.

Entry forms are available from all of the local bike shops or you can enter on-line here:
www.nelsonmtb.org.nz/6-hour

There'll be spot prizes throughout the day, music & refreshments available. Last year's was great fun and this promises to be even better!

An added option this year is to join us for a Saturday Night Social Ride before Sunday's big event.

The Park is proving to be a busy place in the evenings.

One rider counted 43 others on a recent Thursday night outing with every track junction hub providing an opportunity to catch up and share stories with others who like it on the dark side.

For those travelling from afield for the event and keen to join us for the Saturday night ride, there are cabin & camping options at Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp  www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz
or you can set your tent up at Bethany Park lovetostay@bethanypark.co.nz, all ready for the morning.

The ride will start at 6pm from the beachfront and be followed by a Beer & Bite at the Shoreline Cafe & Restaurant afterwards.

You'll need to let Craig Skillicorn know at  reliance@bettaelectrical.co.nz  or  phone  him  on  035287120 / 021 728 8793 with your intention so he can advise the Cafe of numbers.

The region's growing band of unicyclists have made the Park a favourite destination. They recently made a video of themselves playing on some of the tracks & structures. I'm impressed with the gap jump!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oid4EEStIOY

A friend sent me this pic a couple of weeks ago.

It made me think of how, "in the old days" - when we sneakily built our tracks in nearby forestry blocks - such a thing could never happen within a 25yr logging er....cycle.

In this enlightened age of MTB Parks, however, where tracks are built to last, who knows what sort of tree art could evolve?

Bike Park sculpture could become a whole new medium. Ideas, anyone...?

Back on track...

Our working bees so far this year have been dominated by some of the 'less sexy' tasks.

Cutting back bracken & gorse, spraying re-growth and spreading gravel are never going to rate highly on a volunteer's list of Things to Do with My Sunday Mornings.
Still, someone's gotta do it so we owe a lot to those Park stalwarts who will regularly turn up, whatever needs doing.

Last Sunday, though, we finally got to turn our attention to some of that sexy stuff.

Our latest track, Corkscrew, has proven to be extremely popular. It was designed as an intermediate-level climbing track to access the top, ridge-line, expert-level tracks.
But what punters have discovered is that it's great fun to ride down as well!

Fortunately, the sight-lines are pretty good and there are only a few places where riders need to exercise caution to avoid a head-on collision. It's a credit to everyone that we haven't heard of any 'majors' yet...

But the committee has had to recognise that, until we build an intermediate-level, descending line from the top of the Park (timetabled for 2013), there are a few things we could do to make coming down Corkscrew a bit safer and a lot more fun!

We started with the uppermost switchback in the forest. Carved out of a steep slope, much of the excavated soil had disappeared down the side.
Still, it was perfectly ok for riding up.

Coming down was a different story.
The lack of a decent berm meant speed had to be throttled back and, for less-confident riders, the prospect of going over the lower edge was intimidating.

We began by armouring the outside edge with a combination of previously-felled kanuka and woven bags filled with excavated soil.

Then, as Rob de Leeuw is doing above, we covered the bags with more soil, carved from the upper sides to make more of a 'wall ride'.

Raking and compacting as we went, we soon had the semblance of a berm taking shape (it's more impressive than it looks here!).

With a surfeit of perfectionists on-board, we probably fussed over it a bit longer than was necessary- but that's what perfectionists do...

All that was needed was for our nominated test rider, Jay Nelson, to check it out.

From the speed he entered the switchback, I was thinking more "crash dummy" than "test rider" and expected to see him fly out over the lower berm, landing amidst the tangled debris and undergrowth below.

Instead, Jay gave us a demonstration on how to ride switchbacks without losing speed - in fact, I think he came out quicker than he went in...

Satisfied, we headed down to the next one.

This corner needed even more building up but, now experienced in the task, it took half the time.

Here, Grib Buchanan and Ross Savile tamp down the fresh berm before we let Jay loose on it once again...

