Golden Bay Biking blog

MTBNZ National Champs-Nelson weekend

2012-01-30T21:11:00.001+13:00

Did anyone go and watch the Nationals in Nelson? Looks like Reece went well in his first season as U19, looks like he's got a sparring partner in Leo Sandler too. 2nd in U19's and 13th in the Elte cat. Nice work Reece. Round up and full results link here....
http://spokemagazine.com/2012/01/30/mtbnz-national-champs-wrap-up/

Happy Christmas everyone....

2011-12-21T23:19:00.001+13:00

Incase you missed it, here's a bit of Backyard fun!....

2011-12-18T21:40:00.001+13:00

Rameka Track Update

2011-12-18T20:51:00.002+13:00

Hi All

As most of you will be aware, we have had a tad more rain than normal here in Golden Bay over the last week. For those of you that have had property damage or otherwise affected our thoughts are with you and I hope that life can return to (relative) normal as soon as possible. If you have been watching the news you will also know that the whole Bay is under water?????? Hmmm, not so.

We have been unsure about the state of our Canaan and Rameka MTB tracks. So today Mandy and I went for a run down the full length of the Rameka tracks. Good news is that things are not as bad as first thought.

The Canaan loop is all good.

The Rameka track itself is absolutely fine, bit damp and a couple of rocks moved in the creeks but otherwise 100%.

The new Pack Track withstood the rain well and is perfect condition, Yay!

Project Rameka and Great Expectations have suffered some damage in the lower sections, mostly on the creek crossings, due to a slip from further up the hill. The upper track in general is in great shape. Please respect the sign at the entrance to the Project that states that it is closed until further notice. Good news here is that Steve Zelco has already had his digger out and has cleared the slip off this part of the road so Great Expectations can be bypassed on the road.

Two Klick survived very well, some debris on the track but very much OK.

One Klick is in need of some serious TLC, so pretty much un-ridable, except for the wooden jumps, both of which survived the river flowing over them!!

The main damage is on the Rameka Creek road where there are 3 major wash-outs which make it very difficult to get down the road. I will be heading up there after work tomorrow (Monday) to dig a safe walking track around the slips so that the tracks will again be ridable (possibly with a short bike carry) until the road gets repaired properly, if anyone wants to help give me a bell or see you up there:0). This track could also be used to help get fuel up to Steve Zelco to keep his digger going as he continues to work at opening the road.

And with all that great energy here in the bay I'm sure it won't be long until all these fantastic tracks will be 100% again, until then come ride and enjoy!! Our summer holidaymakers will be arriving any day so lets spread the word that the bay is a great place to be and mostly still intact.

John & Mandy

Rameka Creek Road Carnage

2011-12-16T17:53:00.000+13:00

What was once a small ford is now something that resembles an alpine avalanche! It is not advisable to ride Rameka Creek Road, The Klicks, or Project Rameka at the moment. This area will be a number of weeks/months? before it is easily accessible. Probably worth advising not to ride The Rameka track at present or if you do, better to ride back up to Canaan. This is one of at least three bad slips as well as numerous smaller ones. Shame after the recent opening, but that's mother nature for ya!
more photos here....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Bay-Mountain-Bike-Club/242316829133060

Top day out at the Backyard Series

2011-12-04T20:57:00.001+13:00

Hot on the heels, or maybe that should be moist on the heels, of the Club that brought you The Great Mystery Ride, and the Winter Warmer.....The Backyard Series was born, and despite the rain (quite rightly) a good few of us turned out for a cracking days entertainment.....Four Cross eat your heart out, the mass start is born......
check out more photos here....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Bay-Mountain-Bike-Club/242316829133060

Rameka Track now 220% longer!!

2011-12-03T11:25:00.001+13:00

There is now a continuous walking/cycling track all the way from the Totara Tree Flat (at the bottom end of Rameka Creek Road) to Harwoods Hole car park.

15.5 km of awesome track for your enjoyment!

You are invited to the official opening of the new Rameka Track extension

on Sunday the 11th December.

Gather at the top entrance of Project Rameka at 12.30. Shuttle from the bottom at 12.00.

BYO BBQ/drinks.

Or help with track maintenance from 10 am. Bike or walk up to Project Rameka, or grab a shuttle leaving Totara Tree Flat at 9-30am.

A day to celebrate and thank the landowners and volunteers involved in this community project. Info @ the Bike Shops.

Golden Bay Mountain Bike Club and Project Rameka Incorporated Society.

2011-12-01T22:11:00.001+13:00

Big Congrats to our very own Jack Bauer who will make the step up to the big time next year on the World circuit....nice one Jack!
click here for the full story......
http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/jack-bauer-confirmed-with-garmin-cervelo.html

Club Xmas Party and Backyard series this Sunday

2011-11-29T14:51:00.001+13:00

Hi All, A reminder the Club Xmas party. The worlds first.....GBMTB Back Yard Series!!! Only 1 week away, Sunday 4th December, tell everyone in the club abs we'll see you there.

THE CONCEPT: There are a few keen people out there who have been building their own MTB tracks in their backyards. So we'll spend an afternoon trying out 3 of these tracks and each getting our "Best Timed Lap" on each track. At the end of the day there will be a trophy awarded for the inaugural "GBMTB Back Yard Series" (not necessarily for the best time....) All going well we can make this a regular fun day out.

WHEN: Sun Dec 4th, This will be an all afternoon and into the evening affair.

WHERE:

TRACK 1: 11.30am at Rich Turners "Downhill" track on East Takaka Road. BBQ lunch. Bring BBQ food to share.

TRACK 2: 3pm at John and Mandy's "Tight and Twisty" track at 38 Rototai Road. Pre dinner "Wine, Cheese and G&T Sundowners" on the deck. Bring Wine and cheese type snacks to share and your own drinks.

TRACK 3: 6pm onwards an Karl and Frankies "Pump Track" on the main road out of town. "Pizza and Pump-track" Bring Pizza (or components of) to share.

You will need to bring: Bike, helmet etc and food to share for the above meals. BYO drinks. You will need to sort your own transport between tracks, there may be a possibility of a van and bike trailer being available on the day.

NO SERIOUS BIKE CLOTHING ALLOWED so get dressed up to the 9's and RIDE!!!

If you want to get out and try these tracks in advance just contact the above and make a plan. For more info contact John on 5258783 or at home on 5257347

Back-up plan if wet

If the heavens open up to try to dampen our festive mood on the day (and our riding) then we'll go to plan "B", which is to bring all that food, drink and xmas cheer around to Mandy and Johns place, 38 Rototai rd, around midday and we'll crank up the BBQ, eat, drink and TALK about riding!!Please BYO plate, glass and cutlery. So if the weather is looking a bit dodgey in the morning give John a call on 525 7347 for details.

Information meeting on plans for the cycleway from Pohara to Takaka

2011-11-04T15:25:00.002+13:00

Ireland & Cycleway meeting: Monday, 21 November, 7:30 pm. Community Centre

Rachel Ryan, with whom I did two walking tours in Ireland this winter, is doing an illustrated talk for 30 minutes about her glorious attempts to introduce NZers to Ireland (culture, eccentric friends, walks etc).

After supper, Greg Napp and Hans Stoffregen will present new photos showing the preferred route to take walkers and cyclists from where the current track ends at Boyle Stree by the golf club, to reach GB High School safely and scenically, and outline the next steps towards making it a reality.

Fiona Newey is coming from Nelson to add her enthusiasm for this project. Fiona is the executive officer of the Nelson to Kaiteriteri track.She has given us access to big NZ funders and has met our subcommittee several times and is excited about our plans.

Both the two TDC Councillors are coming to this meeting so we want as many people to attend as possible, to demonstrate our interest, with Resource Consent to be applied for.

Gold coin donation.

The Backyard Series Xmas Party

2011-10-31T07:58:00.000+13:00

Club Xmas party. Get out there and practice your DROPS, PUMPS and SWITCHBACKS for the worlds first.....GBMTB Back Yard Series!!!

THE CONCEPT: There are a few keen people out there who have been building their own MTB tracks in their backyards. So what we plan is to spend an afternoon trying out 3 of these tracks and each getting our "Best Timed Lap" on each track. At the end of the day there will be a trophy awarded for the inaugural "GBMTB Back Yard Series" (not necessarily for the best time....) All going well we can make this a regular fun day out. Remember this is a social day out, NOT a full on organised event!

WHEN: Sun Dec 4th, This will be an all afternoon and into the evening affair.

WHERE:
TRACK One: 11.30am at Rich Turners "Downhill" track on East Takaka Road. BBQ lunch. Bring BBQ food to share. Depart @ 2.30pm.

TRACK Two: 3pm at John and Mandy's Tight and Twisty "Dunny Hill" track at 38 Rototai Road. Pre dinner "Wine and Cheese/Gin & Tonic Sundowners" on the deck. Bring Wine and cheese etc etc type snacks to share. Depart 5.30pm.

