tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26480730887179286972024-02-18T17:33:24.402-08:00Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike ParkBeach and bike... paradise.Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-21941667112910064752017-04-23T00:27:00.001-07:002017-05-03T02:53:55.457-07:00Kaiteriteri Weekender 2017 Results<div>
Attached are links to the results from the 2017 Kaiteriteri Weekender</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B454mmIuRBDNM29RN0hHMDVfS0k/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">2017 Kaiteriteri 6 Hour Presented by Port Nelson Ltd - Results</a><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B454mmIuRBDNWnJGMzlwUnhqZVE" target="_blank">2017 Jaws Enduro Overall Results</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B454mmIuRBDNU29VY0ZkcUMxT2s/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">2017 Jaws Enduro by Category</a><br />
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Thanks to all who entered, and all event supporters, proceeds of the weekender will be usd to further develop the park.Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-41851318487575024022017-03-01T14:57:00.000-08:002017-03-03T00:41:41.665-08:00Kaiteriteri Weekender 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sngl.wufoo.com/forms/kaiteriteri-weekender-2017-entry-form-and-payment/" target="_blank">Entries Open - Click Here</a></div>
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It's coming up! The Mountain Bike Park's biggest event of the year - and it just keeps getting bigger!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NuAVzbhaVSS_zQQ2KbHc2NVefPbmo05mhENAEgHMLzBHsVRSdJ9DBye8rkPwi-FvKXEKv-XbMm47pWVLLhoLn1Zo-S_Bwvli0OM6wz-_eksLtjptexw7FlAmcYqtqYAFrROYHubsWgQa/s1600/KMBFLYER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NuAVzbhaVSS_zQQ2KbHc2NVefPbmo05mhENAEgHMLzBHsVRSdJ9DBye8rkPwi-FvKXEKv-XbMm47pWVLLhoLn1Zo-S_Bwvli0OM6wz-_eksLtjptexw7FlAmcYqtqYAFrROYHubsWgQa/s640/KMBFLYER.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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As before, we kick things off on the Saturday with the <i style="font-weight: bold;">6Hr Bike Relay</i><i>,</i> presented by <b><i>Port Nelson</i></b>. With new tracks added to the Park's network, you can expect a new course - one that will enable mountain biking newbies to get safely round while allowing more experienced riders to let rip!<br />
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There'll be the usual range of categories to compete for: mens, womens and mixed teams of 2-4, schools (Intermediate & College) and, for the masochists, solo.<br />
And, as usual, the best prizes will go to those that demonstrate the most creativity in their costumes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGaLOLcttUT83kCtFYRWYVpWTAtQnEpcg_oha_5rTzQ06xJ2odkGHTwJeYcRi8-QcFXxHpgUrVVzEok_hirGuVqU3BjEpnlwagPrVlCPaOEF3NZKqhAx0t6HD0hbkKkNWd8PN7ojxijcM/s1600/Enduro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGaLOLcttUT83kCtFYRWYVpWTAtQnEpcg_oha_5rTzQ06xJ2odkGHTwJeYcRi8-QcFXxHpgUrVVzEok_hirGuVqU3BjEpnlwagPrVlCPaOEF3NZKqhAx0t6HD0hbkKkNWd8PN7ojxijcM/s320/Enduro.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then, on Sunday morning, the action will get underway with our <i style="font-weight: bold;">Jaws Enduro</i>.<br />
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The champion's title was fiercely competed last year, with Ben Karalus narrowly clinching the win from Tasman de Leeuw on the final stage. Again, there'll be some new tracks involved this year so repeat results aren't guaranteed.<br />
With numbers for this event limited, priority will be given to those also entered in the 6Hr Bike Relay.<br />
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Also on Sunday morning is the <i style="font-weight: bold;">MTB Rogaine</i>, run by the <i>Nelson Orienteering Club</i>. Charging around the Park's tracks & Kaiteriteri environs, hunting down checkpoints before racing back to base, is a great way to involve the family, where reading a map and interpreting clues are just as important skills as knowing how to ride a bike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWERuQdj3kaEwaC-l5fVb1Dh4DKQsfBpeie1LUgyGgfP9JzAygxWCdOxjFVrFAXwpIvFdaPtdqCAWfmh_UG7450I3dC1uhGkN-xaT9KjAhkC_dmUee-b_fpwcJEfPIT7U4zgtjjcniFKZ0/s1600/14976488_1176724295749247_7921730675155725998_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWERuQdj3kaEwaC-l5fVb1Dh4DKQsfBpeie1LUgyGgfP9JzAygxWCdOxjFVrFAXwpIvFdaPtdqCAWfmh_UG7450I3dC1uhGkN-xaT9KjAhkC_dmUee-b_fpwcJEfPIT7U4zgtjjcniFKZ0/s320/14976488_1176724295749247_7921730675155725998_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Around midday, we'll roll to the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Big Airs Whip Off</i> . This will follow a similar format to that held at the opening of <i>Big Airs</i>, where points and prizes will be awarded for the most air-time style<i>.</i><br />
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There was some amazing talent on show at the Opening and we expect lots of the locals have had time to work on their whips since then.<br />
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Morgan Walker of <i>Mot Bike Co.</i> will once again be the adjudicator and we won't envy him the task of deciding who walks off with the title of Kaiteriteri Whipmaster for 2017!<br />
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With the Weekender's event hub located at the rear of the <a href="http://www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz/" target="_blank">Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp</a>, it's the perfect place to bring the family along to, with the beach and playground just a short walk away.<br />
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Plus, we have lots of great deals on offer this year, courtesy of the Motor Camp, to encourage you to stay over for the weekend...<br />
- 20% discount on camping sites;<br />
- 20% discount on cabin & apartment accommodation (subject to availability);<br />
- a $20 pizza and pint deal from the <i>Shoreline Cafe.</i><br />
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They'll also be providing a coffee cart and a sausage bbq for the <b><i>Port Nelson Bike Relay </i></b>so your energy levels don't drop during the day. And for those that are sticking round after the 6Hr, you'll be welcome to join the organisers for a bit of post-event liquid refreshment...<br />
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We'll be providing regular updates on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KaiteriteriMTBPark/">Facebook</a> page, where you can also message us with any queries. You can also contact us at <i>info@kaiteriterimtbpark.org.nz.</i><br />
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So get cracking - start rounding up some team-mates, get creative with a costume theme, book your accommodation (just mention the <i>Kaiteriteri Weekender </i>when booking) and get your entry in!<br />
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<a href="https://sngl.wufoo.com/forms/kaiteriteri-weekender-2017-entry-form-and-payment/" target="_blank">Enter Now</a></div>
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-87455768301118703792016-04-16T03:08:00.001-07:002016-04-29T14:27:41.900-07:002016 Kaiteriteri Weekender Results<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a fantastic weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perfect weather, dry tracks and great riders. Hope you all enjoyed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's the business end of the weekend, the results!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park 6 Hour - presented by Port Nelson Ltd</span></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KUsG6AdAiU0yBAJU5gAm2xaWYLNGP0cA9lQvQ7Ml2DKgBfwpm6sIaveSU4bceNcjTmKuzP_6tqSIgEcS4ixWqjQli3GPHS5wr7JJKaLQ3W2auohhgJIsHE-AYpLN6cXaozW2aNiUEIh4/s640/jungle.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Jungle Out There</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KUsG6AdAiU0yBAJU5gAm2xaWYLNGP0cA9lQvQ7Ml2DKgBfwpm6sIaveSU4bceNcjTmKuzP_6tqSIgEcS4ixWqjQli3GPHS5wr7JJKaLQ3W2auohhgJIsHE-AYpLN6cXaozW2aNiUEIh4/s1600/jungle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s a Jungle Out There
(Michelle Walker, Jacqui Douglas, Debbie Townrow and Rachel Tobin) - best dressed</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Henry
Jaine –</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Solo Men, Fastest men’s lap</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"></span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Suzy
Wood – Solo Woman, fastest woman’s lap</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fortrin
Coaching (Kiel Boynton, Joshua Foster, Aaron Bleakley) – Men’s Team</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wildside
Girls Day Out (Claire Sykes, Andrea Livingston, Kay Goodall, Julie Turner) –
Women’s Team</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tineli
Schlappschwaenze (Tim Vincent, Tom Haltmeier, Mike Rutledge, Rachel Butcher) –
Mixed Team</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team
JM (Cameron Jones, Finn Mitchell, Ben Harris) – College Team</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The force wielding pelicans (Finn Griffith,
Matthew Dunlea, </span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Charlie Smith, Jacob
Neal) – Intermediate Team</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B454mmIuRBDNYURiOU0zSUgyaHc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Full results - click here!</span></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jaws Enduro</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOToaHhr9ljwm-b9n2DzIXgTBfa3T74Vn5ddwEuVK8Gfgtp_l5ThTnwoMZHGjm9gGpU502am4_bg6kyV_kZWEp_l-xgLsUf_KmVT73gqYMUcuix1asZ1OXBL5bfYaBc8cY9653YZ-ylG3-/s640/Tasman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasman de Leeuw</td></tr>
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Sunday's racing saw a great bunch of riders enjoying the inaugural 3-stage Jaws Enduro. Stage 1 took in the final part of Skullduggery, stage 2 through Remedy and Shady LAdy and Stage 3 of course Jaws, with the bottom section of Big Airs thrown in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Some very close results, with Ben Karalus edging out stage 1 & 2 winner Tasman de Leeuw by 10.7 seconds overall. Sandy Vincent took out each stage for the women.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iDWXmP7Dw2VGXEXZg2Nnco0LbuUta2QBt5TAwsuuHOlykURlf_aNngjwdJeoL7NFd5qdvbwRz6RVfU3mUF4UEwUk9q_r-Y8PfB4hmv3fjmpSS79XXRKsdJWdL264d_omLkawkC9b9qYw/s1600/Jaws+Enduro+2016+results.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iDWXmP7Dw2VGXEXZg2Nnco0LbuUta2QBt5TAwsuuHOlykURlf_aNngjwdJeoL7NFd5qdvbwRz6RVfU3mUF4UEwUk9q_r-Y8PfB4hmv3fjmpSS79XXRKsdJWdL264d_omLkawkC9b9qYw/s640/Jaws+Enduro+2016+results.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mountainbike Rogaine</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday
afternoon saw the second rogaine event held at the park. Hot on the heels of
being part of the successful Godzone team 'Team Motueka', Brent Steinmetz was
joined by Greg Buckett and took out the event with 990 points.<br />
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This was a great family event, combining map work, route planning and of
course mountainbiking. Thanks to Linsday Smith with his organization of
the event, and also work on creating the permanent orienteering course in
Kaiteriteri.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Greg and Brent 990 points<br /> Craig Hellyer 830<br /> Graham 750<br /> Annette Vercoe 740<br /> Zak and Jai Hayward 660<br /> Karen Clarke 610<br /> Michelle, Sam, Toby Walker 550<br /> Rebecca and Maree 500<br /> Jess and Nikki 460<br /> Team S and T 460<br /> Bella and Rhys 440<br /> Robby Warrender 440<br /> Sara Woodfield 420<br /> Vercoe Family 420</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Big thanks
to our event sponsors, Port Nelson Ltd, plus Kaiteriteri Beach Camp for
providing the facilities. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’d also like to thank CJ Industries (cones, signs
etc), Motueka Rotary Club (marshalling), Alan Eskrick & Dennis Bartlett
(timekeeping), Oliver Weber Photography plus our prize donors (Reliance Betta
Electrical, Motueka Bike Shed, Wildside Travel, Wheel Woman, Tineli, Whitwells,
Trail Journeys, Hi Tec, Physio 4 Health, Ginger Dynamite, Hop Federation, Abel
Tasman Sea Shuttle)</span></span><span style="color: #606060; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<strong><i><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The funds raised from the weekend go back
into developing the park. Right now we have a jump line being crafted from the
Big Airs/Skullduggery hub (stage 1 open now), and plans for a return track from
the end of Revelation back to Swampmonster</span></span></i></strong><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Thanks for entering, see you next April School Holidays (April 22 & 23 2017).</i></b></span>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-73495987661644461142016-03-10T01:04:00.000-08:002016-04-04T22:22:03.504-07:00Kaiteriteri Weekender 2016<br />
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://sngl.wufoo.com/forms/kaiteriteri-6-hour/" target="_blank">Entries Open - Click Here</a></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ"><br /></span></span></span>
<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ">The <b>Kaiteriteri Weekender</b> returns for 2016,
bigger and better! What better way to start the April school holidays than a biking
weekend in Kaiteriteri?</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO4X2HFG2QH8FnSDjwXMBbUlL4R3dDD37IvEJPCeEe2QI3hxsTgVRK8gSrYGaeus0zvdM3PoDfqXkqQs9K2a_E9S00gNu4mn_LaURqsg8JVmte_Kums861bLF3xoGJUTYchDFr9zxOtCG/s1600/2016+Weekender.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBO4X2HFG2QH8FnSDjwXMBbUlL4R3dDD37IvEJPCeEe2QI3hxsTgVRK8gSrYGaeus0zvdM3PoDfqXkqQs9K2a_E9S00gNu4mn_LaURqsg8JVmte_Kums861bLF3xoGJUTYchDFr9zxOtCG/s1600/2016+Weekender.PNG" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ">The <b>Kaiteriteri 6 Hour</b>, presented by <b><a href="http://www.portnelson.co.nz/" target="_blank">Port Nelson Ltd</a></b>, kicks things off on Saturday 16<sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup> April. Based at the
Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp there’s a rolling start along the beach front
before the serious action starts in the Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park proper.