Oliver Weber took several tracking photos of Jay railing the berms, mostly for studying technique afterwards, I suspect...
I think a few of us felt there was definitely scope for a switchback-riding workshop on Corkscrew sometime in the future (one for blokes, that is - see previous post).

Still, there are a few more to do yet. We're not saying all 62 switches* are going to get the same treatment - but that could depend on how many perfectionists turn up for the working bees...

Coming up: the 6Hr Mid-Winter Breakout! Start thinking about getting your team together.

*This is by no means a definitive count! Everyone's definition of a switchback will differ but we should all agree on somewhere between 50-70 :-)

Taking it to the hills

With the absence of any recent posts, you may think things have been quiet around the Park.

Not so! With the great Autumn weather, the tracks have been getting a lot of use. The daytime temps. are perfect for a fast blast and the nightriders are back in action.
If you'd like to meet up with a few of the latter, Thursday is the most popular night. Some ride from the Riwaka rugby grounds (and up the Marahau hill), leaving at 6.00pm, while others meet on the Kaiteriteri beachfront at 6.15pm.
All levels of fitness & ability are on show so you're bound to find somebody compatible to ride with.

Emma Bawtree is about to start up her Wheel Woman mtb coaching workshops in the Park again. As the name implies, these are for women only and she caters for beginner and intermediate riders. Check out the calendar for the w/shop dates or go to her new website for more info. www.wheelwoman.co.nz


During March, I went on a two week road trip of Otago, sampling some of the best tracks the region has to offer.

This included 'mtb park' singletrack in Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka, as well as some forays into the North & Central Otago ranges - like here, at Duffers Saddle on the Nevis Rd, about to follow the 4WD route down through old gold mining digs back to Bannockburn.

Over this period, I had plenty of time to reflect on what I enjoy most about mountain biking...


Part of the reason behind the trip was to see what other track builders further South were up to. I've been increasingly reading & hearing about some great new tracks that have recently appeared. Tracks like Switchback in Dunedin, Hammy's in Queenstown and Deans Bank in Wanaka.
Complementing these are the superb 'little' mtb parks that have recently appeared or been upgraded.
Multiple circuits of the Redwoods Loop in Dunedin's Wakari Rd kept me happy when more established tracks were too wet to ride. 7 Mile on the shores of Lake Wakitipu had me returning the following morning for another helping of their smorgasbord selection of routes down from "The Eagle's Nest" high point.

What was common to all of these purpose-built tracks was the high quality of design and build. They flowed, they included fun features and various (usually optional) technical challenges like this log ride on the Redwood Loop.

Due to good design and, where necessary, liberal applications of gravel, they also had sustainable surfaces, extending the riding season into winter.

Another key element of the best parks was signage. Having a good map or mapboard is one thing. Relating it to what's on the trail is another if the track junctions aren't clearly signed. As a local, you know the best way to ride a circuit to get the best out of it. As a visitor, the same network can be confusing without a 'recommended circuit' or directional arrows. Hanmer Springs is another excellent example of where good signage has significantly improved the riding experience for the casual visitor.

At Kaiteriteri, we feel that we're doing a lot of things well. We're still relatively new on the scene and started from a fairly low 'knowledge base' in terms of creating a MTB Park from scratch.

Each year we've learnt new things and incorporated that experience into our development projects.

We put special emphasis on creating family-friendly trails, while also trying to accommodate as wide a range of riders as possible, including providing storage posts for unicycles...

But what excited me most about visiting these other centres was that there is still much we can do to improve on what we want to offer. And, now that our weekly working bees are cranking back into life, some of us can't wait to get started!

What I also came to appreciate from the hours I spent in these various mtb playgrounds was that they are ideal environments in which to increase your fitness and improve your riding skills. Unless you're in Q'town and catching the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak for your downhill runs, they all involve a fair amount of climbing - and that's gotta be good f'ya!
And then, riding the same track several times does wonders for increasing your confidence. Each time you go a bit faster, maybe take a more adventurous line, maybe take on that log ride or table top. After a couple of hours you inevitable depart a better rider.