TRACK 3: 6pm onwards an Karl and Frankies "Pump Track" on the main road out of town. "Pizza and Pump-track" Bring Pizza (or components of) to share.

You will need to bring: Bike, helmet etc and food to share for the above meals. BYO drinks. You will need to sort your own transport between tracks, there may be a possibility of a van and bike trailer being available on the day.

NO SERIOUS BIKE CLOTHING ALLOWED so get dressed up to the 9's and RIDE!!!

If you want to get out and try these tracks in advance just contact the above and make a plan. For more info contact John on 5258783 or at home on 5257347

STOP PRESS

2011-10-27T11:26:00.000+13:00

A few dates have changed from the timetable below.

Canaan event re-run 27th November. Watch this space.

Back-Yard series on 4th December. Social club event. Watch this space.

Official opening of the Rameka Pack Tracks on 11th of December. Watch this space.

Roots social night coming soon. Lots of locally produced bike vids. And more...

Pack Track link up

2011-10-24T09:18:00.000+13:00

The last piece of the Pack Track jigsaw was completed at 5pm yesterday, a monumental effort by all Club members and volunteers. We're sure it will be a well ridden and received track (infact 6 or 7 people came through yesterday, even though it wasn't complete at the time!) Watch out for the official opening on 11th December which will coincide with the opening of the next completed stage of 'Great Expectations' on Project Rameka.

Spring Calendar

2011-10-16T08:15:00.001+13:00

Coming up...

26^th October COMMITTEE MEETING 5.30 Brigand

30^th October Club ride.....(Pack Track?) TBD

5th November Lakes loop event. One for the roadies amongst us! Four great ride options from
the Rainbow Rage organisers. Check website for details

h ttp://www.lakesloop.co.nz/

6^th November Working Bee - Pack Track finish?
16^th November COMMITTEE MEETING

(Milk & Honey Planning meeting)

20^th November TOTS Canaan? TBC

27^th November Club ride.......(Goldfields?) TBD

December TBD Christmas social/Backyard Series

4^th December Working Bee - Motupipi Hill a.m (Phil Castle for details)
4th December Xmas social - Backyard series (john Etherington)
11th December Pack Track/Great Expectations Official opening

14^th December COMMITTEE MEETING (Bike Wise Feb)

Apologies for Cancellation

2011-10-11T22:46:00.002+13:00

Just wanted to say sorry for having to call off Canaan race, we are hoping to run it later in the year, we'll be in touch with all those who entered nearer the time, cheers, Rob

Canaan XC Loops Race

2011-09-27T11:28:00.000+13:00

Don't forget THIS SUNDAY the Club's biggest event, right on your doorstep, enter and support the club in the best way possible.

Both tracks are looking super sweet, there is even gravel on the start of Roller Coaster the Club's newest (completed) track!

Miss out at your Peril!

10am Registration

11am Gold Creek Loop start

12.00 Main Loop Start

4pm 1st Escape Adventures Shuttle back to Canaan (booking essential)

6pm 2nd Escape Adventures Shuttle back to Canaan (booking essential)

Refreshments,spot prizes and Festival fun!

Register online now and get your Free Festival Goodie Bag

http://nelsoncyclefest.co.nz/

Canaan Race day - part of Nelson Cycle Festival - 2nd October

2011-09-14T20:56:00.000+13:00

Sunday the 2nd of October, there is a short and a long race up at Canaan.
Its part of the Nelson Cycle Festival. Lots of prizes, food and fun.
Put it in your diary. It should be a very good day. If you were at the TOTS event last year. This will be a little like that but more of it...and there will be a short race for younger or less superhuman riders!!!
We have been fine tuning the course and it should prove to be an awesome ride!

The subs are due for another year.
Please join up again, we have lots of things planned for the warmer months. We need your subs to keep the club going and creating those tracks. Drop into the Revolution or Escape, or get hold of Kim or Rob to sign up for another year.
Thanks...

Incase you haven't seen it yet........!

2011-09-06T22:46:00.001+13:00

Well done Reece!

2011-09-05T08:37:00.002+13:00

So Reece bags 30th position in his first World Champs outing on one of the World's notorious and steepest DH courses anywhere!. Awesome! Well done fella, from all of us here. His team mate from Nelson Reuben Olorenshaw managed to get up to 8th spot. In the Elite Men main event, Sam Blenkinsop finished 3rd and Brook Macdonald finished 9th. Go the Kiwis!!

Full Results here...

http://www.vitalmtb.com/news/news/2011-UCI-Mountain-Bike-World-Championships-DH-Finals-Results,351

Anton Cooper claims Silver at Worlds

2011-09-02T22:43:00.001+13:00

If you haven't heard already 17 year old Anton Cooper takes Silver medal at MTB World Champs.... full story here....

http://www.mtbnz.org/wordpress/?p=676#more-676

UCI Mountainbike World Champs Preview

2011-08-30T21:10:00.000+13:00

The World Cup Cross Country circuit has been set alight by a young 17 year old from Woodend, North Canterbury over the last three weeks in Europe. Anton Cooper is finally realising his dreams of racing and winning at the highest level after being so patient through the pre-junior age group categories in New Zealand. Cooper comes to Champery on the strength of back to back World Cup wins in Czechoslovakia and Val di Sole, Italy in the Junior Mens category, and his exploits have created a buzz amongst many of the major professional teams who are lining up to speak to the very balanced young man. The attention is hardly distracting Cooper however, with his focus on the rainbow jersey unwavering.

On the Downhill side of the team, New Zealand's strength and depth is well recognised on the circuit. The New Zealand team comes into Champery as the world number one ranked nation in Junior Men, number two ranked nation in Elite Men, and number three ranked nation in Junior Women - rankings the envy of every other country. In the Elite Men especially this year, several athletes have the pace, form and desire to win next weekend. Cam Cole, Justin Leov, Sam Blenkinsop, Brook MacDonald and Mat Scoles all having stood on World Cup podiums this year or achieving top ten results on arguably the toughest cycling discipline circuit on the world stage. Blenkinsop is ready to fire as well after not having the sort of season he is well capable of, and having recovered from the lingering effects of a debilitating stomach bug last weekend in Val di Sole. 2009 Junior World Champion MacDonald is hungry and driven for success, and having tasted the lofty heights of World Cup podiums this season, the Bulldog won't settle for anything less at the Champs.

Competiton updates will be provided as the schedule unwinds over the next week. Events and schedule for the World Champs programme is as follows (times shown NZ time):

Cross Country Team Relay

Thursday 3am start time

Rosara Joseph, Carl Jones, Dirk Peters, Anton Cooper

Cross Country Junior Men

Friday 1am start time

Anton Cooper, Mathew Waghorn, Tom Bradshaw, Nigel McDowell

Cross Country Under 23 Women

Friday 3am start time

Samara Sheppard, Katie O'Neil

Cross Country Under 23 Men

Saturday 3am start time

Dirk Peters, Brad Hudson, Sam Shaw

Four Cross Men

Saturday 7am start time

Daniel Franks

Cross Country Elite Women

Saturday 11.30pm start time

Rosara Joseph, Karen Hanlen

Cross Country Elite Men

Sunday 2.30am start time

Carl Jones

Downhill Junior Men and Women

Sunday 9.30pm start time

Reuben Olorenshaw, Daniel Franks, Reece Potter, Jay Barrett, Nick Bygate, Sarah Atkin, Madeline Taylor, Sophie Tyas, Sophiemarie Bethell, Veronique Sandler

Downhill Elite Women

Sunday 12am start time

Amy Laird

Downhill Elite Men

Monday 1am start time

Cam Cole, Justin Leov, Brook MacDonald, Sam Blenkinsop, Mat Scoles, George Branniga

NZ MTB Team at the UCI World Cup Final, Val di Sole, Italy Cross Country and Downhill Competiton Day Two

2011-08-23T11:05:00.002+13:00

Some of you guys might remember Anton Cooper (centre) from the Moa race, he already looks like he owns it, even before the start! Awesome performance....read on....

The New Zealand Mountainbike Team completed its competition schedule in Italy today at the final round of the UCI World Cup, in the beautiful northern Italian Val di Sole. Temperatures again rose to 40 degrees plus for the days racing, with competition to match the heat.

The Junior Mens Cross Country race started at 9.30 this morning, anticipation rising as fast as the temperature. A huge field of 102 men took the line, with the Junior Womens race on course at the same time. Christchurch's Anton Cooper proudly started the race with the number 1 plate on his bike, and in prime attack position in the middle of the front line on the start grid. The Christchurch flier jumped out into clear air at the gun and went into the first lap (of four) in a small lead group of four riders, which quickly reduced to three on the first pinch climb. Cooper had some issues first lap with a dropped chain, but stuck to his race plan of attacking the field in the second lap and from there never looked back, charging to a one minute win. In consecutive weekends at these last two World Cups, Copper has now accounted for all of Europes best Junior Cross Country athletes who seem to have no answer for his stunning turn of power and balanced approach to claiming line honours. Copper moves into final preparations for the World Championships in two weeks with confidence high for delivering a breakthrough result for his country.