The course utilises many of the easier tracks, so is suitable for all riders
with some basic mountainbike experience.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ">Categories are men's, women's and mixed teams (2-4 riders per team), schools (secondary and intermediate) and for those who just don't know when to relax and have fun there's solo as well.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span lang="EN-NZ">It’s a fun event, with plenty of people
getting in the spirit of things and coming in costume. Bring the family, those
not riding can enjoy the beach, mini golf and everything else Kaiteriteri has
to offer.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpK8HK673MXKzbq1khcgYyA-R7RKUDIj8DqRBXedWuAqwMJbkcxIHRhT3S27JCWP1L6MmGfGepWYjrxF1qm_NarPwCKAcc9lsjOJ2j_cecnTSh4xqYhT0w1-wvlBTQqqF9JBVzvZAaONlE/s1600/2015+Photos.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpK8HK673MXKzbq1khcgYyA-R7RKUDIj8DqRBXedWuAqwMJbkcxIHRhT3S27JCWP1L6MmGfGepWYjrxF1qm_NarPwCKAcc9lsjOJ2j_cecnTSh4xqYhT0w1-wvlBTQqqF9JBVzvZAaONlE/s640/2015+Photos.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ">Plenty of prizes on offer, including a retro women's <a href="http://www.malvernstar.com.au/bikes/wisp-lite/" target="_blank">Malvern Star Wisp Lite</a> bike from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MotuekaBikeShed2016/" target="_blank"><b>Motueka Bike Shed</b></a> and a 32 inch Panasonic TV from <b><a href="http://motueka.bettaelectrical.co.nz/" target="_blank">Reliance Betta Electrical</a></b>, and spot prizes throughout the day.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><b>This is our major fundraiser for the year, with proceeds going into park development.</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ">Sunday sees the introduction of the <b>Jaws
Enduro.</b> This will run on intermediate to advanced tracks in the park over three
timed predominantly downhill stages. No prizes for guessing that the final
stage will incorporate the full length of Jaws… Numbers for the Enduro will be
limited, initially offered to those registering for the 6 Hour. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnYKGIQjYm8Xow7s9usr9Xb7qRfM8z4K8RnOUmrZA7c65is7Hl_4CB5sWpCeg6plWauj_EMXdJlIw1kKjC87Nq8LATgpHYY09k9E0Lq-GCdV34cKCZNz8xvZqtUCyloM1tf2JR-Xh_iHx/s1600/Meg+Jaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnYKGIQjYm8Xow7s9usr9Xb7qRfM8z4K8RnOUmrZA7c65is7Hl_4CB5sWpCeg6plWauj_EMXdJlIw1kKjC87Nq8LATgpHYY09k9E0Lq-GCdV34cKCZNz8xvZqtUCyloM1tf2JR-Xh_iHx/s640/Meg+Jaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"></span><span lang="EN-NZ">If downhill speed isn’t your thing, the
Nelson Orienteering Club is holding a <b>Mountainbike Rogaine</b> on Sunday also. This
was a popular addition to the weekend last year, and sees teams try to
accumulate as many points as possible from checkpoints in the area within the allotted
time.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"> <b>Accommodation:</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ">The <a href="http://www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz/" target="_blank"><b>Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp</b></a> has been
instrumental in the formation of the mountainbike park, and is the perfect
place to stay during the weekend. Bring your tent or caravan, or book a cabin
(subject to availability). For the weekend they are offering <b>20% off</b>
accommodation for entrants – just mention that you’re part of the Kaiteriteri
Weekender at the time of booking.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"> </span><span lang="EN-NZ">So time to get your team organised and get
ready to enter!</span></div>
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<b>Entry Information:</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Entries Open - Click Here</span><br />
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(note the entry page has changed, all entries from the previous site have been updated)</div>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><b>Kaiteriteri 6 Hour presented by Port Nelson
Ltd</b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-NZ">Adult $30 per person</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-NZ">Working Bee (5+) volunteers $25 per person</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-NZ">School $15 per person</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><b>Jaws Enduro</b> – Entries open 17<sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup>
March for those participating in the 6 Hour</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>$15 for 6 hour participants (first in first served)</li>
<li>$30 standalone entries (subject to availability)</li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-NZ"><b>Rogaine</b> – Entries on the day</span></div>
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Follow us on Facebook for updates on the event.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-23068044774186113072015-11-03T16:25:00.001-08:002015-11-08T01:07:18.810-08:00JAWS wide open!Two years after construction started, we are both rapt and relieved to finally announce the Official Opening of our biggest undertaking -<b><i> Jaws</i></b>!<br />
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The date is set for <b>Saturday, November 7 at 12.00pm at the track entrance</b> (allow 30-40mins if cycling from the bottom of <i>Ziggy</i>).<br />
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We will be offering liquid refreshments at the <i>Ziggy</i> carpark during the afternoon so you can rehydrate before you head up for another lap :)<br />
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This intermediate-grade, digger-benched track descends from near the top of <i>Corkscrew</i>, to emerge 4kms later at the <i>Ziggy/Corkscrew</i> hub. The Jaws extension continues on in a similar vein to the 1km 'first stage', opened in March 2014 and exiting onto <i>Velocity</i>, albeit as if Jaws had been fed some steroids.<br />
If you already whoop 'n' holler on 'Jaws1', you'll be frightening the birds on what follows!<br />
It's still suitable for intermediate-level riders but those with more advanced skills will be able to enjoy the extra gravity the descent allows.<br />
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Four kilometres is a lot of track so, like Jaws1, you'll experience a few pedally sections where we've taken you deep into steep-sided gullies clad in native bush. Not only do these give you a chance to regroup with your riding buddies and catch your breath, they reveal some of the Park's hidden treasures. Ancient rimu, majestic beech trees, towering tree ferns and verdant broadleaf understory - all providing a home for the Park's outstanding birdlife.<br />
Much as you'll enjoy racing to the bottom, at least once you may want to pause in a couple of the gullies, especially on a hot day, and take in some of the beauty that surrounds you...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiarSTKXj0J2SSYrmC6ZbgXTLFglvEgS-GGIuGnDmyrPV7fSg9QnT1Bf1ZFTMgCwlUTOl7ngnyPAPxwReb-fbZvTPUrGoWMLyV2Te-x7zT5NFMrFjaUQbKRGa15Wb15pSPTJNC1BXw27Q9/s1600/PC140007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiarSTKXj0J2SSYrmC6ZbgXTLFglvEgS-GGIuGnDmyrPV7fSg9QnT1Bf1ZFTMgCwlUTOl7ngnyPAPxwReb-fbZvTPUrGoWMLyV2Te-x7zT5NFMrFjaUQbKRGa15Wb15pSPTJNC1BXw27Q9/s320/PC140007.jpeg" width="320" /></a>With the track's completion, I thought it timely to reflect on some of the challenges we encountered in the course of its construction.<br />
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By far the biggest obstacle was the surface granite bedrock, always disguised by a thin layer of vegetation on extremely steep slopes.<br />
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This was a feature of several gullies that have been deeply eroded over millennia.<br />
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The tell-tale scrape of metal on rock was a sound we came to dread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uoAqPSmMiOFqBETh5Hf7arKZe3_pS5vqiyaeiSmoBnrzRrmmiOl6t67t78rSlIlflU81G9A5cgisb5nQPuhCP66MLBdQV2OAsdEiijxSwntq0Lebmwv3DGV5jFXvH1v5vEmrgCRs7eHe/s1600/IMG_0021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uoAqPSmMiOFqBETh5Hf7arKZe3_pS5vqiyaeiSmoBnrzRrmmiOl6t67t78rSlIlflU81G9A5cgisb5nQPuhCP66MLBdQV2OAsdEiijxSwntq0Lebmwv3DGV5jFXvH1v5vEmrgCRs7eHe/s320/IMG_0021.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Andrew Smith, of<i> Independent Blasting and Abseil Access</i>, first came to our aid on Jaws1. Unfortunately, the trouble with Separation Point Granite is that its often too hard to 'dig' and too soft to effectively blast, as it absorbs most of the charge rather than shattering the rock.<br />
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Still, it was necessary to dislodge some very large surface boulders that were hanging topside of the track and Andrew, harnessed up to whatever secure tree he could find, did great work in bringing them down, even if the resounding booms made some Kaiteriteri locals a little nervous!<br />
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Karl Thompson and Sam Knowles were the digger operators on <i>Jaws</i>, though it seemed to be mostly Sam's lot to battle in and out of the gullies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPt6MqpUVHIjbNI_NIyXl9T3U7wvGWvS6LNQCbVae8hVmrAbca1A-gv_FNSgRv9bLZuhdoL6MdI27Q5OREo3J1mY9KPf1ARcDkyykMoaLASkUTb8YGRTxRb639XiCXc_oo5DkbAFZeZuh/s1600/IMG_0024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPt6MqpUVHIjbNI_NIyXl9T3U7wvGWvS6LNQCbVae8hVmrAbca1A-gv_FNSgRv9bLZuhdoL6MdI27Q5OREo3J1mY9KPf1ARcDkyykMoaLASkUTb8YGRTxRb639XiCXc_oo5DkbAFZeZuh/s320/IMG_0024.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It wasn't financially-sustainable to blast our way through every section of bedrock so we took up the offer of a portable rock-breaker from <i>CJ Industries</i>.<br />
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This was slow, hard work, especially over the summer months.<br />
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Often, at the end of the day, we'd only have 2-3 metres progress to show for it but I'd still go home exhausted!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYizNGYfX4-1uRUpo5oau4FQpa5HOBOVOmFsanXPKaL6hQj3R35wFLiWrCghyphenhyphenBJ8ZtLFvVGJLECQf86Q3K-NT-9avCfxysTZrjcymkm4qyFTmdmEg5_EaUiku_cat4jvUjyjvFeuXUzl-/s1600/PC230023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYizNGYfX4-1uRUpo5oau4FQpa5HOBOVOmFsanXPKaL6hQj3R35wFLiWrCghyphenhyphenBJ8ZtLFvVGJLECQf86Q3K-NT-9avCfxysTZrjcymkm4qyFTmdmEg5_EaUiku_cat4jvUjyjvFeuXUzl-/s320/PC230023.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On one occasion we exposed a spring which, over time, had turned the subsoil and rock to a grey, silty, unstable mess.<br />
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It seemed that the more we excavated, the more would then slump. A freshly installed culvert (and a brand-new shovel) disappeared overnight in one slump.<br />
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Each morning we'd reinstate the track and move on, only to find the following morning that we'd have to backtrack and do it all again.<br />
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Still, perseverance prevailed and occasionally we'd get the opportunity to do something creative - like install a shark tooth :)<br />
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<i>Jaws</i> offers some spectacular views towards both Kaiteriteri and Nelson but sometimes you've got to stop to notice them.<br />
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Then again, take your eyes off the track at the wrong time and <i>Jaws</i> can bite!<br />
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It's probably claimed more victims than any other Park track, 'though not through its technical difficulty. There's something about the flow it allows that can suddenly get away from people.<br />
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Still, what's a bit of granite-rash...?<br />
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As we moved onto the second stage of <i>Jaws</i>, switching away from the exit onto <i>Velocity</i> to cut back at a lower elevation, we made the mistake of thinking that the worst was over.<br />
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An initial traverse, benched from clay, had us confidently predicting an early completion - until we rounded a spur and headed back into our first major gully.<br />
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Rather than finding the going easier, we now found ourselves in deeply-eroded ravines.<br />
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This time, the Motueka DOC office came to our rescue, loaning the services of their explosives expert, Stu Houston.<br />
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Again, the booms echoed round the Kaiteriteri hills - again, small lumps of bedrock were dislodged or pulverised.<br />
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Progress was back to a crawl.<br />
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My back had told me that manhandling a rock-breaker at shoulder height wasn't sustainable, either, so this time we turned to Andrew Spittal of <i>Ching Contracting.</i><br />
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Andrew, a foundation member, has been an asset to the Park since its inception and didn't hesitate to offer us <i>Ching's </i>digger-operated,<i> </i>hydraulic rock breaker.<br />
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This was the breakthrough (literally) we needed.<br />
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Suddenly I was the one standing idly by, watching the digger operator and rock-breaker do all of the work!<br />
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Progress was still slow but we now had the confidence that nothing would prevent us from eventually attaining our goal.<br />
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Most of the past two winters were spent in gullies like these, where we'd see the sun for a few hours a day.<br />
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Biking up <i>Velocity</i> and into the work-site swathed in several layers of clothes was always a good warm-up.<br />