Which brings me to the other thing I spent time reflecting on. With that increasing fitness, skill and confidence, there is no shortage of places around our stunning country to take it!

I know that there are plenty of mtbers who already are on top of that one - and some excellent guide books to help the rest of us to get started - but too often we (well... I) settle for what's local & familiar.

The back country epics usually involve transport logistics, careful preparation, well-maintained bikes, good weather forecasts and, preferably, compatible riding companions. All reasons to go on deferring that trip you've talked about doing for months, if not years.

But, if you set your goal, ring-fence that w/end and commit yourself to it, those are the rides that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

And you'll remind yourself of what it is you love about mountain biking...

Corkscrew Loop

By now we hope most of you have had a chance to ride up Corkscrew, take in the panoramic view from the skidsite and either head back down or continue along to the expert-grade spur-line tracks off the top ridge.

We're now pleased to be able to offer a third alternative: an advanced-grade downhill that drops you back to the skidsite.
It takes off from the junction of the 'skidsite road' and the top ridge road, by the pond. If you've come in from the top of the Riwaka-Sandy Bay Rd or The Big Loop, this is where you see the marker post pointing you left to Corkscrew.
This is the recommended route for intermediate-level riders.

Those heading towards Velocity, Flamin' Nora & Rockface, or just even more impressive views, continue along the main forest road to the right.
Those riders looking for a bit of downhill action before heading back down Corkscrew can now take a 'middle-road' option that climbs slightly, briefly levels off then plunges fairly steeply down a broad spur.

This had become densely over-grown with gorse in recent years and was further obstructed by a couple of bogs on the level section.

Back in December, Andrew Spittal had generously offered us a weekend and a Chings Contracting 5 tonne excavator to open this old track up again.

Bad weather lead to repeated cancellations but we were confident enough to include the track on our map that went to press early in the new year.

On the last weekend in February things fell into place and Andrew was in action.
By midday on Sunday we had another 500-600m of track :)
It has a number of water bars to shed water from the erosive Kaiteriteri granite soils so there's potential to have a bit of fun on the way down. We'll do a bit of 'sculpturing' to enhance the experience so, if you think it's likely to be your thing, make sure you're on our mailing list for that working bee...

These will be starting up again this month and, with the growing numbers using the Park, we're looking forward to seeing a number of new faces.
Maintenance of the growing trail network is a necessary aspect of our work - less creative than building new track but every bit as important!

 

As Andrew & I were packing up, seventeen members of the Golden Bay MTB Club were celebrating their mastery of the Corkscrew switchbacks.

An impressive total of 41 members made a weekend out of exploring the Park, night riding, sea swims & shared meals.

It's obvious they have a lot of fun together and their blogspot (see sidebar) is regularly updated with their adventures.

Also having a lot of fun was Motueka GP Suzanne Viveen, negotiating the 'rata root' drop-off in Skullduggery's rimu gully.

Hand-benching this section of track was a highlight of last year's working bees. We're wondering what 2012 might have in store...

Finally, a reminder to all of the partial Park closure this w/e for the KBAR event.
Be aware that some competitors will be pre-racing the mtb route from 4.00pm on Friday.
Events on Saturday & Sunday mean the tracks are closed to the public 10.00am - 2.00pm.

If you're keen to ride, you can always enter!

KBAR coming up...

Yep, the 2012 Kaiteriteri Beach Adventure Race is locked in for March 10/11.



This is a multi-sport event that caters for all levels - from the country's elite athletes like last year's winners Richard Ussher & Fleur Latimer to rank amateurs out for a day's fun (me).




There's a whole range of categories to enter including kids, teams, single or multi-discipline.