Cooper's win is also a momentous and unprecedented achievement for a New Zealand Cross Country athlete. Not quite 17 years old yet, Copper took the top step of the podium today at a World Cup for a second time, never before achieved by a New Zealander at World Cup level in any discipline, let alone in the absolutely demanding Cross Country format in the stronghold of the sport amongst Europe's best.

Typically humble, Cooper summed up his morning “the race went pretty well for me today – a few issues with the dropped chain and a couple of small dramas riding through the back of the Junior Womens field but all good. I'm rapt to be lapping at a pace comparable to the fastest Under23 Men and am in a great space for the World Champs in Champery”

Other New Zealanders in the Junior race also had a good day on the bike – Wellington's Tom Bradshaw charging to a 22^nd place finish after getting out to a good start. Mathew Waghorn (Palmerston North) in 28^thand slightly down on his own expectations, with Rotorua's Nigel McDowell 71^st.

The Downhill competiton got under way at 2pm for the men, with New Zealand's seven qualifiers all eager to improve in their drive for the podium. Nelson's Reuben Olorenshaw was first away – the only Kiwi Junior to make the top 80 cut. Olorenshaw raced hard and fast and on a par with his qualfication time, ending 50^th and 4th Junior. Olorenshaw was all praise for his NZ designed and built Zerode downhill bike “I loved this World Cup course – it was so epically long and rough, and the Zerode simply ate it all up, I'm really happy with the way I raced today”. George Brannigan (Hawkes Bay) unfortunately had a bad crash at the end of this mornings practice session, damaging ligaments in his knee and unable to start the final. Sam Blenkinsop (Wanganui) was next away and looked to be uncomfortable on his run, not able to get into his characteristic attack mode for a dissappointing 25th finish. Justin Leov (Dunedin) showed he could turn around his own fortunes after a heavy first day practice crash and subsequent hospital visit for a 12th place. Brook MacDonald (Napier) was targetting a podium today at the very least, after developing a refined taste for standing on the coveted steps this year at World Cup level. MacDonald's run took him to the leaders hot seat with only 11 riders still to come, eventually finishing 7th. Cam Cole (Christchurch) then bumped his good friend out of the hotseat to hold a lead that looked like it had the legs to go all the way – Cole surviving an incredibly sketchy moment mid course that looked like it would ruin his day, only to ride it out and deliver a storming time. Matthew Scoles was last Kiwi away, and looked to be on a wild ride that just didn't translate into podium potential, but still good enough for 10th. The last four starters one by one chipped away at Cole's lead, leaving the Lapierre International professional with a well deserved podium fifth.

It als completes a very successful World Cup series for the New Zealanders, with MacDonald 6th in the overall standings, Cole 7th, Leov 9th and Scoles 16th.

Full Results Val Di Sole World Cup

The NZ MTB Team now disperses for five days training before coming together again in Champery, Switzerland on August 27^th for the UCI World Championships.

NZ MTB Team at the UCI World Cup Final, Val di Sole, Italy Cross Country and Four Cross Competiton Day One

2011-08-23T11:03:00.002+13:00

The New Zealand Mountainbike Team assembled in Italy this week to compete at the final round of the UCI World Cup, in the lead in to the World Championships at the end of the month. Beautiful weather has been a constant all week in the northern Italian venue, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees plus for the main Cross Country race day today.

First event on the Cross Country programme was the Under 23 Mens. As the temperature rose Dirk Peters (Rotorua) emerged as the best of the Kiwis after a tough start in the 100 strong field. Peters recovered from being bunched in the pack after the start loop to work his way into a 39^thplace finish, five minutes down of the leader. Brad Hudson (Christchurch 61^st) and Sam Shaw (Rotorua, 71^st) also finished on the lead lap after five tough laps. Dominic Furkett struggled after a strong start, withdrawing after two.

The Elite Women were next off the start grid late morning, and the race start was full of drama. Karen Hanlen (Whakatane) colliding with a photographer positioned inside the start/finish barriers within the first 50m of the race, bringing down another three riders. Hanlen kept her composure however, and worked her way back from dead last of the 66 starters to claw back a fighting and inspiring 26^th place finish. Rosara Joseph raced at a constant level, just out of touch with the leaders but protecting her position to a 20^th place finish.

The Elite Mens race went at 2pm, with Carl Jones (Whakatane) NZ's sole representative. From what looked like a strong start, Jones faded in the early stages of the race in the high temperatures, withdrawing after three laps.

The last race on the Cross Country programme today was the Under 23 Womens, with Rotorua's Samara Sheppard and Katie O'Neil expected to do well after solid European campaigns this year. Both struggled to fire however, 13^th and 15^th respectively, with the two ladies clearly dissappointed not to break through into the front of the field contest.

After Four Cross qualifying on Friday night, Daniel Franks (Christchurch) was looking confident on the Commezzadura course, seeding 28^th of the 78 starters. The knock out, elimination style event took place under lights tonight, with Franks easily winning his first heat to the delight of the strong NZ support crew. The second round was not so kind – Franks not getting the best start but working into some clear air challenging for 2^ndriding into the first corner. The rider in Franks' sights unexpectedly slid out right in front of the flying Franks, leaving him nowhere to go, and knocked out of the contest.

Reece up and running...

2011-08-20T18:22:00.000+13:00

Here's a link to Reece's first outing in with the big boys over in Val di Sole, Italy!
Scan down the Elite Men list (147th out of 207) not a bad start for a young fella!
Way to go Reece!
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/mtb-world-cup-cross-country-7-downhill-7-and-four-cross-5-cdm/downhill-qualifying/results

2012 NZ MTB Cup/National and Oceania Champs

2011-08-12T10:16:00.000+13:00

Just for the record........

NZ MTB Cup, presented by Nature Valley – Downhill

Round 1 Queenstown Jan 7-9**

Round 2 Dunedin Jan 13/14

Round 3 Christchurch Jan 20/21

Round 4 Rotorua Feb 11/12

Round 5 Wellington Feb 17/18

Round 6 Napier Feb 24/25

** the exact format for Queenstown still to be confirmed

NZ MTB Cup, presented by Nature Valley - Cross Country

Round 1 Dunedin Jan 15 (UCI Cat 1)

Round 2 Christchurch Jan 22 (UCI Cat 2)

Round 3 Wellington Feb 19 (UCI Cat 2)

Round 4 Napier Feb 26 (UCI Cat 1)

RaboDirect Mountainbike National Championship, presented by Nature Valley (UCI Cat CN)

Nelson, Jan 27-29

4X Jan 27

Cross Country Jan 28

Short Track Cross Country Jan 29

Downhill Jan 29

UCI Oceania Championships, presented by Nature Valley (UCI Cat CC)

Rotorua, March 9-11

4X March 9

Cross Country March 10

Short Track Cross Country March 11

Downhill March 11

It’s a full summer of racing, with the major change for 2012 being the scheduling of the National Champs in the middle of the NZ MTB Cup. With a long standing commitment to Rotorua for the 2012 Oceania Champs, the National Champs shift for 2012 is all about maintaining equity between the north and south islands. This keeps travel costs for entrants to an absolute minimum while building to the most important domestic event of the year, the Oceanias

Jack & George going well in States

2011-08-11T16:23:00.000+13:00

The 2010 national road champion Jack Bauer was the best of a big kiwi contingent in the opening prologue at the Tour of Utah.

Bauer, making a rare appearance across the Atlantic for his UK-based Endura Racing Team, was eighth in the 2km prologue at Park City, Utah. He finished 9.57s behind winner Sergio Henao Montoya who won in 4:05.

There are 12 New Zealanders competing in the Tour including seven in Pure Place Racing led by Glen Chadwick and Tim Gudsell, Jeremy Vennell and Paddy Bevin for Bissell, Hayden Roulston for HTC High Road, Bauer and George Bennett, racing as a stagiaire for in the high profile Radioshack team .

After Bauer, Roman van Uden for Pure Black was next fastest 22.6 seconds back.

Meanwhile in Europe Jesse Sergent is in eighth place on general classification after two stages of the Tour of Eneco in The Netherlands and Belgium.

Jesse, riding for RadioShack, has finished in the peloton in big bunch finishes in the opening two stages, won by Andrew Greipel (Omega Pharma-Lotto). He is 12 seconds down on the leader on GC, former Trek Ridestrong teammate Taylor Phinney (BMC).

Greg Henderson (Team Sky) is 18^th on GC and 18 seconds back after also finishing in the peloton.

Nice one Nelson!

2011-08-03T22:51:00.000+13:00

(From Nelson MTBC website)

Heaphy Upgrade Donation

We all know that excessive winter rain on the Heaphy has highlighted problems with some of the less-well constructed track on either side of the Lewis Hut. DOC has a schedule of works which predated the MTB trial to upgrade (read: rebuild) these older bits of track in the Heaphy River Valley.