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Hard as it is to remove the rock, the crushed granite packs down to make a smooth surface, allowing speed to be carried even on slight uphills.<br />
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As we extended the track further and further from its <i>Velocity</i> entrance, our quad bike became indispensable, regularly ferrying fuel and chainsaws to site.<br />
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It was probably most valuable when we had breakdowns, both to <i>Mouse</i> and the hydraulic rock breaker. It's hard to imagine any harder work to which these items of machinery could be subjected.<br />
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At one point, <i>Mouse </i>suffered an engine seizure, requiring a complete replacement. Nathan Johns, of <i>N S Rogers</i>, ably assisted by Sam, did a fantastic job of removing and then reinstalling an engine on-site.<br />
Our track budget had already haemorrhaged and these necessary repairs put further pressure on our available funds - but that's what they're there for!<br />
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An attempt to bench a temporary connection to <i>Corkscrew </i>was abandoned when more bedrock was struck entering yet another large gully. A second switchback sent us back on another lower traverse, one on which we knew we'd encounter the same seams as above.<br />
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More of the same followed: another winter spent in freezing ravines, more repairs - yet getting closer all of the time.<br />
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Motivating us throughout these times was the awareness that we were creating something special for the Park - perhaps its 'signature' track.<br />
Sometimes the steepness of the terrain or the subterranean rock dictated the nature of the track. At other times, we had opportunity to build in some fun & flow - those were good days!<br />
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For Karl Thompson and myself, the opening of <i>Jaws</i> will mark a closure to our partnership of track building. We have worked together to build <i>Swish, Ziggy, Corkscrew, Cruise Control </i>and the upgrade of <i>Easy Rider</i>, not to mention remedial works to other tracks. Karl also built our Pump Track and subsequently enhanced it. He now takes his consummate skills back to Golden Bay where the local MTB Club are waiting for him to start work on the <i>Kill Devil </i>upgrade.<br />
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And, after 7 years of what's felt at times like total immersion, I'm stepping down as the Park's project manager. I can do this assured in the knowledge we have a fantastic committee, some of whom responded to my first appeal for "interested locals" and helped set up Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park Inc. in December 2008. We all shared a vision for the Park and it's been wonderful to see that realised over the years. And, as you'd expect, there's more to come!<br />
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See you at the Opening...<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Guy Trainor</i></span><br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-50499495652013996442015-04-14T20:21:00.001-07:002015-04-14T22:07:40.180-07:00Kaiteriteri MTB Park 6Hr ResultsHere are the results of the Port Nelson 6Hr Bike Relay:<br />
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Or use this link...<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B43aIjxgHSyGYXBPY3pJTWVOT1U/view" target="_blank">2015 6Hr Results</a>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-85819147666369386512015-03-13T23:07:00.000-07:002015-03-16T22:07:36.368-07:00Kaiteriteri Weekender!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <b>Kaiteri 6Hr</b> just got a whole lot bigger!</div>
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Firstly, responding to feedback, we've moved it to <b>Saturday, April 11</b>, the mid-weekend of the school holidays.</div>
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This means you can bring the family (or your mates) and camp at our new event hub, the <b>Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp.</b></div>
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And it means that, while you're blasting your way round our new course, your family will be able to hang out at the beach, mini-golf, playground or cafe.</div>
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Plus, on the Sunday morning, the Nelson Orienteering Club are running a 2hr <b>MTB Rogaine.</b></div>
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This involves your team navigating its way through the Park's trail network, visiting checkpoints to accumulate a maximum score within a 2hr time period.</div>
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This is a new event for the Park, with a dedicated map and trail marker system, and one we're sure is going to be pretty popular.</div>
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Then, on the Sunday afternoon, Steve Newport of <b>HeliBike Nelson</b> is going to be running shuttles to the top ridge so all of those with tired legs can have runs down <i>Corkscrew, Jaws, Velocity, Flamin' Nora </i>or <i>Rockface</i>.</div>
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Pretty cool, eh..?!</div>
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This year we also welcome <b>PORT NELSON </b>as the Bike Relay event sponsor. They already sponsor our <i>Glade Runner</i> track so this extra support is especially appreciated.</div>
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The format for the Bike Relay will be the same as in previous '6Hrs', when held mid-winter (which the Nelson MTB Club will continue to run at Rabbit Island).</div>
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However, the new date, event hub and course, together with an emphasis on making this a weekend extravaganza of fun, marks a fresh beginning for the region's most popular MTB event.</div>
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Some things we hope will remain the same, especially the way so many people have entered into the spirit of 'dress-up'!</div>
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The inventiveness of some individuals and teams never fails to surprise, although you'll have to be extra creative to snatch the Best Fancy Dress prize away from two-time winner, Brian Grant.</div>
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In 2013 he went extra-terrestrial with his guitar-toting Major Tom, while his team of biking vikings took out the award in 2014.</div>
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But the event isn't just about prizes. Bragging rights between mates, workplace colleagues, schools or even that team on the adjacent tent site seem to provide ample motivation for most people.</div>
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Add in the challenge of 'stepping outside of yourself', be it in participating in a multi-lap race or wearing something outrageous and you're bound to end the day with a huge smile on your face.</div>
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<b>So how do you enter..? Click on this link:</b> <a href="https://www.regonline.com.au/register/checkin.aspx?MethodId=0&EventSessionId=bc6548e65ec3445cbec2888dbe0ea718&EventId=1695028" target="_blank">Enter Online</a><br />
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And it gets better! For those keen to base themselves at Kaiteriteri for the weekend, the Beach Camp is offering a <b>20% discount on accommodation</b> (cabins, tent or powered sites). Just quote "Bike Relay" when you make your booking: <a href="http://experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz/campground/" target="_blank">Kaiteriteri Accommodation</a></div>
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What could be better than chilling with a few well-earned beers after the Bike Relay, dining out at the <i>Shoreline </i>or <i>Beached Whale</i> in the evening, doing a few laps of the Park on the Sunday and reviewing an action-packed weekend over a post-event BBQ in the afternoon..? </div>
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Depending upon how many people are staying over, we're even considering putting on a Saturday evening of some exceptional mtb videos...</div>
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Follow us on Facebook for updates on the event, including what sneaky variation we have planned for the race circuit!</div>
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-52696516342804066662015-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:002015-01-30T17:55:52.490-08:00Never standing still...Another busy year for us in the Park, both behind and coming up.<br />
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2014 saw the completion of our 4 year, volunteer-built, singletrack project <i>Skullduggery. </i>Four winters of Sunday morning working bees, involving thousands of hours hand-benching over 3000m in typically-steep Kaiteriteri terrain.<br />
Many of our volunteers have been with us from the start and now know how to sculpture fine, flowing trail. Inslopes, outslopes, grade reversals, switchback diameters, recommended gradients - all second nature to our regulars who, this year, we'll be rewarding with their own "I DIG SUNDAYS" t-shirts to go with their bonus vouchers from <b>Coppins Cycles</b>.<br />
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Another major development for the Park in 2014 was the expansion of our Skills Zone. <br />
Situated next to the popular Pump Track, a series of wooden elements is being constructed to enable those relatively new to mountain biking to gain confidence by improving their balancing skills. Local sawmill, <b>Prime Pine</b>, donated $1000 of timber to get us started, <b>N S Rogers </b>donated the digger hire and a great turn-out over two Sundays from many of our supporters in the building trade saw part of the vision translated into rideable reality.<br />
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The original design, drawn up by Marty Clark and Bruce Nelson, provides for more elements to be added and that will be at the top of our agenda when our w/bees start up again.<br />
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It didn't take long for the first punters to try out the runs.<br />
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The one being ridden here is 900mm wide, with just enough elevation to challenge those unused to riding 'off the ground'.<br />
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It's popular with parents who like to shepherd their little'uns - often on balance bikes - along it, as well as with better riders wanting to practise their control.<br />
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The adjacent run is narrower and presents a bigger challenge, especially riding 'uphill'.<br />
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We ran out of time to finish our third element, involving two ramps leading onto a platform from which other ramps will extend.<br />
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A temporary solution was to install a boulder and small ramp to allow a way off the platform other than straight off the edge.<br />
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Having successfully demonstrated the latter, this rider tried the boulder route...<br />
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This option isn't recommended until you've mastered the tuck'n'roll technique of dismounting.<br />
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A significant change for 2015 is a different presentation of the Park's trail network.<br />
This involved changing the perspective to better reflect the topography of the Park when viewed from the beach or at the mapboard.<br />
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We've also decided to move to a track numbering system, as it was getting too difficult to accurately attach names to tracks.<br />
This now enables us to continue track identification through various junctions and will more easily accommodate future extensions to the network.<br />
The numbers cross-reference to names and track descriptions on the back of our maps, which are available at various local outlets, including the Kaiteriteri Beach Camp office. You can also download the map from the <b>Map</b> link on the Menu bar.<br />
As always, our thanks go to <b>Steve Newport</b> for the time he donates in producing our maps.<br />
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<br />
The most exciting development so far this year is that we are once again underway on <i>Jaws 2</i>!<br />
<br />
This is the long-overdue extension to the 1km traverse of the Park's upper slopes that we opened last March.<br />
We had hoped to have the whole 3km+ length opened for this Summer but, unsurprisingly, <i>Jaws</i> had other ideas...<br />
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For the past several months we have been chipping and, occasionally, blasting our way through granite bedrock in a steep-sided, rocky chasm.<br />
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We've had to cope with various mechanical breakdowns as the work took its toll on the machinery, 'though, fortunately, our determination never wavered.<br />
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We owe our thanks to many people for their practical support through this period, especially <b>Andrew Spittal</b> of <b>Ching Contracting</b> and the <b>Motueka DoC</b> office.<br />
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Ching Contracting's hydraulic rockbreaker is currently taking a breather at the point where we finally began to encounter softer rock and some separation in the seams. We're not sure we're done with it yet, with one gully to go before our planned, temporary, connection with <i>Corkscrew</i>, but spirits are high.<br />
We're hoping to open this stage later this month and you can follow updates via our Facebook page.<br />
Meanwhile, this 'Under Construction' track remains closed.<br />