A highlight of this year's MTB 20/40 kms loop will be the opportunity to ride down Corkscrew. While there might be the odd demented soul from last year that will miss the hair-raising, semi-skid/slide fest that Velocity turned into after a night's rain, I'm pretty sure most riders will much prefer this year's alternative.

It'll make for a more interesting race. The climbers will be able to stretch the gap on the grind up to the top ridge while those with better riding technique will be able to haul them in on the long, switchbacking descent. Unless you're a champion at both...

Check out the mtb course options here:
http://kbar.co.nz/default.asp?PageID=23885



Meanwhile, the rest of the Park is still busy.

After coming across this group of Nelson riders for the third time in different parts of the Park, I felt a photo was overdue...





Andrew Meffan from Nelson now has even more reason to make use of his Kaiteriteri holiday home. I've spotted him a few times shepherding young ones along Easy Rider.

Daughter Iris is especially proud of her very blingy new bike - complete with recommended bell!







This lad, one of a group from Mapua, shows how to bunny-hop the gap jump.
Teens like these are crying out for more challenges on which to test themselves. If anyone has some simple ideas on how to enhance our Skills Area, we're all ears!


Recent arrival to Motueka from the Netherlands, Michiel Overweel, thought he may have died and arrived in mountain bike heaven after his first Park circuit.

'Though a keen mtber, they don't really do hills in Holland so, esp. after a long lay-off, his face was doing a good colour match with his shirt by the top of Swamp Monster.

Not deterred, two days later he was cresting Corkscrew.




The thing I love about mountain biking is that it's such a social sport. It's as much about the company you ride with as how fast or skillfully you can handle the trails.

The BBs and the BBs from Nelson seem a perfect example of this. Despite a little initial hesitation, especially after I said they would be appearing on our website, they gave up their acronym.
Meet... The Blistering Bollocks and Bouncy Bits!

The Park clearly offers something for mountain biking families that was previously lacking in the region.
I love coming across parents getting their kids into the sport, gently coaxing them through the more challenging bits, prepared to let them have a spill or two in the process of developing their skills.

The Hampden Street Hammerers (from the primary school in Nelson) were giving the pump track a good hammering when I chanced along. Only a couple could be persuaded to pause long enough for a photo with their minders before heading off up Salivater.

Our Park map currently shows two downhill lines (in black) as part of possible Corkscrew loops. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to complete these last year so our apologies to those who have gone looking for them.
The good news is that Andrew Spittal has managed to free up a weekend to bring over a Chings digger. If the weather holds true to forecast, we'll be working on opening up the overgrown firebreak from the top intersection. We'll let you know as soon as it's rideable.

The other line is to be a hand-benched track with much of the route clearing already done. It will be one of our first projects on the resumption of w/bees in March. If you live locally and would like to get involved, send an email to info@kaiteriterimtbpark.org.nz

A Day in the Park 2012

So Waitangi Day rolled around and, for me, it was a chance to have some family mtb time.

Seems I wasn't the only one...



Matt Redwood from Nelson was taking his young family for a spin. I just missed his other children but young Logan was sticking close to dad.


He wasn't too sure about the dude with the camera - I think he thought I was eyeing up his cool bike...






Alice Winter from Stoke was having her first visit to the Park.
Her introduction to riding switchbacks wasn't dampening her enthusiasm.


Meanwhile, husband Ken set off to enjoy Glade Runner after quenching his thirst from the Kimi Ora-supplied water tap at the top of Swamp Monster.


The Mosimann family from Pokororo were enjoying a shady catch-up.
Rudi and Maya were taking daughters Jasmin and Rowena for their first outing along the Park's 'easy' circuit.

Easy is a relative term in the world of mountain biking - and especially at Kaiteriteri where the terrain often dictates where the track has to go.
But our management committee fully appreciates how daunting newcomers (young & old) to the sport can find the Sidewinder switchbacks and the steepish climb of Swamp Monster.
"You call this easy?!", is a refrain we're not unfamiliar with...