DOC also approached the MTBNZ Land Access Committee to help with projected costs required to get the MacKay Hill section up to scratch - the result is that the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, Avanti, WH Worrall (GT & SRAM), Ground Effect, Hyperformance Hardware (Santa Cruz) and PRV (Schwalbe tyres) have dug deep and donated $10,000 to help DOC rebuild that 3.5km of track on the Mackay Hill.

The Nelson MTB Club's part of this donation is $5000. This money will be used to pay for the materials needed to get the MacKay Hill part of the Heaphy sorted for next MTB season, with DOC covering the cost of labour. The NMTBC Committee believe this is a great investment in the future, and while it doesn't gaurantee access beyond the three year trial period (at this stage), it delivers some serious brownie points for the MTB Community with DOC. Most Nelson MTB Club members will at some stage ride this great track (or should plan to!), so this donation fits well with our strategic focus on trail development and access. We'll keep you updated on how the upgrade goes.Posted by Chris Mildon on 23/ 7 / 11; 1:11:11 AM Discuss

2011-07-28T22:57:00.002+13:00

See below for a map of the first cleared section of the Rameka extension aka The "Pack Track" don't be fooled by the elevation gained statistic being 117 metres as I measured the track by walking uphill with my gps. So just for the record this section is 1.48km long with a elevation drop of 117metres, there is also a gain of 12 metres within that section. Scroll down and click on view details, you can also click on Aerial to get the satelite view......

The next step is that the track will cross the road and cut the corner off exiting opposite the entrance to the Rameka Project, we've already started that section too!......exciting stuff!!

Light at the end of the tunnel

2011-07-26T22:40:00.000+13:00

It's official! We now have permission from the council to open the paper road that is the old Pack Track down from the Rameka, so our clearing efforts have not been in vein. Big thanks to Karl, Brent and Joe who have been instrumental in pushing the project through this week and of course everyone else who's chipped in. We should be in good shape for a big push at the next BIG working bee on August 7th see you there, bring some lunch!

Skills Clinic

2011-07-04T11:23:00.002+13:00

A successful first skills clinic with seven of our young members took place on Saturday, and despite a chilly start the 11-15 year age group warmed to a Chris Mildon coaching class, as he put them through their paces. Chris Mildon is the High Perfomance Director of Mountain Bike New Zealand and will be acting manager as he travels with the MTBNZ squad for this years World Champs in Switzerland. Reece Potter, as you probably already know will be part of that squad.
A good 5 hour session saw the youngsters start with the basics, and were put through some simple drills, based around obtaining balance on their bikes. Time was then spent making some adjustments to their set ups, as a way of helping them get a better feel and awareness. They were then able to put their skills into practice with a few more drills on some of the Club's tracks.
Everyone enjoyed the day, a well worthwhile club event, thanks to the parents that helped, especially Georgie and Marcus with an awesome soup for lunch!
MORE PHOTOS IN THE CLUB PHOTOS FOLDER>>>>>

Reece's Winter Warmer

2011-06-19T22:35:00.001+13:00

What can we say AWESOME guys'ngals!

Click on Bike Club Photos link on right hand column to see more photos....

Reece Winter Warmer 19/06/11 Important information for competitors Could everyone taking part in the Reece Winter Warmer take note of the following. There will be Limited parking at Totara tree flat if you are not helping on the day. Please park at the bottom of Rameka Creek Road on the grass verge near the Glenview Rd junction and ride up (consider it a warm up/down!) Any chairs or seating to be dropped off before 9.30am Things to Bring: Cash to buy Tea/Coffee/Water/Soup/Sausages. Coins or notes for donation bucket. *Sponsorship Form Please bring this with you we need to collect them for the evening draw at the Roots Bar Mug or Cup most of us go tramping so we probably all have our own mug, something to drink Tea/coffee/soup from. Bring it in your day bag. First Aid Always handy, and should always be carried. Waterproofs / and or, something warm to wear in between laps.

2011-06-12T09:01:00.000+13:00

Reece Winter Warmer 19/06/11

Important information for competitors

Could everyone taking part in the Reece Winter Warmer take note of the following.

There will be Limited parking at Totara tree flat if you are not helping on the day.

Please park at the bottom of Rameka Creek Road on the grass verge near the Glenview Rd junction and ride up (consider it a warm up/down!)

Any chairs or seating to be dropped off before 9.30am

Things to Bring:

Cash to buy Tea/Coffee/Water/Soup/Sausages. Coins or notes for donation bucket.

*Sponsorship Form Please bring this with you we need to collect them for the evening draw at the Roots Bar

Mug or Cup most of us go tramping so we probably all have our own mug, something to drink Tea/coffee/soup from. Bring it in your day bag.

First Aid Always handy, and should always be carried.

Waterproofs / and or, something warm to wear in between laps.

See you there.....

Heaphy Flights & Bikes deal

2011-06-05T09:17:00.004+13:00

Golden Bay Air is offering half-price seats for Golden Bay Mountain Bike Club members (and their bikes) when they backfill booked Heaphy flights

Members can contact Golden Bay Air on 525 8725 to find out more…

While we're on the (bmx) subject!

2011-06-01T22:58:00.005+13:00

BMX triple backflip world record.

Jeff Mildon from Taupo pulls off the world's first

triple backflip on a bmx to put himself in the Guiness book of records.

Kiwi's win in BMX World Cup

2011-06-01T18:45:00.002+13:00

The BikeNZ BMX High Performance squad have just completed a round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in the Netherlands over the weekend.
Marc Willers and Sarah Walker pressed their Olympic dreams by the winning the latest BMX Supercross World Cup. The track is the blueprint for the track to be constructed for next year’s London Olympics. The track was nearly 50 metres longer than the previous longest track, with some challenging new jumps that led to a host of crashes throughout the event.“I am absolutely rapt. That was pretty scary out there. It is such a big track and that was just so hard!” Sarah Walker
You can view video of Marc + Sarah's wins!

A wee glimpse at the Heaphy!

2011-05-26T20:45:00.000+13:00

Check out the video below, you might need to give it a couple of minutes to load, and you may need broadband.
If you're riding the Heaphy this weekend, be prepared for some heavy legs and double the time you think it will take!

Video here... http://www.vimeo.com/24204257

It doesn't get bigger than this!

2011-05-22T21:01:00.003+13:00

http://www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz/

Heaphy Track News

2011-05-14T12:12:00.002+13:00

To all you Heaphy track riders out there.

The track is very wet and getting cut up.

The grit is wrecking brake pads and gears.

Kea at MacKay Hut are chewing seats, handle bar grips and brake lines. You are not allowed to take bikes in the huts, but you can take seats inside.

Have had a number of reports about Kea damage at MacKay hut.

We have a few months of riding the Heaphy left.

Maybe postpone your ride until it gets drier.

BIG Working Bee 28th May

2011-05-11T10:30:00.001+13:00

Jonathan Kennett is heading to the Bay in a couple of weeks and would like to organise a work party to give Great Expectations a boost so that it can connect with 2 Click by this summer. This will be a defining moment as it will culminate in the first long section of singletrack that avoids the road.

Please meet at the old Mill Site clearing at 10am on Sat morning 28 May. Tools and chocolate will be supplied, and there will be a whole range of jobs from pruning vegetation, to digging the track, and building a ford crossing. We will have a BBQ at the Mill Site and then do another two hours in the afternoon (if you can stay on). Jonathan Kennett will be leading this work party in partnership with Ricky Ward

Heaphy Opening May 1st

2011-05-02T22:52:00.000+13:00

Bruce, Mark and Mel set off from Brown's at 6.35am - first out of the carpark!
What a stellar day. Warm, dry and clear with the trail in perfect condition.
A good honest climb, some rough descents, some beautiful pieces of flowing trail, great views, lots of sandflies, and some irksome river crossings.
A hard days work for sure - not to be underestimated!

Warning!

2011-05-02T22:37:00.000+13:00

Attempting to leave Kohaihai in Jason and Emma's car.
Thanks Jason and Emma.

Mark, Bruce and Mel.

Lost and Found

2011-05-02T22:29:00.000+13:00

Please contact Mark Allinson.
Sorry guys, this is the last resort. Last seen in Takaka, a 29er front wheel.
Have just embarked on an Epic journey in search of my elusive wheel.
Cheers Brucey T!

Reece Potter Fundraising Initiative

2011-05-01T09:12:00.000+13:00

We are in the process of arranging a fundraising initiative to contribute funds in support of Reece Potter who will represent New Zealand at the UCI 2011 World Mountainbike Championships this August in Switzerland.

In association with ‘The Quiet Revolution’ bike shop in Takaka the initiative has started with a raffle, with a main prize of a GT Aggressor 1.0 24 speed Mountainbike with a retail value of $650, donated by The Quiet Revolution and W.H. Worrall Ltd.

Tickets are on sale now from the shop at $5 each. You may spot Reece around town, selling tickets himself.

Tickets are on sale until 18^th May with the draw taking place on 20^th May.

We will be following up the raffle with a sponsored 6 hour event in early June.......watch this space.