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For 2015, we welcome three new track sponsors: <b>Denstock Hi-Tec</b> (<i>Bay View & Scoot)</i>, <b>Hop Federation </b><i>(Big Airs) </i> and <b>Trail Journeys </b><i><b>(</b>Rock'n'Roll)</i>. All sponsorship goes directly into track building so that there's always something new worth coming back for.<br />
Over the coming year, we'll be profiling all of our track sponsors on Facebook - go there now for a taster..<br />
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Coming up... our Family Adventure Race Day on February 15!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Guy Trainor</i></span>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-34585451504680136042014-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:002014-11-17T20:24:40.947-08:00TracksJust in time for xmas, we're offering the perfect gift for all of you Park lovers!<br />
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Ben Mills, local Art teacher and spare-time t-shirt designer, has created a super-cool tee for us that is going to be this Summer's must-wear item, at least within a 100kms radius of Kaiteriteri!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7KnKs7UNe3u3atH-9ZIVl-v22kcB0K8oo2xTau3l4CgdPwgn-75JwXimPDKNO_qmJm0bW8-X8ovqowN27ECY6-1ytRidUM1rtYVq03cxYZdeVynRPzEWJaRHqISrY5Jr-Dy_G_was0O2/s1600/IMG_1495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7KnKs7UNe3u3atH-9ZIVl-v22kcB0K8oo2xTau3l4CgdPwgn-75JwXimPDKNO_qmJm0bW8-X8ovqowN27ECY6-1ytRidUM1rtYVq03cxYZdeVynRPzEWJaRHqISrY5Jr-Dy_G_was0O2/s1600/IMG_1495.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Called <b>"Tracks"</b>, it's a catalogue of the Park's trail network, with a graphic to suit each one of them.<br />
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It's a talking point at your local, it's a souvenir of your visit, it's a comfortable, lightweight shirt to throw on after your ride as you head for a coffee or ice-cream, it's a motivational garment to inspire you to get onto the bike and hit some tracks...<br />
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<i>And best of all, it's a donation to the Park, as each sale reaps $5 that we can put back into trail development!</i><br />
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(Going by the tee, you may think that there's no more room but we're not done yet..)<br />
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You can choose coloured graphic options or go for the simplicity of white-on-colour. Or, like me, you may have trouble deciding and just get one of each!<br />
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The women's tees have a more feminine cut and some different colour options to the mens'.<br />
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Zara (168cm) generously agreed to model the small-size White-on-Navy Blue to provide an idea of the look but there is a sizing guide on the website.<br />
(I'm usually a medium and the men's medium is a perfect fit.)<br />
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On the white-on-colour tees, the Kaiteriteri MTB Park logo on the left chest includes some colour to distinguish it from the tracks.<br />
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The tees are priced at $40 and can be purchased on-line by going to:<br />
<b>https://kaiteri-mtb.printmighty.co.nz/products</b><br />
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So what could be better..? Supporting the Park while you're feeling and looking good!<br />
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And don't you think they'd make an awesome present...?<br />
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Some of the hand-benched tracks in the Park have been getting some pre-Summer luvin' in readiness for another full season. <i>Scoot, Remedy, Shady Lady</i> and upper & lower <i>Velocity </i>have all been prepped and are riding beautifully.<br />
If you've often wondered about having a go at the the advanced-grade <i>Remedy </i>or expert/advanced<i> Velocity</i>, now's the time!<br />
While work is stalled on <i>Jaws</i>, we'll continue administering TLC where needed around the network. High on the agenda is a bypass route for the increasingly-exposed, rata root drop on <i>Skullduggery.</i><br />
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Progress on Jaws is temporarily suspended (again!) by the need for a major overhaul of the hydraulic rockbreaker. We took the opportunity of the 'downtime' to try some blasting on the granite bedrock (see our facebook page for photos) but won't know fully how successful this operation was until we apply the rockbreaker again. Unfortunately, chances of our showpiece track being open for Summer are looking less and less likely :(<br />
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On a more positive note, our predator control team certainly aren't standing idle. Their weekly inspection of the trapping line is regularly finding 'kills'.<br />
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At a recent Department of Conservation Open Day at the Park, committee coordinator Rod Markham had a stall outlining the aims of the programme and advice on how to get involved.<br />
One of those who has got involved is Liz Thompson, one of the team at Physio4Health, sponsors of <i>Shady Lady</i>.<br />
Her preferred running circuit takes her along part of the trapping line and she doesn't mind it if her run is interrupted by the need to reset a trap!<br />
John McKenzie and Shaun Atkinson are the others currently making up the team.<br />
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Stoats, weasels and rats have all been recorded, with the latter dominating the recents stats.<br />
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Our Sunday morning working bees have nearly wrapped up for the year, with just one more celebratory event planned. We'll be sending out details of this shortly via email and facebook.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Guy Trainor</i></span>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-46728857218406053872014-10-03T18:26:00.000-07:002014-10-03T18:26:20.919-07:00We must be doing something right...For a small Park with big ambitions, feedback from visitors and regulars helps and encourages us towards making it even better.<br />
From the start, we set out to create a family-friendly mountain biking environment. That meant first establishing a circuit of easy-grade trails, before extending into a range of intermediate and advanced-grade tracks. Every year, we plan our projects based on what we feel will add to the overall Park experience, both for beginner riders and those looking for more of a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OQtawUPFEYNugcGZ4XWO_1jR6zgKVYXwVGc5Ay8aMQsmp1_X_do4O1urnvklfw3_NhCcb5cipHs7wYHml39JQDBrd6ne8sKEo1zmvyDxSi4GlWdYnYHplAtONqxfd3lqjFeCJolaI1t4/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OQtawUPFEYNugcGZ4XWO_1jR6zgKVYXwVGc5Ay8aMQsmp1_X_do4O1urnvklfw3_NhCcb5cipHs7wYHml39JQDBrd6ne8sKEo1zmvyDxSi4GlWdYnYHplAtONqxfd3lqjFeCJolaI1t4/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a>The support we get from local businesses through sponsorship goes a long way towards funding much of this work.<br />
Together with on-going support from the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board, advertising, map sales and collections from our donation box, we're able to avoid the user-fees that are increasingly appearing elsewhere around the country.<br />
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But building tracks, especially on Kaiteriteri's steep, gully-riven slopes, is an expensive undertaking. It's hard on machinery and, when we hit rock, it gets even harder. Progress can slow from 40-50m a day to 2m a day and that can make a mess of even the best budgeting!<br />
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So when individuals and businesses approach us saying they'd like to show their appreciation for what we're doing with a substantial donation, it can sometimes mean the difference between keeping at it or suspending operations.<br />
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Andrew Taylor is one such individual. Based in Wellington, he and his wife, Pip, have a bolt hole in Little Kaiteriteri and, with their daughter, love getting into the Park on their bikes when in residence. Like many others, they know they're unlikely to make it to a working bee so decided to make a $10,000 donation to the Park. Yes, that's <b>$10,000!</b><br />
Shortly after Andrew's approach, Bruce Miller of Motueka's <b>New World</b> supermarket, also got in touch. New World already sponsor <i>Remedy</i> and provide the Sunday morning treats for our working bee volunteers. But Bruce, a regular Park user, wanted to also show his personal appreciation with a <b>$2000 </b>donation!<br />
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Such shows of support not only give those of us on the committee a huge lift in encouragement that we're creating something that is truly of value in the community - in very practical terms, it means our digger track-building can go on when our budget is otherwise exhausted.<br />
At the moment, the track that is gobbling up most of our funds is... unsurprisingly, Jaws. So, when we eventually emerge from the torturous terrain that has tested us on so many levels and open up the whole length of this track for business, we hope Andrew and Bruce and their families get a special buzz out of riding it!<br />
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Another project soon to get lift-off is this enhancement to our Skills Arena.<br />
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Marty Clark & Bruce Nelson designed it for us some time back and we've been itching to get started ever since.<br />
Local builder Roger Kenning worked up our timber needs and offered to oversee its construction once we had materials in place.<br />
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Step forward Brent Steinmetz of <b>Prime Pine Ltd</b>, the Little Sydney Valley-based sawmill. Another Park fan who laments not being able to make it to working bees, Brent priced up our order and then knocked <b>$1000</b> off the price as his way of making a contribution.<br />
It has now been treated and delivered to site so look out on our Facebook page for the shortly upcoming notification of the day when we'll assemble and turn this design into a reality!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWQo_-g5BPXLJ_bfS5SFAG8HKoaBMf3OqnuHJTYxxbfMJrAoxtyLVBRR4GE6xpmkJZONs8b7NYNJGIoSz1Gfyj6Bpqcr_0FjM5sBBqS0ZY0PUDQMTTfxYU7a5FtCA99LyPyjTNXL8y4zY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWQo_-g5BPXLJ_bfS5SFAG8HKoaBMf3OqnuHJTYxxbfMJrAoxtyLVBRR4GE6xpmkJZONs8b7NYNJGIoSz1Gfyj6Bpqcr_0FjM5sBBqS0ZY0PUDQMTTfxYU7a5FtCA99LyPyjTNXL8y4zY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a><br />
Coming up, we have the official opening of the Great Taste Trail's coastal section on October 11.<br />
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The final leg of this route brings riders into the Park and onto <i>Easy Rider.</i><br />
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Since the opening of the cycle underpass as part of the Turners Bluff road realignment, we're already seeing greatly increased numbers of riders using <i>Easy Rider. </i><br />
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Feedback from many is that they're loving the completely different environment and we can imagine that the shade of the forest will be especially welcomed on a hot day.<br />
Not to mention the ice-cream or (ginger)beer when you emerge onto the beach :)<br />
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It promises to be a fun day so, if you haven't got round to it yet, oil your chain and get you and your bike to Motueka for the 9.00am start...<br />
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The following day, we're playing host to a Duathlon.<br />
This is being run - or is that run/biked? - by the Nelson Tri Club to see how popular the Park might be as a venue for future events.<br />
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If you think that this is something you'd like to give a crack, you can turn up on the morning and sign on.<br />
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As you can see, there are lots of options to cater for first-timers up to seasoned veterans in almost any combination you want to throw together.<br />
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And the best bit is, you get to run the tracks without meeting any bikers coming the other way!<br />
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Remember to 'Like' our Facebook page (linked in the sidebar) to keep abreast of what's happening in the Park, including news of the Nelson mum and children who did a 3 day cycle-tour to Kaiteriteri, who our track inspector is and where you can stand underneath 500 yr old rimu...<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guy Trainor</span></i>Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-11361096332952928012014-09-04T18:14:00.000-07:002014-09-04T18:44:41.077-07:00Give us a break!It's been a while since a Park update. Not that we haven't been busy, it's just that a few projects have taken - and continue to take - a little longer than expected.<br />
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Top of that list is the continuation of Jaws.<br />
We opened the first 1km traverse in March and I blogged about the magnitude of that achievement in an earlier post. At the time, the effort that went into constructing that track far surpassed anything else we'd done at Kaiteriteri.<br />
Surely, we were past the worst...<br />
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We resumed construction at the end of May and, as before, began with a relatively easy run. Slopes weren't too steep, the clay/granite blend was perfect, the rain stayed away. Not only were Karl & Sam, back to hot-seating <i>Mouse</i> the digger, churning out the metres, they were carving out some mega swoops and small jumps. It was like Jaws on steroids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROKZBzx_T0lklzSk_KRkEO6two4XrdlaMfiO120v97ylD3O1x1FXH76Lx0Z7RfLaFQTAfWigJp-tP_3SrjYkNIIKRTd5rbHV7QzJsGWOJIITSMHbnoOskUS65XW5a55xfRvvR1g8qhS4U/s1600/10394830_281291515410658_5619633153197443882_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROKZBzx_T0lklzSk_KRkEO6two4XrdlaMfiO120v97ylD3O1x1FXH76Lx0Z7RfLaFQTAfWigJp-tP_3SrjYkNIIKRTd5rbHV7QzJsGWOJIITSMHbnoOskUS65XW5a55xfRvvR1g8qhS4U/s1600/10394830_281291515410658_5619633153197443882_n.jpg" /></a>It couldn't last. Just as it's no longer so easy to sneak up on innocents at Martha's Vineyard, it seems it's not possible to carve out sneaky metres at Kaiteriteri without drawing the attention of the track's namesake.<br />
