[MTB] Weekend Rotorua Trail Ride Novice/Intermediate

DESCRIPTION
You are invited to join ACG on the weekend of the 25th/26th of May for a social trail ride at Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua. Come down for the day or make a weekend out of it. We usually stay at the Thermal Holiday Park as there's a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

There will be an intro ride for Novices on Saturday, perfect for those who ride Woodhill/Riverhead with Linda or who have done Rick's course. For Intermediate riders on the Sunday, we will ride grade 3-5 and some shuttle runs.

SATURDAY RIDE - NOVICE - GRADE 2 - GREEN TRAILS
If you have not ridden the Whakarewarewa forest before, this is a great intro. We will start with the forest loop to join Te Pou Koropū then break for lunch at Tawa carpark. Rejoin Te Pou Koropū to Te Pou Koropū Return (black house loop), jump onto Apumoana and climb to Indirect Road. It's all downhill from here!! For those who'd like to try some grade 3's we can fit them in, and a few more that take us back to the car park to finish.

If you're not sure on the trails please check here. https://www.trailforks.com/region/whakarewarewa-forest/map/?difficulty=3&activitytype=1&z=16.1&lat=-38.16801&lon=176.31007

We will aim to ride at a slow pace throughout the day and have regular breaks, there are some long uphill rides and we will be covering some km's so a good level of fitness is required.

SUNDAY RIDE - INTERMEDIATE - GRADE 3-5
Perfect for those who are regular mountain bike trail riders. We will be riding fast flowy trails, punchy uphill climbs, drop offs, boardwalks, roots, obstacles and everything in between! We will usually start off on the Forest trail for a warm up, then jump onto a "warm up" grade 3 and go from there. Always open to suggestions etc from the group and we may split up into two groups later in the day (depending on numbers) to accommodate different skill levels. Check here if you want to suggest a trail etc.
https://www.trailforks.com/region/whakarewarewa-forest/map/?difficulty=3,4,11,5&activitytype=1

FITNESS
We won’t be treating these as uphill races, the ride is more focused on the ride downhill so your uphill climbing speed is not critical though you must be fit enough to ride for 4 hours.

ACG operates a no drop policy which means we regroup at trail heads and trail ends to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.

We will be out there for a few hours but it will be at a comfortable pace and will regroup for each other at junctions and top of hills.

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MEETING POINT

Arrive and meet up at the main car park cafe (out the back) on Waipu State Mill Rd at the Whakarewarewa mountain bike park by or prior to 10:15 am so everyone can have time to purchase park passes and get their equipment ready to ride by 10:30am.

Arriving early means you won't be left behind - you can always grab a coffee and socialise with the other riders while we wait for the start time.

Shuttle prices:
1 Lift Pass - $15
5 Lift Pass - $60
10 Lift Pass - $90
20 Lift Pass - $150
50 Lift SOLO RIDER Pass - $240 (10 runs shareable)
50 Lift Pass - $300