Letter from Joe in Chile

2011-04-21T13:08:00.000+13:00

Hi Pete, thought the mtn bike club might be keen to hear how things are going over here in Chili. I'm not sure how to post stuff on the blog but if you think this is worth putting on please do so for me! Not too savy on the computer but hopefully I"ve managed to attach a few photo's, cheers Joe.

Been here at Lago Paloma for almost a couple of weeks now and having a great time. I knew it was going to be a mission to get everything together before heading off for the year. On top of this trip I needed to get my motorbike sorted for adventures later in the year before leaving so departure was a little more rushed than I would have liked. Motorbike parts seemed to get lost in the mail, some were discovered to be faulty and then at last minute I get an email from travel agent saying departing 2 days early! Eventually the motorbike was disassembled and crated for shipping late on the night before leaving and I managed to get on the plane without forgetting my insulin and looking forward to some mtn biking.

At Auckland airport met up with the other trail crew members and it was off to the Chilian capital of Santiago followed by a 3 hour flight south plus 1 hr driving and then 30 min boat trip over to our lodge which has no road access. The property is quite spectacular with steep mountain sides dropping down to the lake, and bordering ridges containing steep rock spires and hanging glaciers, pretty cool. Parts of it were once farmed and has an appearance similar to Canaan - just steeper. Our accommodation is good and we have Chilean house maids who do all the cooking etc so the boys have it real cushy. Have had a few interesting conversations with out having a clue so need to get the Spanish up to scratch. I'm the oldest in the crew by a fair bit so there is a lot of fooling around and never a dull moment.

The trails are some of the best I ever ridden, mainly big fast flowing down hills with lots of berms and jumps. We have about a hour and a half up hill ride to get to our current work site and then a great down hill ride at the end of each day. So it's been real enjoyable so far, but it's bloody tiring and the Patagonian weather is often harsh with consistent wind and cold temps. It's just dumped a good load of snow on the tops and it won't be long before we're working in it which will put an end to the good riding and slow down the work, just hope it holds off.

Hope all is well back in the Bay, enjoy the Heaphy cheers Joe.

Milk & Honey photos

2011-04-15T22:26:00.000+13:00

Photos from last Sunday. Free downloads. See Bike Club photos link on right hand side. enjoy. Rob

Reece Potter in NZ squad

2011-04-11T17:20:00.000+13:00

Follow the link to see Reece Potter has made the NZ squad for the UCI2011 World Mountainbike Champs in Switzerland, 31st Aug - 4th Sept. He is one of 9 riders to make the squad from the Nelson region.
Reece will be riding in the U19's Downhill section. Way to go Reece, and a big GOOD LUCK from all at the Mountainbike Club.

http://www.cyclingnz.com/cnz5_news.php?n=3872

Tom Filmer who won our "Milk and Honey" race yesterday, also made it into the Cross Country section of the U19's, so well done Tom and the rest. Go the Top of The South!

MILK & HONEY 2011

2011-04-11T11:20:00.000+13:00

Thanks again to all those who turned up and rode, helped, and enjoyed the day. It was a blast.
I'll (eventually) put up some timings and up load some photos but in the mean time, it's my turn to go up the hill on a beautiful day! Will also be uploading the website www.milkandhoneyrace.com later on this week.

Cheers, Rob

Milk and Honey

2011-04-08T05:58:00.001+13:00

It's all go, as at least 32 riders will tackle the Milk and Honey ride on Sunday. Here's a wee reminder of some of last years finish times........

Incase you didn't know it's a combined road and mountain bike race which takes on the Takaka hill and the Rameka track. Race starts at 10.30pm so if you're not racing why not see them off at the start or welcome them home. Start/Finish is opposite the i site Car Park. The first Riders home should be just within the 3 hour mark!.....see you there, .............El Presidente.

Jennian Homes Great Mystery Ride

2011-03-29T20:48:00.001+13:00

Despite the weather we pulled it off....
Well done to all of you who helped or participated.
Nice ride, nice event.
If anyone has any comments or ideas to improve on the event please let Pete, Mark, Annie, Kim or Fraser know.
Heres a few pix from the after ride party, nice Berry Cider...

The Tea Ladies enjoy a wrap

Ian Pogson, the oldest rider and others collect lunch

Mandy in leather and Kier

Chloe and Reuben entertain at East Takaka Hall

Fraser chief marshal or something!!

Kerry has a new line in helmets...

Another great kids ride!

2011-03-15T10:02:00.002+13:00

Thanks Deb for organising another great kids ride on Karl and Frankie's pump track on Sunday. Lots of kids and big kids showed up and carved up the track! Thanks once again to Karl and Frankie for kindly sharing not only your track but your bikes too! Here are a couple of pics from the action...

TIN BUM 2011

2011-03-07T21:24:00.000+13:00

Well done to you all who entered the Tin Bum this year.
Rain held off just long enough.
Nice new route for the mountain biking section.
Gold for Holly and Oscar, sweet.
Heres a few photos from the Cement Works....

Holly on her way to Gold

Oscar on his way to Gold

Emma - another category winner

Mark

John

10th anniversary next year, so lets make it a big Tin Bum.

mt aurthur .

2011-02-25T13:27:00.005+13:00

12th march, club ride, if you want to book in for this ride, you wont be disappointed, its wicked and the best ride i have ever done.$25 will get you a spot and first paid secures the seat.
there are 7 seats left.
good fitness is needed and this is a grade 3 ride,no harder terrain than rameka.
5hrs will do it . this will be a slower ride so call me if you have any questions

contact bruce 0276222228

Brucey T

2011-02-25T12:47:00.000+13:00

good result for bruce telford in nelson in the weekend.
bruce placed ist in the enduro section, of the coppermine race.
good work mate ,we no it takes a lot of effort to get results like this.

Ladies Pump Track Evening- Thurs 17th Feb

2011-02-21T15:32:00.003+13:00

24 girls, chickades, mums and daughters showed up for the Ladies Pump Track and picnic last Thursday evening at Karl and Frankies place. Julie and Frankie showed us how, and the girls got right in there with 4 bikes (and a few runners) looping the track constantly all evening. It was heaps of fun, everyone improved throughout the evening, Holly had the best spill, or maybe Kerry's stopping technique? Kerry and Frankie road in their dresses and the food was delicious! Thanks very much Frankie for hosting us and Karl for the wicked pump track! I think some are keen for you to build one in THEIR back yards!

Proposal for Old Library site

2011-02-18T04:22:00.000+13:00

Can we have one of these please?

Kaihoka Club Ride

2011-02-13T15:12:00.001+13:00

Thanks Joyce and Grant Wyllie....

What a great place to ride, and 12 people made the most of a hot day to ride up onto the Lunar Bluffs and down to the coast track.
Spectacular views, an UNDULATING track! What more can I say?
Its mountain biking at its best.

Wharariki in the distance

"Do you know where the others went?"

This is the UNDULATING bit

I hate these traffic jams....

Some of it was up!

Need full suspension for this bit

Nice work Reece!

2011-02-08T23:10:00.000+13:00

Reece Potter has been a busy boy these last few weeks taking part in the Rabodirect 2011MTB Cup
Although the 3rd round in Rotorua left MTBNZ with an unprecedented decision to cancel the racing due to storm damage, Reece managed two 6th place finishes in Round 1 and 2 in Tauranga and Napier on relatively flat courses, which left him with a 5th place overall in the North Island series.
Moving on to the South Island series last weekend Reece notched up a 3rd place in Nelson. Not bad for a 17 year old competing with strong competition in an U 19's category.
If you find yourself at a lose end this Friday and Saturday, you could do worse than pop over to Nelson and check out the DH at Fringed Hill and give Reece a bit of local support.
Good luck in the rest of the S island series, Reece, keep at it mate, all the best from everyone at the Mountain Bike Club.

Such a simple line, such an eventful ride! (see below for report)

2011-02-07T21:40:00.005+13:00

DBTT No.1
Participants: 3
Weather conditions: Head wind on way back
Special notes: Emma wore Jason's go fast thong: Jason wore skins: Rob had Peak Fuel drink on board.
Participants agreed to self time trial.
REPORT
Emma set off first while Rob and Jason discussed whether to ride together two abreast or stick to the time trial rules and set off a minute apart. This took a minute or two to decide, hard to tell exactly how long.
Somehow it was decided that Rob left first with Jason a minute behind.
Amazing how far you can get in a minute. Rob was almost out of sight when Jason set off.
Rob dropped his pump on the descent down the hill into East Takaka and made the tactical decision to retrieve it on the way up the hill so as to not lose too much time.
Emma went straight passed the turning and kept going, Rob shouted from the turn off but Emma didn't hear, Rob kept going. Jason approached the turn off and realised Emma was still going and out of earshot.
Jason faced with Moral dilema. Keep going, or ride after the missus. He's a bloke, he kept going.
Rob stopped to pick up his pump on the ascent back up the main hill out of East Takaka. The stop was timed at ten seconds, but some momentum was lost, not sure just how much.
Rob dropped his pump again on the descent down to the Allinson residence, but because he's a bloke he kept going!
Jason closed the gap on Rob to approximately 30-40 seconds, but was it enough!
Emma unfortunately became the first DBTT / DNQ and that's a lot of letters to have after your name!
Rob and Jason finished with still no sign of Emma, they cycled back to pick up Rob's pump and found her sitting down by the side of the road knitting!
Rob finished in 34'47"
Jason finished in 34.36

Rich New Track opening

2011-02-06T09:57:00.000+13:00

Nice one Rich, looking good, just gotta get those times down! Rich is happy for people to cruise by his place as and when to use his track which is well worth a visit.......swimming hole's not bad either!