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He was back - and his teeth were as as sharp as ever!<br />
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We were the innocents as we rounded a gentle spur and progressed into an ever-steepening gully. The absence of mature trees ahead alerted us to the possibility that topsoil was thin. If it wasn't for the amount of birdsong we might just have heard the distant thrumming of a tuba...<br />
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Suddenly we were in it - the most solid wall of granite bedrock we have encountered to date!<br />
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The most frustrating thing about the bedrock is that it's never visible on the surface. You don't know if it's going to continue for just one or two metres or extend for several.<br />
We began by scratching away with the digger attachments until we saw the toll it was taking on the teeth. At that point, we borrowed a rock breaker and generator.<br />
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In the trade, these are called demolition hammers. When you're a 70kg ectomorph trying to form a working relationship with a 30kg rock hammer, the only thing that's guaranteed to get demolished is yourself. After a week of hammering away at vertical rock, my back muscles spat the dummy. This was a relationship that had no future...<br />
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To the rescue came Andrew Spittal. Andrew is a foundation sponsor of the Park - someone who, in our start-up years, invested hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars helping to get the Park on the map.<br />
Although he's now busy building trails elsewhere in the region, he generously loaned us a hydraulic breaker from his construction company.<br />
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We got an adaptor made for it to fit <i>Mouse</i> and we were back in business!<br />
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It's still slow going. Granite doesn't easily fracture and the deeper we go, the harder it gets.<br />
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Occasionally we get lucky and manage to extract a boulder but, usually, it's a matter of painstakingly chipping away.<br />
(You can check out the video below to get an idea of what our days are currently consisting of...)<br />
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We know that we'll eventually emerge from this particular gully and be off swooping our way downhill again. That we're behind schedule goes without saying but, rest assured, we won't let this big fish get the better of us.<br />
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We've worn down so many teeth that surely he must be getting a bit gummy, as well, by now..?<br />
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Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Park, we've had more success...<br />
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Over the last two winters, our volunteers have religiously been turning up on Sunday mornings for our working bees. Their project has been to extend the Skullduggery singletrack and, boy, has this captured their imagination!<br />
Huge credit must go to our committee members, who have led the charge, but they've been more than ably supported by a dedicated pool of regulars. Many of these, especially the younger ones, are now developing a good sense how to build sustainable singletrack. These are the people who will be creating the fun & flowing trails of the future and I, for one, look forward to rocking up to ride them!<br />
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This new track currently exits just above the pump shed and only needs one or two more Sunday sessions before being officially 'signed-off'. Meanwhile, Sam & I have seized the opportunity of some rockbreaker repairs to make a start on a connection between a mid-point on this track and <i>Swish</i>.<br />
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The purpose of this traversing track is to give people more circuit options and to take some pressure off the more steeply-descending lower half. Those who find the preceding sections of <i>Skullduggery </i>about at the maximum of their comfort zone will probably want to take the <i>Swish </i>option.<br />
Plus, you'll get to take in this view towards Motueka from the seat near the end...<br />
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From here, you look down onto the lower stretches of <i>Easy Rider, </i>which finishes with some swooping switchbacks before exiting the Park (if this is where you want to come out).<br />
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It also forms the entrance into the Park of the <b>Tasman Great Taste Trail</b>.<br />
People can now ride the Trail from Nelson to Kaiteriteri and we wanted them to feel they were entering something special when they arrived at this point.<br />
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For some, it will be their first venture into a "mountain bike park".<br />
We're hoping they'll feel truly welcomed and enjoy the experience so much they'll feel encouraged to come back and explore more of the track network.<br />
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The gateway 'cog' was built for us by our Gold sponsor, Andy Lowe of <i>Image Creators</i>. We think it's pretty impressive but you could say that we're biased.<br />
Why not come along to the official opening of the Motueka-Kaiteriteri section of the Trail on <b>October 11</b> and see for yourself..?<br />
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True to predictions, we're now starting to see an increase in rat kills in our Park traps.<br />
Rod Markham and John McKenzie will shortly be installing more traps, concentrating them in those areas where most kills are recorded.<br />
Anyone keen to sponsor a trap or occasionally walk a trapline can email us at <i>info@kaiteriterimtbpark.org.nz</i><br />
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And, finally, a little rock breaking to lull you to sleep...<br />
<i>Guy Trainor</i><br />
<i><br /></i>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPARRq9XMZA<br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-68842788139929319302014-05-21T00:28:00.000-07:002014-05-21T00:28:38.773-07:00Kaiteriteri's pumping!Bringing Mouse, our digger, down from the upper part of the Park for a service, gave us an opportunity to carry out a long-awaited upgrade.<br />
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Our pump track has had a lot of use over recent years.<br />
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The berms and rollers had all mellowed to a level where it was getting harder and harder to pump out a lap without pedalling.<br />
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Still popular with young ones, it no longer provided the same challenge for more experienced riders, as when first opened.<br />
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The nearby road realignment of the Riwaka-Kaiteriteri Rd meant we were able to source some good quality fill and this was helpfully dumped adjacent to the site.<br />
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Karl Thompson, who built our pump track, originally designed a circuit that could accommodate additional features within the outside circuit. Now was the time to incorporate them, alongside vamping up the berms with that extra soil.<br />
With Karl on Mouse and Sam Knowles constructing retaining walls, raking & compacting, the upgrade was completed within three days.<br />
It now offers several directional options and some wicked berms that encourage you to maintain speed. It's still perfectly safe for beginners and little 'uns - but now, also, is a lot more fun for everyone else.<br />
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Here, Karl pumps out a couple of demo laps...<br />
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Obviously, it's still fairly fresh so please avoid riding it when wet or soft. </div>
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Feedback on the first stage of <i>JAWS</i> has been overwhelmingly positive. It was a tough build and we're pretty proud of what we managed to achieve in challenging terrain. It's been getting a lot of use, despite the advanced-grade section of <i>Velocity </i>it currently connects to being a little out of some comfort zones.</div>
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We aim to commence the second stage of <i>JAWS</i> shortly. The friendlier gradients of the lower slopes will allow us to have some fun with this descending track before it exits at the <i>Corkscrew</i> hub.</div>
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With a kind winter, we hope to have the whole track open by Summer.</div>
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Rod Markham, who heads up our Predator Trapping programme, recently reported:</div>
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<i>"Between January and March we caught 7 stoats, most of them near the Big Airs/Skullduggery junction. Since then the traps have been empty. We have been changing the trap positions but so far they remain empty. There has been no sign of rats at any of the traps, we are using a dried rabbit bait for stoats and have been adding peanut butter as a rat lure. We are about to try other baits including real and artificial eggs. </i></div>
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<i>Bird life in this area of the park seems pretty healthy at the moment in particular we are seeing large numbers of fantails through Skullduggery."</i></div>
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Apparently, it is normal for there to be a drop-off in stoat kills at this time of year. What is particularly encouraging is the lack of rat kills, as this is their most active time. We will continue to extend the trapping lines into new areas and hope for similar success. We remain grateful to those individuals who have donated to this programme, allowing us to direct Park funds into track building and maintenance.</div>
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<b>Sunday, June 22,</b> will once again see the mountain biking hordes descending upon Tent City in Bethany Park for the <b>Kaiteriteri Mid-Winter 6Hr Breakout</b>.<br />
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Last year, we had 200 teams, totalling nearly 500 riders. This year will probably exceed that so, as we're approaching capacity for the event, it wouldn't pay to delay getting your entry in for too long. Cut off date is June 15. </div>
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And for those who like the dark side, don't forget that you can join us for a <b>Saturday Night Ride</b>. Just turn up at the Beached Whale Bar/Cafe @ 6pm for a cruisey circuit of our favourite tracks.<br />
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After the ride, we'll retire to the Bar for beer'n'pizza and live coverage of the ABs playing England :-)<br />
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To encourage those coming from a distance, <b>Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp</b> is offering a special deal for all 6Hr entrants: a <b>20%</b> discount on all cabin and tent sites.<br />
Ph. (03) 527 8010 for bookings.<br />
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A lot of work has already been put into this year's circuit, making it less susceptible to cutting up should the track be damp, on the day (tho' heavy rain will force a postponement). If you've been wondering what it would be like to enter a multi-hour, mid-winter, mountain biking, team event - this is your chance!<br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-43769505837155636042014-03-23T19:57:00.000-07:002014-03-24T14:29:19.072-07:00JAWS comes to Kaiteriteri!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He's been a long time coming but JAWS has finally arrived at Kaiteriteri.<br />
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He's fought us all the way, throwing up more challenges in 1 km of track than all of the others combined. Every time we celebrated the benching of an especially difficult piece of terrain, we were granted only a brief reprieve before facing our next hurdle.<br />
The construction of this track challenged us in ways we hadn't encountered before. Even <i>Mouse</i>, our brave little digger, suffered some fractures that required extensive welding before being thrust back into the fray.<br />
Blasting, rockhammers, enormous pines, slips - right up to the final few meters when we disturbed a cluster of three wasp nests and a bumblebee hive, building this track was a massive undertaking. It deserved a big name...<br />
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It starts innocently enough.<br />
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Having just climbed 3kms of <i>Corkscrew</i>, we figured people would appreciate a gentle, catch-your-breath, introduction to our latest Intermediate-grade addition to the network.<br />
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Sidecast spill creates the impression of a wide thoroughfare, disguising the steep slopes you're in fact traversing.<br />
This will quickly revegetate and create a green corridor that lures you in.<br />
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There are also some big views to distract you.<br />
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You can climb some steps at this point to our tree stump lookout.<br />
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We haven't figured out what the felled pine, with its 'tentacle' branches, most resembles yet.<br />
Is it a praying mantis..? A weta? A squid?<br />