In response, we've surveyed a new 'bypass' route for these two tracks. It will definitely offer an Easy gradient with some nice undulating flow to keep the riding interesting.
Like Easy Rider, this will be a good track for beginners to practise their skills and improve their fitness on. When they're ready for a bigger challenge, Sidewinder will still be there...

We hope to commence construction of this track in the autumn.


Corkscrew continues to delight all who venture on to it - with the debate raging over whether it's more fun to ride up or down!

Deborah Morris from Motueka enjoys the challenges of the switchbacks and the workout of the uphill...




While others find their mojo on the way back down...



I caught Greg O'Donnell, Sally Jehans and Krissy Ridder, all from Motueka, honing their skills on this series of twisters...


I'm afraid the formatting of the blogger.com. website lets me down at this point. While it all looks right in draft, once posted not all comments align with the photos.

I hope you can work it out...







Having made it to the skid site at the top of Corkscrew, mother & daughter contemplate the swim that awaits at the bottom...






Already heading in that direction was Rachel Butcher, over for the day from Richmond.







Sam Wilson and Bekah Phyn, both from Nelson, were exploring the Park for their first time, enjoying the cruisey flow of Easy Rider.








It was time to join my wife & daughter on the beach - but not before capturing the Radford family from Christchurch.

Annette led them back to the entrance...







closely followed by 4 1/2 yr old Jamie, fully recovered from a tumble on Sidewinder.




Bringing up the rear was Craig with 18mth old Lucy nestled on her top tube bike seat.

From the way dad was consulting her, I suspect she was the navigator ;-)




I know that there were plenty of others in the Park over the weekend but I was particularly chuffed to see so many family groups and newcomers in the couple of hours I was there on the afternoon of Waitangi Day. Despite some challenging biking for some, all seemed to be really enjoying themselves on a beautiful day.

Thanks to all the above for allowing me to briefly interrupt their ride...



Where every ride at Kaiteriteri should terminate...

2012 Park map

As rain once again lashes our region, indoor activities take precedence over outdoor ones - unless you're out sand-bagging your property :-(

The Park has been lucky to avoid the deluges so far and we hope that remains the case. With holiday-makers in full attendance, the tracks are getting a good work-out.
Our newest track, Corkscrew, is proving to be a hit with all who ride it, from relative newbies to seasoned mtb junkies. While the speed in which they go up or down varies, the width of the smiles and expressions of appreciation are identical.
The amount of positive feedback we're getting confirms that, not only are our track building skills getting better with every year, but we're filling a niche that is often over-looked in track design.

Passionate riders like to take their partners, less-experienced friends or fast-developing kids places that are safe but fun & challenging, as well. We promote the Park as a family-friendly mountain biking venue and that's what we aim to deliver.


Our 2012 building programme will begin by creating a bypass of Sidewinder & Swamp Monster, the section many new riders most struggle with. It will be a flowy, undulating trail that generally follows the contours - much like the popular Easy Rider.
It will also offer us some new options when planning race circuits.

Other projects planned are to extend some current tracks, so they begin or terminate at hubs, and add some parallel tracks to allow more one-way riding. Of these, most will be hand-benched during our Sunday morning working bees which will resume in March.

Whether we get time to start another major undertaking, an Intermediate-grade downhill from the top of Corkscrew, remains to be seen. We've left it off the map so you don't start getting excited too soon. But, by now, you should be getting an idea of how quickly things happen around here...

We're in the process of getting our tear-off padmaps finalised and these will be available from the Camp Office, bike shops and several local businesses in the near future.

I've blogged before about how popular the Park is with a growing group of Nelson mountain unicyclists - the munis. Prime muni-mover Marty Richards emailed me recently to say he and friends had been playing on the skinnies.

"Without photos, it never happened", I replied.

Nek minit...

Here, Julian Daley munis his way over 'low roller' while Jane Merline, fresh from Wisconsin, makes easy work of 'high riser'.

Marty, at rear, assures me he made it to within the last 2m.
Sorry, Marty, without a photo...