More Photos in 'Bike Club Photos' link on right hand column

Heaphy on Bike! (article from GB Weekly)

2011-02-02T14:43:00.000+13:00

The trial, beginning in 2011, will run on the Heaphy Track between May 1 and September 30 and year-round on the Flora Saddle to Barron Flat and Kill Devil tracks. Photo: supplied

The three-year access trial for mountain bikers on three tracks in Kahurangi National Park, as announced by the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) last week, is expected to bring big off-season tourism benefits to Golden Bay.
The trial, beginning in 2011, will run on the Heaphy Track between May 1 and September 30 and year-round on the Flora Saddle to Barron Flat and Kill Devil tracks. Commenting in The Dominion (13/12) Guy Wynn-Williams, chairman of the Land Access Committee of Mountain Bike New Zealand (MTBNZ), said the decision provided a special opportunity to attract a new group of mainly younger New Zealanders into national parks.
“We anticipate more than 3000 will ride the Heaphy Track next winter.”
John Etherington and Mandy Richards of Escape Bikes believe this is a realistic estimate, and now intend to offer a fully guided and supported tour option for bikers who want everything organised for them.
“We’ve put in a concession application to DOC for the Heaphy Track,” explained John. “Being the best multi-day ride in the country, it’s got huge potential, and I expect there’ll also be big spinoffs for bus, charter plane and hospitality operators at both ends of the track.”
Martin and Marie Langley of the Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop said that rather than offering guided tours, they’ll be concentrating more on vehicle and cycle relocation options for bikers. Said Martin: “It could well take off more than people realise. Without a doubt, there’s been a lot of bikers waiting for this decision.”
Department of Conservation Golden Bay area manager John Mason acknowledged the degree of enthusiasm amongst the mountain-bike community to ride the Heaphy, and is expecting the track to be very busy this winter.
“We just ask mountain bikers to respect this new opportunity and not to ride the track before it opens on the 1st of May.” The trial had been kept to the winter season when walker numbers on the track were much lower, said Dr Kay Booth, convenor of the NZCA committee that considered the review of the Kahurangi Management Plan to allow biking.
“The number of riders on the track at any one time will be limited by the accommodation capacity of huts and campsites, which is managed through a booking system.” Approximately 4500 - 5000 people walk the Heaphy Track each year, about 80 per cent of those in the October to April “summer season”.
Mountain biking will be allowed in either direction on the tracks, but no more than six riders are allowed in a group.
DOC will monitor the trial to evaluate its social and environmental impact. They will ask all track users for feedback and assess bikers’ adherence to the Mountain Bikers Code of Conduct and other plan requirements. Bruce Chick of the GB Mountain Biking Club said it was a great opportunity for bikers.
“Our members are really looking forward to working with trampers to ensure the Heaphy is a safe multi-use track.”
One of the conditions of the review is that biking will not be allowed at night on the Heaphy and Flora Saddle to Barron Flat tracks to protect giant Powelliphanta snails and great spotted kiwi, both active at night. Signs will also alert riders about Powelliphanta snails crossing in particular on several short sections of the Heaphy through known snail habitat. Bikes can be ridden day or night on the Kill Devil Track, but only as far as Waingaro Forks Hut.
Celebrating the decision, Green Party cycling spokesperson and keen Heaphy bike advocate Kevin Hague said that biking the Heaphy would be the equivalent to walking the Milford Track.
“It’s that significant in the biking world. The decision will add great momentum to the explosion in cycling that’s already taking place around the country. A likely 4000-plus additional visitors to the area will bring much-needed winter revenue to the Conservation estate and to the local economies of Golden Bay and Karamea. And much of this I expect will come from overseas.”
Of the total 645 public submissions made on the Kahurangi draft review plan provisions, the subject of mountain biking received the most comment (494 references). Around 80 percent of those were in favour of biking, including those received from tramping clubs such as Federated Mountain Clubs. Four other issues were also considered in the partial review: aircraft landings, hunting, guided horse trekking access, and commercial accommodation along the Heaphy Track. As a result, the frequency of aircraft landings will now be more actively managed, based on the natural and recreational values of each part of the park. The revised plan now also contains revised provisions to increase hunting opportunities in the park to control rising deer numbers.
Gerard Hindmarsh

Bennett in Yellow

2011-01-28T21:51:00.000+13:00

George Bennet leads a field of 86 riders in the Tour of Wellington with a 2nd and 5th in stage 1 & 2, way to go George, keep up to date with http://www.cyclingnews.com/

CLICK ON ME TO SEE DETAILS!

2011-01-25T10:53:00.000+13:00

A different take on lactic acid.....

2011-01-09T08:13:00.001+13:00

Training: Is Lactic Acid Bad For You? - BikeRadar

And a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-29T10:11:00.000+13:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

2010-12-16T18:17:00.001+13:00

Message from Chris Mildon

2010-12-09T18:32:00.001+13:00

The 2011 NZ MTB Cup and Mountainbike National Championships are in final tweaking and planning stages for another great summer of competitive MTB racing. All the relevant information, on-line or postal entry and associated bits and pieces can be accessed on the MTBNZ website, and more specifically the NZ MTB Cup and Mountainbike National Championships links.

I would add that anyone can enter any of these races, you can even register on the day by getting a day license.

Awesome news!

2010-12-09T09:40:00.002+13:00

(from Groundeffect newsletter) Heaphy Opens May 2011

Hot off the press... the NZ Conservation Authority has just approved the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan. That means mountain biking is to be trialed on the Heaphy, Flora Saddle to Barron Flat and the (full) Kill Devil tracks. The season on the Heaphy is May through September. Flora Saddle and Kill Devil are year round. Yippee.

It's fifteen long years since Kahurangi became a National Park and the Heaphy was off-limits to mountain bikes. Many have patiently battled to regain access to NZ’s premier multiday singletrack mountain bike ride:

> Bryce Buckland (and Tony Lilleby) from Nelson kicked off the crusade back in 1995. In recent years Bryce often mused that progress was so slow that his body might not last the distance.

> Kevin Hague researched, authored and presented Mountain Bike NZ’s weighty submission to the pivotal Draft General Policy National Parks. It was a persuasive document as the Policy was subsequently changed in 2006 to allow for mountain bikes on selected tracks. Kevin is now a Green MP, campaigning for all things cycling.

> At Ground Effect we have lived and breathed the Heaphy for longer than we dare admit.

> Sean Barnett, along with Federated Mountain Clubs’ Executive, was instrumental in determining the opinion of their membership, and subsequently supporting seasonal access for bikes on the Heaphy.

> Nelson MP and former Minister of Conservation Nick Smith has publicly lobbied for bikes on the Heaphy since the late 90’s.

> Brian Nathan from White Fox and Jones provided legal advice that helped establish the validity of MTBNZ’s position.

> The staff at Nelson/Marlborough DOC who were always open to the notion, and thus allowed for science and pragmatism to prevail.

> And of course 1100 of you made submissions to the General Policy and the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan.

There are plenty out there keen to see the three-year trial fail. Let’s follow the rules and prove them wrong:

> Stick to the winter season - so cool your heels until May next year. Don’t forget Flora Saddle is also an excellent ride that is open right now.

> It’s amazing country and sublime riding so take your time. Fit parties need a couple of days at 6-9 hours riding each day. Overnight at Mackay or Saxon Huts. Hut bookings are essential at bookings.doc.govt.nz

> Don't hunt in packs - maximum group size is six.

> Avoid heavy rain - DOC may close the track from time to time.

> Keep to the track - no exploring (on bikes).

> No night riding.

> Keep the huts and verandahs bike-free.

TOTS Canaan loop race

2010-11-21T22:27:00.002+13:00

Awesome dudes! Great day out, great work by the GB Mountainbike club, great turnout from Nelson, great tea, scones, carrot cake and biscuits (sorry, I'm off the coffee, but I'm sure that was great too!) and there's some great pictures too! click on Bike Club photos link on right hand column to see more...........you can download any photos for free but donations to the club would be welcome.
keep up the good work!

Hot off the press, News!

2010-11-17T07:41:00.003+13:00

Local Nelson dude George Bennett has just landed himself a spot on Lance Armstrongs US team trek livestrong for 2011. Awesome! Way to go George!
Article from Cycling news...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/trek-livestrong-rebuilds-with-new-talent-in-2011

check out Georges blog here...
http://georgebennettcycling.blogspot.com/

and check out his new team here!
http://www.treklivestrongu23.com/

Marble Mountain challenge date change!

