[MTB] Introduction Ride Of The Rotorua Mountain Bike Trail Network

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!

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. Here is a link to the Route on Trailforks. https://www.trailforks.com/route/whakarewarewa-forest-loop-official/

Saturdays ride is the 34km Forest Loop ride (grades 2 &3) from the Waipa carpark out to the Tawa Hub Carpark where we will stop for half an hour for lunch. There is a cafe there to purchase coffee and food if you don't want to bring your own and drinking water taps if you need to top up your water bladder or bottle. We will then continue the rest of the loop finishing up back at the Waipa carpark between 2 and 3pm. We usually have a debrief at the Secret Spot at the far end of the carpark, at the end of the ride to soak our tired legs and quench our thirst feet or you can head directly to your accommodation.

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

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 usually have a group dinner in town on Sat night at The Pig N Whistle Historic Pub https://www.pigandwhistle.co.nz/menu but if you prefer to organise your own meals there are full kitchen facilities available

Other Costs

Public shuttles are from $15 per uplift or you can purchase a shareable 5 lift pass for $60 or 10 lift pass for $90

Any questions? Please ask away!

I'll see you there!

Kevin 0211393837