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Whatever it is, this fallen monster dominates the open slopes of this length of track.<br />
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The view to the East is equally impressive, taking in the sweep of Tasman Bay, Nelson and the Richmond Ranges in the distance.<br />
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As is typical at Kaiteriteri, traversing the slopes means crossing numerous spurs.<br />
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Much as we try to open them up and shave back the inside bank, they remain 'blind corners'.<br />
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Therefore, because we want people to enjoy the flow of JAWS, we've made it <b>ONE WAY</b>.<br />
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<i>The Pool of Reflection</i>.<br />
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We spent many hours and days at this spot, wondering if we were ever going to progress.<br />
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I posted earlier about the trials we had with an adjacent spring we 'untapped', causing several cubic meters of grey, silty hillside to slump.<br />
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It seemed that every time we tried to move on, more soil and surface vegetation would slip down, forcing us to backtrack to clear the mess and try to create a new bench.<br />
A brand new shovel is buried near here, left by an equally buried culvert.<br />
<br />
So pause for a moment when you pass this spot and reflect on the hours it can sometimes take to create a few meters of track.<br />
<br />
You may even spot the koura we relocated here...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMd6ZygKivBZbLSzeJoI-iLCr22JH31kBtA-4L1FNGji5s2Wct4Nv6kVlh-CVbMv2Wp1tTYNU_VT9xbOeG1zT1BermJDLeMqQLK53Y7fGqvzFkqI5cGqPDVNlQrXVSEVuz_ue-0sEcBgS/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMd6ZygKivBZbLSzeJoI-iLCr22JH31kBtA-4L1FNGji5s2Wct4Nv6kVlh-CVbMv2Wp1tTYNU_VT9xbOeG1zT1BermJDLeMqQLK53Y7fGqvzFkqI5cGqPDVNlQrXVSEVuz_ue-0sEcBgS/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
What followed the slip was one of those periods when the more ominous aspects of JAWS slipped away and lulled us into a sense of relaxation.<br />
<br />
The slope eased off. The soil reverted to the granite/clay mix that is such a pleasure to sculpt track from.<br />
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A nice blend of beech and kanuka forest provided welcome shade and birdsong.<br />
<br />
Karl Thompson and Sam Knowles were hot-seating <i>Mouse</i> and I was working hard to stay in front.<br />
<br />
We even found scope to throw in a split line and some swoops that were of our choosing, not the terrain's. We were having fun!<br />
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I guess we should have realised that JAWS wasn't finished with us yet...<br />
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No sooner had Karl departed for his pre-booked 'paternity leave' than we hit rock - big time!<br />
A thin layer of vegetation sat on top of granite bedrock on steep slopes.<br />
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Much of this has already been chronicled in the <b>Kaiteriteri Rocks!</b><br />
photo album on our facebook page.<br />
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The <i>Rocky Horror Picture Show</i> showed the work in progress - here is part of the finished article. It's a thing of beauty, really, and may, in time, comes to resemble the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPqHtaTcx8qKlY4dLemWX-K8XSLBEzXM4Sq9cxv7SZbCZxT4C68vyFvHWStRHb1Uu6O7C6bdiwGJZN02E8gdBSQEF1bvKNXoGxCQDrZOdaMPE7cRMlvcSGTMsIGI6capCFvaV8xPI08_W/s1600/IMG_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPqHtaTcx8qKlY4dLemWX-K8XSLBEzXM4Sq9cxv7SZbCZxT4C68vyFvHWStRHb1Uu6O7C6bdiwGJZN02E8gdBSQEF1bvKNXoGxCQDrZOdaMPE7cRMlvcSGTMsIGI6capCFvaV8xPI08_W/s1600/IMG_0126.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
We hope you notice when you fly past.<br />
<br />
You may choose to stop anyway, if only to refill your water bottle from the stream.<br />
<br />
We've put a pipe in to save you the 5m scramble up some wet rocks to a small waterfall, 'though if the funnel has been dislodged, you may wish to do that anyway.<br />
<br />
The water is delicious and, on a hot Kaiteri' day this makes a perfect spot to cool down, eat that banana and... smile.<br />
<br />
As it happened, Karl returned from his 'paternity leave', several weeks later, the day after Sam cleared the last of the rocky section. If I hadn't met the new baby boy myself, I could almost have been suspicious that the whole "pregnancy" had been a fabrication ;-)<br />
<br />
To our relief, the final 200m run went fairly uneventfully (bar those wasp nests), no doubt evidence that JAWS was as exhausted by the battle as we were.<br />
<br />
This first stage - of what will eventually be a 3 kms long, descending track to the <i>Corkscrew</i> hub - exits onto <i>Velocity </i>just below the steep, rutty Expert (Black Diamond) section, remnants of an old firebreak. From this point <i>Velocity</i> is graded Advanced but confident riders will enjoy a loop that swoops them down to the <i>Skullduggery/Big Airs</i> hub.<br />
<br />
The track builders are taking a month's break now but will be resuming our tussle with JAWS after Easter. Even though his teeth are a little more worn now than when we started, we don't think for a moment he's given up.<br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-21831229218849161452014-01-02T15:27:00.000-08:002014-01-02T20:32:03.908-08:00It ain't easy...For those of you curious to know how progress on our latest digger-bench project is going, the answer is SLOW!<br />
We expected the steepness of the terrain to make for some tough going, with batters frequently exceeding 2m.<br />
The number of exceptionally-large, prone pines was new. Obviously felled well before the former forest was converted into a mountain bike park, these fallen monsters have proven a challenge in places - especially on the steep slopes.<br />
<br />
Still, at the end of each day, we were able to look back on several more metres of newly-formed track.<br />
Then we encountered a wall of granite. Scratching away with the digger bucket was achieving little other than wearing down teeth. The only option was to blast it.<br />
<br />
Enter Andrew Smith of <i>Independent Blasting & Abseil Access</i>.<br />
<br />
This first exercise in blasting may have alarmed a few Kaiteriteri residents but it did succeed in clearing a sufficient path for <i>Mouse </i>to move forward.<br />
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A few metres on, we encountered a boulder.<br />
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These are rare on the surface of the MTB Park slopes and, when discovered, we try to make a feature of them or, at the least, to leave them trackside for riders to marvel at.<br />
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That wasn't really an option, here. It was massive and the way it hung over the intended line meant it wasn't safe to try to sneak under it. It had to go.<br />
<br />
What we could see was big enough but how much of the boulder was buried underground was impossible to tell.<br />
<br />
Also, it was formed of much harder, white granite, rather than the softer, yellow rock more typical of 'Separation Point Granite'.<br />
This called for a more powerful drill. Despite being on holiday, Mark Townsend, Motueka DOC Conservation Services Manager, came to our rescue by lending us theirs.<br />
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It wasn't easy work.<br />
<br />
First, Andrew used a pneumatic rock hammer, generously loaned by Ching Contracting, to create a starting hole for the drill bit.<br />
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Then he had to rig up a harness for himself while Karl used the digger bucket to take some of the weight of the heavy drill.<br />
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Add in temps in the high 20s and the sweat was flowing freely!<br />
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The holes had to be drilled to a depth of approx. 1.2m before the charges could be inserted. Then, we retreated to a safe distance, wound up the warning siren before, 60secs later... KABOOM!!!<br />
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I'm not sure how accurate the reports were that some locals thought that a local water taxi company's fuel depot had exploded but the boom did echo around the hills for a few seconds.<br />
<br />
A significant chunk of the boulder still remained, however, so Andrew's work wasn't finished yet...<br />
<br />
It's hard yakka manhandling the drill, especially on a steep slope, and made me appreciate the efforts of those currently constructing the Old Ghost Road mountain bike trail.<br />
<br />
Even more so, the achievements of those mining pioneers carving their pack tracks into the hinterlands of rugged mountain ranges.<br />
Picks, shovels and dynamite forged a network of benched trails that are now helping to turn NZ into a MTB Mecca.<br />
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Meanwhile, back at the rockface, enough rock had been removed for Karl to manoeuvre <i>Mouse</i> a few more metres along the track.<br />
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More boulders... but of a size able to be nudged over the edge, crashing their way into the gully below.<br />
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But this 20m stretch of hillside wasn't done with us yet.<br />
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Stripping the vegetative cover and thin topsoil away uncovered a bank of wet, grey, silty sub-soil.<br />
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The more we excavated, the more slumped down to re-cover the track. Somewhere in there, a spring had been 'uncorked'...<br />
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Water seeped freely from the bank, quickly turning previously dry soil to a porridge-like consistency.<br />
It seemed as quickly as we cleared it, more slipped down, leaving the matted surface vegetation - held together by suplejack roots - increasingly undercut.<br />
<br />
Eventually, we succeeded in creating enough of a sump to install a drain and got back on to the business of benching track.<br />
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Walking back out that afternoon, we discovered another major slump, this time bringing down, along with a jungle of vines and tree fern, another massive boulder!<br />
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Re-enter, Andrew...<br />
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More blasting, more excavating... and we're wondering how much more time this section is going to consume.<br />
<br />
Work recommences on Monday and an inspection this weekend will most likely reveal that more of the hillside has slumped over the track.<br />
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Still, like the pioneers of old, we'll get there and, chances are, when you eventually get to ride this bit of track, you'll whizz by oblivious to the efforts that went into building it.<br />
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Although, if you stop to pause and reflect by the small pool we've created at a stream crossing just beyond it, you may be lucky enough to spot a koura.<br />
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The native freshwater crayfish pictured was found living in the damp soil underneath one of the boulders we removed.<br />
Unfortunately, its tail was missing but it did manage to crawl away when we relocated it to the pool.<br />
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How many generations of this species it took for this individual to make it quite so far up Kaiteriteri's slopes is anybody's guess.<br />
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Unless, s/he came via the underground spring system, of course, in which case they may be on their way down...<br />
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Alongside the regular Summer visitors from Christchurch, there's been a great mix of others using the trails this season- some of whom have appeared on our Facebook page.<br />
More people from the North Island have heard about the MTB Park and, when combined with the other natural attractions of the region, have found it well worth the ferry crossing.<br />
The local bike hire operators have also enabled many overseas visitors to get out and explore the tracks, all finding something to suit their level of skill and fitness.<br />
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Some, like Erica Hartwick, enjoy returning to ride their favourite tracks.<br />
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She took special delight in installing her own unique contribution to The Corkscrew Tree over xmas.<br />
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Next time you wander into a second-hand shop for a bit of time-filling browsing, why not see if there's an interesting corkscrew that could become your own 'signature' at this well-photographed landmark.<br />
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We are always grateful to those of you that leave something in the donation box following your visit.<br />
Not only do we accept it as your way of saying "Thanks!" - it makes a very real contribution to Park development.<br />
As the track network has expanded, so, too, have maintenance requirements and the tools necessary to carry it out, so every dollar is well invested.<br />
<br />
Occasionally, appreciative Park users want to contribute more significantly to our work. Several people have made substantial donations directly to us and these we acknowledge with a letter, tax invoice and, new this year, a 'Thank You" poster. We also mention them under our <b>Supporters</b> link in the menu bar.<br />
Amounts over the years have varied from $50 to $1000 but all are received with the same awareness that you get a lot of enjoyment from the Park and we get a lot of pleasure from knowing that. Alongside our many track sponsors, you're helping to create a Park of which we can all be proud.<br />
