Christmas News
Well, its that time of the year, things are just a little crazy!!
Bike Taupo has had a busy year and we are all looking forward to a nice holiday. The admin department will be taking a nice long biking break down the South Island checking out some old and new trails, love that for me!! During this time memberships tags wont be sent out, however, you will have your membership card on your phone when you download the app, so take this with you when riding in the Craters mountain bike park.
Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year, get out there and enjoy everything that mountain biking offers you, explore, challenge and stay safe!
Pedal on - Melissa Johnson, Bike Taupo Administrator
Words of wisdom from our Chair...
Tena kotou katoa
I had the pleasure to head out last night and attend not one but two events. The first was the Taupo MTB Club AGM and the second was the Bike Taupo Xmas gathering.
I have been thinking about what pearls of wisdom to write in this newsletter, like how the tracks are being sprayed and that the growth is phenomenal – but after attending these functions, I have changed track on my part in this newsletter!
It hit me - Be thankful.
I am so thankful to everyone that turns up, gives up their time and lends a hand to achieve a common goal. We all are busy – life is busy, but you make time for things that you enjoy. Both groups are doing the hours putting in the mahi and getting the job done.
I was seated around a table of around 30 people, who have all played their part and they all go above and beyond. It is a bit of a reality check when you consider you have 220 km of riding tracks maintained though out the year, this would not happen without huge volunteer hours. There are so many people out there, doing bits here and there, and together this adds up to awesome results – our tracks.
So in this Christmas edition of the Bike Taupo newsletter, I would like to take the time to thank everyone that gives time, but especially “my crew”, Pete M, Spike, Karyn, Mark, Rowan, Clyff, Melissa, Cath, Garth and Bruce, Peter Mac, Chad and Chas. I know that you all go above and beyond each and every day for the betterment of biking in Taupo. I appreciate all the time and effort that you give.
So from my “extended family” to yours, enjoy the trails, be thankful and kind and have a great Christmas and New Year.
Bike Taupo Committee and the Fun Crew!
Track News
The Track crew have been flat out with spraying and maintaining the tracks over the last two months.
The growth, particularly in the last month has been amazing and hard to keep up with as we can only spray on fine days and it keeps bloody raining. Crater's tracks are in pretty good order and thanks to all those people who have helped us with maintenance - it’s made a huge difference this year especially with weed control. The tracks under the trees are riding well but the new tracks in the younger trees and more exposed to the weather are drying out and getting dusty quickly. It’s just a factor we will have to put up with for another year or two.
We are working on getting access in and out of the Wairakei Resort up and running again as soon as possible and we will keep you updated on this.
The trails further afield are in the best order we have ever had them in. We have run the digger around W2K and it’s now heading down to Kinloch continuing tidying up the trail.
BTW - The Waihaha / Waihora section is absolutely beautiful riding at the moment.
The Huka Trails are also in good order and it’s great to see the native vegetation along the Rotary Ride finally looking like it’s growing and making a difference with less maintenance being required and a creating a much nicer environment to ride in.
Coming to Taupo over the holidays to ride the Great Lake Trail??
Don't forget to complete our survey on completion of your ride, this helps us receive much needed funding to keep this trail GREAT! You can do this online or at the Tipsey Trout while enjoying your coffee!
Local riders - can you PLEASE fill these in too!!
Kids Bike Taupo
It's been a crazy old year for all of us, and Kids Bike Taupo is no exception. Many sessions have been canceled and we have a QR code for COVID tracing on the van. It has also been decided that people aged 12 years and over coming to our 3.30pm sessions need to show proof of vaccination.
The 2022 calendar is pretty full and most early childhood centres and primary schools take advantage of our free sessions. 'Ride By Five' is our catch phrase and most kids who don't yet, have come from other places. It is very rewarding to see children who learned to ride with Kids Bike Taupo now doing the TDC Road Safety Course.
The Monday BMX sessions at 3.30pm have finished for 2021, but we will attempt to go to Spa Park on Tuesdays and Craters on Thursdays up until 23 December. January is usually pretty quiet and we will start back at 3.30pm on Monday 7 February.
Thank you to everyone who helps us out, especially Phil the Cyclefixer! See you on the other side.
:) Lady Bike
Entries are now open for BFA Craters Classic 2022
Another epic event coming your way on 21st May 2022, you wont want to miss this! Watch our Facebook page for updates, all info on the website including groovy merchandise!!
Get in quick for the early bird entry and FREE SOCKS!
Bike Taupo 2022 Membership
If you are coming to Taupo over the holidays to hit the trails in the Craters Mountain Bike Park, you must be a member of Bike Taupo, either as an annual or visitor member.
Everyone MUST carry proof of their valid Bike Taupo membership on them when riding / running within the Craters Mountain Bike Park via the ID tag attached to their bike, helmet, bag or person in a visible location. Or via your membership card on the phone app. Don't forget when you download the app you also have access to great deals from our partners, trail info and any alerts from the trackcrew.
Bike Taupo Annual/visitor membership 2022 - Join here
Thanks for reading, have a fantastic Christmas, keep safe and see you on the trails in 2022!
Happy biking :)