2010-11-15T07:48:00.000+13:00

Marble mountain challenge (Takaka Hill climb) is now on Sunday 28th November and its only 5 bucks to enter!....get involved!
http://www.cyclingnelson.co.nz/

Big in Poland and Latvia!

2010-11-15T06:59:00.002+13:00

Hello Poland, hello Latvia! and thanks for looking at our blog, come on over and ride our tracks!
Just a quick look at some blog stats shows that yes, we are big in Eastern Europe!!!
Here's the top ten table of page views from around the world......
(boo hiss Australia!)

New Zealand

2,474

United States

289

Poland

159

France

Russia

Netherlands

Germany

Taiwan

Australia

Latvia

Goldfields Club Ride including Special quiz....

2010-11-14T13:40:00.000+13:00

Only four made it to the club ride today at the Goldfields. But we had a fast and furious (for me) ride from the Boots, up the 4WD track to the top then down thru the Duck camp and on to the dam and then down the very fast wide track to the bottom. Great fun. Took under 2 hours, but a nice work out at about 17 km.

We went for coffee at the Court House and met all 4 riders from the Frocks on Bikes that Victoria arranged.

I have put some interesting pictures of the club ride on the Blog, one of them I want suggestions for what was said or what the problem is....

What has he broken now????

See, club rides are such fun....

Caption quiz- What was said or what happened here?

Goodbye Dafydd and good luck!

2010-11-13T11:31:00.000+13:00

...and incase you missed it....

Apocalypse now and then, and the Sundance kid from Robin Dawson on Vimeo.

Kids Ride at Milnthorpe

2010-11-11T11:16:00.001+13:00

Lucas zipping off down the track

Deb Jones has very kindly offered to be the organiser and instigator of the GBMTB Club kid's rides and plans to get the ball rolling on regular rides for 8-12 year olds on monthly to bi-monthly basis. With a bit more help and involvement from parents - we'll also be able to include some keen younger kids on some of these rides.

Deb kicked off with an awesome ride at Milnthorpe last Sunday by marking out a very cool loop track for the kids to follow. The track was a winner and enjoyed by Joe, Finbar, Moana, Lucas, Jamal, Kaifi, Charlotte & Kier (with a little help) and also parents Deb, Mike, Neil, Theresa, Bruce, Mel and Mandy. The 'big kids' did two laps and then we all enjoyed lunch in the park! Thanks very much Deb!

(Please note: The Managers of Milnthorpe Reserve do a lot of work keeping the tracks in the condition they are in. They have asked us to reserve biking at Milnthorpe to under 12's only and please respect the tracks, other track users and PLEASE NO SKIDDING!)

Keep your eyes peeled for future rides up at Canaan, Waitapu Bridge and lots more.... see you in December. Watch this space.
Mandy

Moana, Jamal, Theresa, Kier, Charlotte, Mel, Bruce, Mike, Joe, Finbar & Deb

Mandy.

Canaan DOC volunteer working week

2010-11-09T09:24:00.001+13:00

Joe Testing the Track

Here are some Pics of the DOC volunteer work program up at Canaan off the new Intermediate section.
About 500 meters of sweet singletrack was created through lush beechforest by Joe,Frankie,Tim,Brent and Jenna.
Once this track packs down and Karl can get the roller coaster section done this will be a great addition to the already awesome canaan track system.
There will be another chance for those that missed this week to be invloved with another one after Christmas.

Checking the Flow

Great new track

Willing Workers

Other great news is that that the final tick off, for the Kahurangi management Plan should be done before Xmas 10/11
Meaning that the Kill Devil and Barrons will be open,But you will have to wait till winter 2011 for the Heaphy!

Bring it on!

Posted by Brent.

So close...yet so far....

2010-11-06T16:01:00.004+13:00

2010 PowerNet Tour Day Six Wrap

Day Six Wrap - Roulston Crowned 2010 PowerNet Tour of Southland Champion

TOUR DECIDER! Above: The finish line camera result from Saturday morning's Stage Eight in Lumsden. Roulston beats Clinton Avery in the sprint finish by 0.01 seconds. The time bonus he gets from this stage win proves the difference in Roulston's 2 second PowerNet Tour victory over Bauer.

Awesome rides by locals Jack Bauer, and George Bennett.....
http://www.tourofsouthland.com/index.php?pageLoad=162

Jack in Yellow!

2010-11-05T19:04:00.002+13:00

Hayden Roulston and Jack Bauer split the 2010 PowerNet Tour wide open today, hammering home into Te Anau from Blackmount Hill to turn tomorrow's final day into a two-horse race. Roulston put the foot down as the front bunch went over the top of the Blackmount climb and only Bauer had the legs to stay with him.

In the end Roulston claimed the stage win and now trails new Tour Leader Jack Bauer by only three seconds with the final two stages back to Invercargill tomorrow. Jeremy Yates relinquished the yellow jersey for the first time and sits third overall, 1:24 down on his Share The Road team mate Bauer.

www.tourofsouthland.com

Canaan Working bee and other upcoming events

2010-10-31T19:39:00.001+13:00

There was a working bee up at Canaan on Sunday the 31 st.
Today we were just tidying up parts of the Canaan main loop. Its looking really good. Getting smoother and easier to ride.

Hard at work on the Canaan main loop

A message from the boys and girls at DOC. They are working on the lower section of the Roller coaster all this coming week.

Brent and Joe are up there, and despite all the rumours they are alright!! Having spent the day up there myself with them and Mark, John, Mandy, Dafydd and Fraser they really do seem OK. Brent even promised visitors FREE BEER.
If you bring it!

But do go up for a day, an evening (they have DVDs!!!.) and/or stay the night.

There are a couple of other volunteers from over the hill staying all week. It should be a very social event, they would like workers but they will also accept visitors!
They are working in the woods on the left as you approach the Harwoods car park, and staying at the homestead. Look out for the DOC ute, speak to me, John or Mark if you need guidance.

We still need a bit more money, to complete the digger part of the Roller Coaster. Over the weekend John and Mandy have promised a decent sized chunk, so the figure remaining is getting less....
I plan on an appeal on Fresh FM and maybe More FM this week.

The Canaan loop and Gold Creek Loop and The Rameka, 2 Klicks, 1 Klick, and project are riding brilliant. Its all dry up there, those Gnarly roots don't catch you out so often, and its FAST. Go ride it!
Four out of the 5 bikes that came down the Rameka at the end of the day were CARBON.......whats going on?
More carbon than a carbon sink.
Karl and his digger with Frankie and Joe and someone else from DOC spent 3 days working on the Canaan loop last week. Sorted out Big Berm and the end of the log ride among other things. DOC provided their peeps, Karl was given a bit of money by the club for his time.

Good on you guys.

Don't forget Dafydds farewell party this weekend. Bring a Leek. Its Pot luck really! He also wants you to go on a social ride with him on Sunday. Bring a Rocket!!

Also on Sunday is the little kids ride with Debbie. Speak to her for more info. 525 8509

Brent should be facilitating ( what! ) a working bee on Sunday morning on the Rameka extension. Meet at the very top car park at the end of the Rameka track.

Its a bit busy this weekend. Choices....

Thats all from me, I need a beer....

Pete.

Girls Ride - 28th October

2010-10-29T11:51:00.000+13:00

We had another girls ride - yesterday evening... Just a wee group this time with the reliable Frankie, Kerry and Mandy and also Holly and Eva. We rode up and down Project Rameka and then down the wonderful new Two Klick. It was awesome to see both Holly and Eva loving the more challenging aspects of Two Klick track and lapping them up! Nice one girls! Rob - Holly needs a mountain bike - she'd fit yours nicely don't you think? :0)

Can't get rid of me that easily!

2010-10-23T16:47:00.001+13:00

my first whizz round on the roadie in Auckland!

Roots Bar Social

2010-10-22T08:52:00.000+13:00

An eventful evening at the Roots bar on Wednesday...

The World Premier of the Faster Pussycat Kill Kill music video was held up by the lack of a video projector. Rob borrowed a TV and it finally got under way. Worth the wait. Death Wish. Great song, great band. Faster are playing at the Roots bar on the 30th of October.

Then we watched a great Apocalyptic movie about Dafydd....
Dafydd is off fairly soon. He wants an education! Tricky!
We will all miss him.

Jack Bauer came to meet his fans, sign some autographs and he donated a signed Commonwealth games jersey to the club. Well done Jack, thanks for your support.

Jack with Tulia, Eva, Kate and Holly.

Then we had to say goodbye to our President, Rob. He's off to Auckland for 15 weeks.
Who's going to build the tracks while he is away???

Rob saying goodbye to anyone that would listen...

We now have 117 members and I have finally paid my subs....

Still need a little more money to get the Rollercoaster done by Xmas.