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And finally, despite all those kgs you've put on over xmas, remember you can always shed weight by buying carbon components...<br />
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Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-76666213707712312662013-11-25T18:41:00.001-08:002013-11-25T18:44:11.148-08:00Spring UpdateWhen you rely on a rainy day in Tasman to write a Park blog, sometimes it can be a long time between posts!<br />
Of course, if you abscond to Turkey for five weeks of biking (where it didn't rain, either), then the gap gets even longer. But you can argue singletrack research is an important part of developing an MTB Park and, well... someone's gotta do it.<br />
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You won't find much funner riding than amongst the rock formations around Goreme in Central Turkey's Cappadocia region.<br />
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Whether it's threading your way between 'fairy chimneys', following ancient waterways through the arches & tunnels of mini-canyons or sweeping along trails that have been trod for centuries, you are continually confronted by the uniqueness of this incredible environment.<br />
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Just how to replicate it at Kaiteriteri is the challenge!<br />
<br />
When building new trail, we're always on the lookout for anything that can be used a bit more imaginatively - something that you look forward to encountering along the way.<br />
<br />
That 'feature' that gives you warm fuzzies every time you ride or pass it.<br />
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Sometimes the surveyed trail naturally offers it up, sometimes you need to get a bit creative.<br />
Those constructing our two current track projects are always on the lookout for such opportunities. While our Park volunteers are hand-benching a connection between <i>Skullduggery </i>and <i>Easy Rider</i>, further up the hill, Mouse the digger is forging a new route that descends from <i>Corkscrew</i>.<br />
Sometimes these 'features' take a little bit more work to bring to life but, taking the Turkey time-span, the rewards can be enjoyed for generations!<br />
<br />
One project that has been recently completed is the conversion of the Grade 3 <i>Easy Rider</i> to the Grade 2 cycle trail. <i>ER </i>is soon to be inaugurated as part of the Tasman Great Taste Trail, scheduled for opening in time for Summer. The winter storms and general wetness meant we had to suspend work on the upgrade several times but, in the end, probably for the overall benefit of the track.<br />
Hopefully, we've seen the last of the slips for 2013 and the installed drainage will better cope with future weather bombs. They seem to be increasingly a sign of the times, however, and Park users will have to become used to occasional track closures.<br />
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Those working on the <i>ER</i> upgrade were frustrated by the small minority of people, both on foot and on bikes, who repeatedly ignored the closure tape & notices at both entrances. Often the digger was sending debris onto lower track traverses, posing a very real safety risk. Less dangerous, but equally frustrating, were those that rode over freshly-groomed trail leaving pronounced tyre ruts that then had to be re-groomed.<br />
Their thoughtlessness put themselves at risk and/or added delays to the project.<br />
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This has become a mounting area of concern for those of us managing the Park and, after much thought, we've recently decided to take more serious measures to encourage compliance.<br />
'Tape breachers' found on closed tracks will be given an official warning, with a second breach leading to a Park Trespass notice.<br />
A trail camera has also been purchased to ensure out-of-hours trespassers will not go unnoticed.<br />
A track may be closed for a number of different reasons. A tree may be down or a slip may have taken out part of an existing track, making it unpassable, or it might be for general maintenance.<br />
A track under construction may include unsecured hazards and also involve issues of security. Whatever the reason, we want everyone to understand that Closed means CLOSED.<br />
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With this mind, please note that <i style="font-weight: bold;">Revelation</i><b> and </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Lower Velocity</i> will be closed from <b>December 4-7</b> while tree-felling operations are carried out. It would be a mistake to assume that, if you cannot hear a chainsaw, it is safe to enter these tracks until work is completed!<br />
Notices will be posted at entrances and on Facebook but your help in spreading the word would be appreciated :)<br />
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On a more positive note, our <b>Ladies Bike Night</b> rides have started!<br />
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Run by committee members Andrea Livingston and Emma Bawtree, they provide a fun and cruisey way to share a bit of Friday eve biking with other, er.. ladies.<br />
"Nothing pretentious, nothing difficult, nothing to stop you!" is their catchcry.<br />
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With a couple already under their belts, interest is growing - and not just because of the opportunity to share some nibbles afterwards at the Beached Whale.<br />
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If this sounds like you, meet at the Pump Track @ 6pm "ready to roll" (cancellations via FB).<br />
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Our sponsors play a big part in funding Park development, alongside showing their support for all involved.<br />
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In turn, we like to show our appreciation of them. We asked Gold Sponsor Andy Lowe of <i>Image Creators </i>to make us up a signboard showcasing our many sponsors and this is now installed.<br />
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We're just in the process of reviewing many of our two-year track sponsorships and are delighted that so many of our sponsors wish to renew.<br />
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We even have two more sponsors waiting for new tracks to be completed!<br />
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This level of support from local businesses is hugely encouraging for those of us who donate so much time to the Park.<br />
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We get a buzz from it and we hope each of our sponsors gets an equal one when riding 'their' track.<br />
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Keep an eye on our Facebook page for an upcoming chance to win a prize related to our Sponsors Board ;)<br />
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The latest update from Rod Markham on the predator-trapping front informs that a trapping ring involving <i>Big Airs, Skullduggery, Bay View, Remedy, Shady Lady and Revelation</i> has been agreed for the first stage.<br />
This requires 42 traps @ approx. $50 ea. Donations from several individuals have already enabled the purchase of 10 traps and <b>ITM Motueka</b> are donating the timber to house them.<br />
Anyone in a position to help with the construction of these simple boxes can contact Rod at: rod.m@clear.net.nz. The sooner we have 'em, the sooner they get installed and start reducing predator numbers in the Park :)<br />
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Our annual <b>More FM Family Adventure Ride</b> was, again, a popular Nelson CycleFest event. On a perfect day, over 100 children and their parents biked their way round our Easy circuit, stopping to shoot 'predators' with a paintball gun, extract a marble from a chilly, muddy, bathtub and sprint up <i>Ziggy </i>to collect a reward-token. And then there was the Pump Track Shoot Out - has the pump track ever had so many riders on it..?<br />
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Oliver Weber was there with his camera (and children) and put a great selection of photos up on our facebook page...<br />
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The race began with several rotations on the spot before a sprint up the driveway to the awaiting bikes.<br />
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The Pump Track Shoot Out was managed by Coppins Cycles and every kid wanted a go (and probably a few dads).<br />
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The competition was pretty intense with plenty of spectators expressing their admiration and offering critiques of individuals' 'pumping' skills...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPwXAdA91q5MhyDc4Mv6soUgB7sLvqOMUPscYe1PV-ydhHZ3JTGgdwntUIZ295dqyBpe2uBItEOLozWQzvSnuSMzv98xzzqbvxhbIVAvIVFxrW8TBTj6sAyuxp6Jdg8eXC2jjCHpS3CrT/s1600/Gi0yqEMQ6_1wKfim8x1Jl7G-EK-v1u3G2XNk3Tng9_I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPwXAdA91q5MhyDc4Mv6soUgB7sLvqOMUPscYe1PV-ydhHZ3JTGgdwntUIZ295dqyBpe2uBItEOLozWQzvSnuSMzv98xzzqbvxhbIVAvIVFxrW8TBTj6sAyuxp6Jdg8eXC2jjCHpS3CrT/s1600/Gi0yqEMQ6_1wKfim8x1Jl7G-EK-v1u3G2XNk3Tng9_I.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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We'll probably start the Fun Day with this, next year, so that it serves as a warm-up and ensures that no early-leavers miss out on the prize-giving afterwards.<br />
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And, hopefully, we'll have had a chance to sharpen some of the berms by then, making it even faster!<br />
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Of course, it wasn't all about the bike...</div>
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Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-8690783528224623092013-08-11T20:21:00.000-07:002013-08-11T20:21:10.360-07:00What a good idea!Sometime back we received an email from a regular Park user wondering if there was more we could do to encourage birdlife.<br />
We posted it on our facebook page and it seemed many of our Park friends approved.<br />
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Now, our committee already works pretty hard in managing the Park so we did the obvious thing - we asked this individual if he would like to come on board and follow through on his suggestion!<br />
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We're happy to say that <b>Rod Markham</b> agreed to being co-opted and, with fellow committee member and DOC Biodiversity Ranger, <b>Ross Maley</b>, set about contacting local groups already active in promoting birdlife in the region.<br />
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As Rod recently reported, "The initial phase involved contacting DOC, Tasman District Council, some Park neighbours and other groups running trapping programmes. The project has support from the key organisations, particularly DOC and the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board, and there has been encouragement from all other groups."<br />
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They are currently investigating how best to establish a baseline count of bird species and numbers, determining which tracks to use for a 'trapping ring', what type of predator trap to use and how to fund their purchase.<br />
From Rod's report, "This initial circuit is just over 4km requiring 42 stoat/rat traps at the normal 100m spacing. Around $5000 will be required to set this up. Once this ring is in place we can add some traverse lines and rat traps, then, further down the track (sic), extend the trapping further out into the Park."<br />
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We see a real opportunity for Park neighbours and supporters to be involved in this project, either by funding traps or, once established, helping to monitor trap lines. We have already received some donations towards traps and welcome more!<br />
If you would like to contribute you can either write a cheque to Kaiteriteri MTB Park, enclosing a note referencing <b>Park Birdlife</b>, and post to <b>136 Thorp St. Motueka 7120</b>.<br />
Alternatively, you can direct debit to the Park account <b>031354-0291348-00</b>, referencing the same.<br />
If you would like to specifically sponsor a predator trap @ $100, please reference <b>Predator Trap </b>and include the sponsor name.<br />
Meanwhile, you can follow updates via our facebook page.<br />
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There's been a bit of signage going up around the Park lately: track marker posts, No Exits, etc.<br />
You may notice this one - both a request and a riding tip :)<br />
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We find that skidding usually happens when people approach a corner too fast, then grab their rear brake.<br />
Unfortunately, skidding breaks up the surface soil and, when it happens repeatedly, ruts soon begin to appear. And where there's a rut - water will find it!<br />
Especially on Kaiteriteri's erosive granite soils, deep ruts can develop quickly, making a section of track unrideable.<br />
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If skidding is part of your normal riding style, there are options...<br />
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You can take a skills workshop that teaches you how to brake effectively without skidding;<br />
You can disable the rear brake to gain more confidence in the front (a good technique for beginners);<br />
You can ride elsewhere.<br />
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Those of you who are already skilled riders who can descend steep tracks without your rear wheel locked up will enjoy the revamped <i>Velocity</i>. Most of the major ruts have been removed and we will be monitoring this track over the next 12 months to see how well it holds up. If it passes muster, we'll consider similar remedial work on <i>Flamin' Nora </i> and <i>Rockface</i>.<br />
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Another track that is getting a makeover is <i>Easy Rider</i>. We took the digger through here earlier this year but had to suspend work once it became too wet.<br />
