IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN ON AN AUCKLAND CYCLING GROUP WEEKEND RIDE BEFORE THEN COME AND JOIN US ON THIS ONE AS IT WILL BE A GOOD ONE!
The Plan
This weekend ride (staying overnight in Rotorua on Sat) is aimed at people who have not yet ridden the mountain bike trail network in the Whakawerawera Forest (Redwoods) in Rotorua and would like an easy paced ride to find out more about the riding opportunities there and why this is one of the best places to ride a mountain bike not only in New Zealand but possibly the world!
Please note that I will prioritize people who have not been on this ride previously, so if you get moved to the wait list this will be the reason why and if you are a regular ACG group ride member then please add yourself as a host
Where And When
On Saturday morning we will meet at the Waipa carpark out the front of the infomation centre/bike hire/cafe just to the left of the changing rooms and toilets at 10:00am for a quick group introduction and ride briefing, please be ready to ride as we will head off straight after the briefing. If you wish to have a coffee and a snack before we head out on the ride please do so before the 10:00am briefing
The Rides
As is the nature of mountain biking there will be a bit of climbing involved as well as descending but nothing that a moderately fit beginner rider will be able to comfortably deal with
Saturdays ride will be approximately a 30km loop ride from the Waipa carpark on the Forest Loop (grades 2 and 3) out to the Tawa Hub where we will stop for half an hour for lunch. There are two cafe's there to purchase coffee and food if you don't want to bring your own. We will then continue on the rest of the loop finishing up back at the Waipa carpark before 3pm
After returning to the carpark if anyone is still keen to do some more riding we can do some of the trails near the carpark otherwise feel free to soak you feet and have a cold drink at the Secret Spot on the right side of the carpark or head directly to your accomodation
Sundays ride will be less structured and an opportunity to explore the many trails in the forest. We will meet at the same place but at 9:00am this time. I will be leading a ride that will be slightly more challenging from the previous day and will be doing a number of Grade 3 trails and a couple of shuttle runs which will be around 3 hours in duration.
If you would like to spend the day doing a non riding activity please let me know either Sat night or on Sun morning before we head out to the Waipa carpark
What To Bring
This ride is for mountain bikes, e-mountain bikes or gravel bikes only and
please ensure you bike is in good riding condition and all functions of it are working correctly. Also please ensure that YOU are also of moderate fitness and able to ride around 30km and 3-4 hours of riding a mountain bike over moderate terrain
Besides your usual riding gear bring a tube, pump and tools to make basic repairs if required and enough water for about 3-4 hours of riding plus snacks during the ride as well as a packed lunch. There are many cafes/bakery's in Rotorua if you want to grab something before the ride commences
If you wish to do either the public shuttles on Sunday or book a private shuttle for you and your friends the costs are listed below in Other Costs
Accommodation
We usually stay at the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park which is a one minute drive from the Waipa carpark and five minute drive to the city centre. They have various accommodation options and FREE hot pools to soak your aches away... https://rotoruathermal.co.nz/
We also go out for dinner Sat night in Rotorua but if you prefer to organise your own meals there are full kitchen facilities available and a nice Cafe on site for breakfast on Sun morning if you so wish
Other Costs
Public shuttles are from $10 per uplift or you can purchase a shareable 5 lift pass for $40 or 10 lift pass for $70
Private 4WD Charters allow riders to access most of the trails available in the forest via either the Squad Waka (4 riders max) or Battle Waka (7 riders max) and is one of the best experiences you can have mountain biking in Rotorua.
For bookings or enquiries email shuttles@mtbrotorua.co.nz
Battle Waka (up to 4 riders) - $110 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
Squad Waka (up to 7 riders) - $140 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
Any questions? Please ask away!
I'll see you there!
Kevin 0211393837