Call me on 525 6086

Canaan Downs Volunteer Programme

2010-10-19T11:46:00.001+13:00

DOC are running a volunteer programme to help extend the intermediate mountain bike track at Canaan Downs from the 1st to 5th November. You can register on the DoC website: www.doc.govt.nz or go in to the DoC office in Takaka; 62 Commercial St or phone 525 8026.

Nelson Cycling Festival a winner

2010-10-19T09:47:00.000+13:00

Having taken part in five of the events put on by the Nelson Cycling Festival I have to say it was an amazing event. All types of riders were catered for, from coffee rides to Elite grade road rides, downhill and cross country (XC) mountainbike rides, as well as an 'urban' short course XC which involved school corridors and steps. The whole event kicked off with a 1km lap criterium around Trafalgar Square which was awesome. But my highlight was probably the 'have a go' track night at Trafalgar Park, where we were introduced to fixed wheel bikes and put in a variety of races to test our new found skills!
A big thanks to Ralph and the guys there for being so helpful and accommodating.

Holly had her first go on a track bike as well as first go in clip ins and was only two seconds behind me on the 500m time trial!... after which she confessed to not really liking it as much as the road ride the previous night!
Paul Michell also did the opening Criterium and Reece Potter took part in the Fringe classic DH getting a 3rd without being able to pedal due to a broken dropout. Then on his 2nd run he managed a 1st place on someone elses borrowed bike!

Plenty of family events were put on over the course of the week and last Saturday saw the Kaiteriteri Beach MTB challenge with a 1,2,or 3 lap option around a specially marked out course through the Mountain Bike Park, through some nice singletrack I didn't know existed!

Stacey on a one lap strategy coming in a little way in front of Pam!

A bit of a shame the Bay wasn't represented as well as it perhaps could have been, but having spoken to the organisers, we may well get an event in the Bay as part of the Festival next year.
Once again a big UP for the organisers, a huge amount of work, and a joy to be part of.

Pump n Pizza night at Karl's

2010-10-11T11:26:00.000+13:00

Nice one Karl, Pump n Pizza becomes a reality....more pics in photo album link

Big Thankyou to the Golden Bay MTB Club

2010-10-04T16:58:00.000+13:00

Me (Reece) and Ari would just like to say a big thank you to the Golden Bay Mountain Bike club for giving use money to help cover some of the petrol costs. Over the past weekend we have travelled down to Timaru to compete in the south island secondary schools. We had an awesome time and it was a great experience for the both of us. I managed to get a forth overall in my grade (under 16s) with a 1^st in the DH, 7^th in the XC and 8^th in the HC. Ari got 8^th in the XC and 9^th in the HC in his grade (under19s). Ari couldn’t get an overall placing because he didn’t do all three events. Sorry i couldnt put any XC photos up, (It wouldn't let me) so just go to this link http://www.thatphoto.co.nz/sunday/index.html

Young local lads do well in Secondary School champs.

2010-10-03T22:32:00.001+13:00

Well done to Reece Potter (1st in Downhill) and Ari Kingan (8th in XC) in this weekends Secondary schools Mountain Bike Championships.
Full results here /http://www.sissmtb.co.nz/

Local lads do well in World road champs.

2010-10-03T22:26:00.001+13:00

Jack Bauer answered an SOS call to replace Hawkes Bay rider Jeremy Vennell in this week's UCI World Road Championships in Melbourne. He arrived from Europe the day before the elite Men's time trial and finished a very respectable 23rd. 4.17 seconds behind Cancellara the overall winner. George Bennett from Nelson finished an awesome 27th and in the lead group in the Under 23 road race.

Last Gibbs Hill Club Ride of the Year

2010-09-21T09:03:00.003+13:00

The rain stopped just for the club ride....

We all went over the top to Totaranui and came back along the road. 23 Kms.
Awesome downhill into Totaranui.
Bruce-5-punctures-Chick gave lessons on tyre inflation!
Coffee at the Roasted as usual....

All riders gathering together for lunch

Go Frankie!

Top of Gibbs Hill

Please get online and let DOC know what an awesome ride it is. They have a Gibbs Hill trial link to submit comments. Its on the right of this page.
Or email them on this address;

mbtrialsnm@doc.govt.nz

One Week to go!

2010-09-18T23:22:00.003+13:00

A short video on the spring challenge as covered by Trans World Sport last year.

Good luck to all those taking part, especially to all the teams from the Bay.

Jack Bauer doing well in Tour of Britain

2010-09-15T09:17:00.000+13:00

Latest from the Tour of Britain. Jack Bauer gets 8th place on stage 3 and moves up to 22nd place not bad for a Takaka lad! follow the tour from the Endura website, here's a link to day 3 news.
Tour of Britain day 3 news

NO TOTS this Sunday

2010-09-13T22:30:00.002+13:00

Spoke to Chris Mildon earlier this evening and they are scratching the first XC TOTS which was scheduled for this Sunday, they had a meeting tonight so keep an eye on their website for venues etc for the other races........There is an official Club ride on Sunday, Gibbs Hill......maybe we could visit the figure of 8 idea and do a long and a short ride?

Up above the clouds at the Gold Creek loop official opening.

2010-09-12T22:54:00.002+13:00

Not sure how many people turned up but 96 sausages were consumed and a lot of kids got to experience riding mountain bikes on a mountain! Thanks to Doc for the organising, and well done to everyone who made it, and helped out, and as often happens, Canaan came good with the weather, just when you needed it most! Considering the amount of rain we've had in the last month the track was riding extremely well, and will surely be a big hit this summer when it will be dry and fast.
Some downloadable photos in the link in right hand column (more pics may be added later).

Gold Creek Loop update

2010-09-03T10:46:00.001+13:00

The start and finish to the new Gold Creek loop at Canaan are now visibly etched into the landscape.

Although further work is still required, it's an impressive addition to the Harwoods Hole area, and promises to be an awesome ride! The grade 2 trail covers about 4.7km in a clockwise direction and offers amazing views of Canaan Downs scenic reserve and sections of bush that otherwise wouldn't be seen.

It's hoped that most of the work will be done by the

OFFICIAL OPENING

which is next Sunday 12th September

11am to 2pm at Harwoods Hole Car Park

Refreshments available

Canaan Wood chop and Rameka club ride

2010-08-31T11:35:00.000+13:00

Seven willing workers went up to Canaan downs to cut and split 4 ute loads of fire wood. This was to replace the wood that was burnt during the Gold Creek Loop construction that was done during the coldest part of the Winter. They claim it was cold up there......

Rob and Karl drove back down, leaving the rest of us to ride down a very wet Rameka.
Wet and slippery, but it didn't seem to slow Reece or Dafyd down at all !
A couple of minor incidents, one puncture and an exploding back tyre, punctuated the ride.
Project Rameka, Two Klicks (Rameka STD) and One Klick were awesome.

Just imagine what it is going to be like when we can ride from Canaan to the bottom of the Rameka creek road on single track.
Single track all the way....... Yeah !

AGM

2010-08-25T07:28:00.000+13:00

Another year done and a good one for the club. If you didn't make it to the AGM and are interested where we're at, see attached Presidents report for an overview of the year.

Pres Report 2010

Jack Bauer makes commonwealth games

2010-08-19T21:46:00.001+13:00

If anyone is interested Jack Bauer has been selected for the road squad in New Zealands cycling team, follow the link below for full story.....

http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/nz-commonwealth-games-cycling-team.html

Mt Burnett 641 m Club Ride

2010-08-16T10:03:00.002+13:00

Microwaving our lunch at the top

WOW !
What a great turn out for the Mt Burnett ride.
14 people went up Mt Burnett.
The sun shone, no wind and clear skies gave us awesome views.

5 people did road rides from Collingwood. 2 of those, Rob and Jason did 100 Km.....starting in Takaka.

The youngest rider was 13 and the oldest was XXXX

It was nice to see novice riders and some "pro" riders out enjoying the day together.

We all had one common interest, and that was coming down those 641 m as fast as possible, with a huge grin on our faces all the way down....

Lunch with Lunar bluffs in background

Annie lost her rear mech but was rescued by a passing police car and Joe's ute.

Nic came away from the Collingwood cafe with a "Big Cock", so was very pleased !!!!

View back to Collingwood

The youngest and oldest riders !

Thanks for a fun day everyone.

Canaan Gold Creek Loop official opening

2010-08-13T11:54:00.001+13:00

The official opening of Gold Creek loop (4.5km) will be on September 12th, suitable for all types of rider.

Ride or walk the track between 11am to 2pm

DoC are providing sausage sizzle/hot drinks and marquee.

Pass the word around, all welcome, see you there.

Well worth a look (the other New Zealand!)

2010-08-01T09:51:00.000+13:00

Hans Peaty MacAskill Highlands from ResetFilms.co.uk on Vimeo.

kaiteri chicks again

2010-07-25T22:11:00.000+13:00

big thumbs up to the ladies that got outta bed early on this morning to hit the kaiteriteri tracks. Lotsa laughs and yeehas, just what we wanna hear!!! see ya on the next one!