Makara Peak Supporters are planning to buy trail digging tools for the next generation of trail builders, many of whom are already joining in work parties!
Trail Fund’s Back to Basics round has fulfilled its aim – to help local clubs across the country with some of their basic trail building needs!
“Five keen mountain biking clubs received funding for tools, signage and materials to help them further and improve track development in their regions,” says Trail Fund NZ chairperson Ben Wilde. “We believe it’s important to support projects at every level – from these smaller bits and pieces to the larger ones we’re able to support through CCPF.”
Bike Taupo and Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QMTBC) each received $700 and $750 respectively to improve signage in local trail networks.
Bike Taupo plans to replace the large map board at Craters Mountain Bike Park, which continues to grow in popularity and now has 2,500 members. QMTBC plans to increase way finding signage at 7 Mile, which currently has three maps throughout the park. The club hopes the new signs will improve the riding experience – for local and visitors – by indicating whether trail are dual or single direction.
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club received $750 towards the purchase of a motorised wheel barrow, for which it’s already raised the remaining $2,250 for, to continue track building and maintenance in Arapuke Forest.
Makara Peak Supporters (MPS) are using their Trail Fund grant to support the next generation of trail builders by purchasing light-weight tools and child-size gloves and protection.
“Younger and younger riders are using the tracks at Makara Peak and also attending work parties,” says MPS member Iain Feist.
“The Wellington Off Road Department (WORD) kids have been particularly busy, with specific work parties being arranged for them to attend. For the most part, the tools we’re currently using are too big and heavy for them so, to avoid discouraging them, we want to purchase some that are appropriate for their use.”
Last but not least, Motu Trails Charitable Trust received $750 for their ongoing work in reviving the Whakaumu Track, a historic military road built in the 1870s. Located 20km east of Opotiki, it’s a stunning, yet challenging, ride that passes through sensational native bush with soaring nikau ferns.
“It’s a wonderful track, though overgrown with the benching gone in places,” says Jim Robinson, whose been leading the group of volunteers who are working to re-open it. ”It’s sensational terrain and we’ve been working really hard to make it completely rideable – right now I’d say it’s at about 80% for a skilled rider.”
The $750 grant from Trail Fund will go towards materials for one of eight 3 – 6m bridges the track requires. Check out future Trail Fund trail stories to stay up to speed with its development.
Reviving Whakaumu Track