This week Nelson is hosting competitive mountain bikers from all corners of the globe for the NZ MTB Rally. It’s an opportunity to showcase the region as a great place for adventure sports.
The idea of bikes in the back country was considered whacky half a century ago. The law even prohibited their use in National Parks. Competitive biking was on sealed roads like the Tour de France or polished velodromes. Trampers and mountaineers initially looked down on mountain bikers as unwelcome intruders into our vast conservation estate.
The explosion of the sport from the 1990s has been helped by the development of wide-rimmed tyres, smart gearing systems, light robust frames and sophisticated suspension. The joy of riding is the combination of physical exercise, technical skills and connecting with NZ’s spectacular nature and scenery.
There has been massive investment by Government, councils and clubs into facilities and tracks for mountain bikers. I revised the laws as Minister of Conservation to allow mountain biking, introduced the winter season access on the Heaphy Track and ensured the new Paparoa and Pike29 Memorial tracks included mountain bike access.
Nelson’s network of tracks makes us a Mecca for mountain bikers of all levels. The International Mountain Bicycling Association certified Nelson as a gold level ride centre. Dun Mountain, Fringed Hill, Marsden Valley, Sharlands, Maitai and Codgers offer experiences close to the city. The Wairoa Gorge and Kaiteriteri mountain bike parks have more than 100km of stunning trails from beginners to experts. Multi-day rides such as the Great Taste Trail, Old Ghost Road and Heaphy Track add to the experiences on offer.
There are 120 competitive mountain bikers in Nelson, with 75% from overseas for this week’s event. The format includes six days of racing with riders being choppered, boated and shuttled around the region. I will be joining spectators for the action at the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club this Friday between 1pm and 4pm and presenting awards on Saturday evening.
Huge thanks to our Nelson Mountain Bike Club and all those who have helped. Bikes, mountains and adventure sports are part of Nelson’s DNA.