We've just recommenced work and are in the process of going over the whole of <i>ER</i> once again, fine-tuning the drainage and removing the slips that have occurred in the meantime.<br />
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It's important that those sections we've just groomed get a chance to settle before people ride them. You'll know which ones they are because they'll have tape across them and, usually, a notice explaining why.<br />
Riding them before they are ready creates ruts which means the whole grooming process must be repeated (you also might meet us working on the track and you really, really, don't want to do that!).<br />
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You may feel we're being a bit precious for a mtb track but the Grade 2 standard for <i>Easy Rider</i>, as part of the regional cycleway, is that the surface must be <i>smooth</i> for funding to be released. So, as always, <b>thanks for your cooperation</b> and help spread the word :-)<br />
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Finally, I took my bike to Utah last month. Shouldn't have left it out in the sun...<br />
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Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-26560438887535372782013-06-26T18:59:00.004-07:002013-06-26T18:59:47.655-07:00Mid-Winter BreakoutSteady rain the day before didn't deter over 200 teams (including Solos) from lining up with their bikes for the 6Hr Mid-Winter Breakout event at the MTB Park on June 23rd.<br />
A crispy blue sky start to the day saw smoke from braziers mingle with steam from bikers hover over Tent City. As the day warmed up, the braziers became less relevant but there was no drop in effort from those out on the circuit.<br />
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As the tracks began to cut up, especially on the uphills, tyres lost traction, bikes collected mud and there were some greasy descents. But perhaps 2365 laps is a lot to expect of any track in the middle of winter!</div>
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Over the past few years, teams have embraced the fancy dress element of the event and, this year, costumery was an especially predominant feature. Deservedly taking out the overall prize for 'best-dressed' was Brian Grant, appropriately - as a Canadian - posing as the guitar-playing astronaut of recent fame. Brian's passage through Tent City playing 'Space Oddity' was pure gold.</div>
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Also among the prize-winners were the Honey Helmets: Deborah Morris, Zoe Morris-Trainor and Faye McKenzie - they even had a 2yr old baby bee as a mascot!</div>
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For more photos of the array of wacky outfits on display on the day, go to our facebook page and enjoy...</div>
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Those of you who know our 'Corkscrew Tree' at the top of <i>Corkscrew</i> will appreciate how gutted we were when Mr Screw went awol.</div>
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An appeal on facebook saw him return from his 'holiday', 'though we still await Ms Cork's return. </div>
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Meanwhile, Park fans Phil Hartwick & Tracey Harwood have scoured some drawers and found a couple of beauties to keep him company...</div>
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There are spare holes for anyone else who wants to adorn our Corkscrew Tree. We would like to see it festooned and become a great backdrop - along with the stunning views over Kaiteriteri and Tasman Bay - for your celebratory photo at achieving the top!</div>
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In other update news, we have made a great start on our singletrack, hand-build, project. This will carry on from <i>Skullduggery</i> with similar character. If you'd like to join in on one of our happy trail-building sessions, check out the website calendar or our facebook page.</div>
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The upgrade of <i>Easy Rider</i> has been temporarily suspended while we wait for things to dry out a bit. The exit down to the road has a big slip that awaits <i>Mouse</i>, our digger, to clear so treat the track from <i>Swish</i> down as closed. We're scheduled to recommence work on the cycle trail upgrade in August.</div>
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Meanwhile, don't let a little mud stop you from enjoying yourselves out on the trails - it didn't stop 547 fun-lovin' mountain bikers on Sunday!</div>
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Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-25676554937883301212013-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:002013-05-20T14:19:01.871-07:006 Hr Mid-Winter Breakout!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep, it's that time of year again! Time to gather your team, get creative about your riding kit, dig out the gazebo, organise who's bringing the brazier - oh, and get your bike humming!<br />
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Once again brought to you by the Nelson Mountain Bike Club and the Park team, this event promises to be one of the highlights of your year. Many of the first-timers who came last year were blown away by how much fun they could have on a mountain bike in the depths of winter. We're expecting them to be 'breaking out' again, this time!<br />
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This year's course at the MTB Park will be a bit easier and shorter than before so there's really no excuse not to join in. Plus, there are lots of different categories available to cater for (almost) every taste.<br />
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Responding to some of the excellent feedback from 2012, the organising committee have come up with a couple of changes for this year...<br />
First, we're offering a "Lucky Dip" option. This is for those who want to join in the fun but are short of a team. Check the box on the entry form and we'll match you up with some riding buddies - what better way to make new friends!<br />
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We'll also be revamping the Tent City layout to create a central "village hub". This is where you'll find the food stalls, coffee cart, beer & ginger beer counter, big screen video of track action and other cool stuff. This will be the place to hang-out if your tent or gazebo isn't feeling cosy enough.<br />
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Check out the video on our <b>park TV</b> in the sidebar for an idea of how a couple of teams entered into the spirit of the event last year. And I can vouch that the featured, pinked-out Ditsy Chicks are already working on their bumblebee outfits for the coming one :)<br />
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We had 460 riders in 2012 and we're expecting even bigger numbers this time round so don't leave getting your entry in too late just in case we find we're maxed out. All entries are on-line at the above link.<br />
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For those that want to come for the weekend and try out the rest of the Park's track network, the <b>Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp</b> is offering a <b>20% discount on accommodation!</b> You can go straight to their website using the hyperlink on the sidebar to make your booking.<br />
That will also give you the opportunity to join some of us on our Saturday Night Ride, followed by beer & pizza in <i>The Beached Whale</i> afterwards :)<br />
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Keep an eye on our facebook page for updates and other cool things planned for around the event.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is going to be FUN!</span></div>
Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-46278004250678390272013-04-29T15:17:00.002-07:002013-04-29T15:17:56.432-07:00Mapboard, slips... and coffee.Next time you're out at the Park, check out our new mapboard. Along with an up-to-date map of the track network, you'll find lots of useful information like Recommended Circuits and how to get involved in our volunteer working bees.<br />
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This is also where we put notices about temporary track closures, Lost & Found items and upcoming events so it's always a good idea to swing by the board when starting a ride.</div>
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It was designed for us by Andy Lowe of Image Creators, one of our Gold Sponsors.</div>
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Talking about track closures, A big THANK YOU to everyone for respecting the notices and not venturing on to those sections of <i>Easy Rider</i> currently taped off. Riding <i>ER</i> before it has been groomed & compacted really does delay its re-opening so we appreciate your cooperation.</div>
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The recent heavy rains caused one significant slip on the lower end of <i>ER. </i>While still passable, with one dismount, extra care needs to be taken where the width of the track has been narrowed. Mouse, our digger, is progressing top-to-bottom with the Cycle Trail upgrade so will repair this damage when he gets there (which will close this section of track).</div>
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On the whole, however, the Park escaped pretty lightly- again :P</div>
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This was partly due to the variables that determine where a rain bomb is going to land and, partly, to track design that prioritises the ability to shed water.</div>
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There were some minor slips (mainly on <i>Swamp Monster) </i>and a few culvert washouts - none of which seriously disrupted the circuit. If anything, they served to show us how design in some instances could be improved so that, when our 'bomb' does arrive, hopefully the tracks will be better able to cope.</div>
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Clearing heavily water-logged clay from a track is hard work. Luckily for me, 'Grib' Buchanan was in town. </div>
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Before moving back to Dunedin, Grib was a valuable asset to the Park. </div>
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In his spare time, he would often pack his small shovel into his biking backpack and nip out to the tracks to carry out minor maintenance.</div>
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Grib understood the importance of dealing with things early - before they became a bigger problem - and the tracks all flowed the better for it.</div>
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Most people would never notice the difference, perhaps just commenting on how well the tracks were riding, and that, in itself, was his reward.</div>
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So, while recently revisiting the region on holiday, it was typical of our former committee member to offer a hand in clearing the slips. A long day later, I headed off for a well-earned Friday night beer. Grib headed off for a ride...</div>
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Over on our Facebook page, Jackson Carver recently posted a short video of himself and a friend riding <i>Corkscrew</i>. It was shot & edited by Indigo Muir, who is obviously an emerging talent. We've uploaded it to our <b>park TV</b> (on the sidebar) so you can all enjoy it.</div>
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<i>Working Bees</i></div>
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Having agreed at the start of the year that we would reduce our working bees from weekly to monthly, we've now decided to up them to fortnightly! </div>
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Seems there's nothing like a new track project to get our volunteers all keen. We've had good turn-outs to our last two w/bees and made a good start on hand-benching our new, Intermediate-grade, singletrack. It's going to carry on from <i>Skullduggery</i> and be similar in character, something we know many of you enjoy.</div>
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While the dotted line on the map above is only representational, it will connect onto <i>Easy Rider</i> and create a great loop of the Park.</div>
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If you haven't managed to make it along to a working bee yet, you really should. Not just for the fact that the Park relies on us all for it's development but because you'd discover how enjoyable they are! By definition, volunteers are good people so, right off, you're going to make new friends. </div>
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Then there's the satisfaction of helping to create a bit of new trail and you'll always feel a buzz at that spot whenever you later ride it. We always stop mid-morning for a cake'n'coffee break (thanks to New World and The Beached Whale) - at least when the w/bee supervisors are on the ball! - and there's usually someone who's up for a ride afterwards. Check out the calendar for the next one...</div>
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<i>Mid-Winter 6 Hour Breakout</i></div>
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Now less than two months away, it's time to start thinking about who's going to be in your team and, for the creative, what you're going to wear :-) </div>
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<b>June 23</b> is the date to load onto your calendar. Once again, the Tent Village will be at Bethany Park but the circuit will be different: a little easier, a bit shorter and even more fun! We'll post more detail nearer the time...</div>
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Finally (there's always a finally), it's fantastic to see so many riders out on the tracks, esp. with the school holidays upon us. From nippers being helped over the rollers on the Pump Track to teens exploring the expert lines off the ridge, it's obvious the Park is attracting new fans all the time.</div>
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And for regulars or newcomers alike, don't forget to finish your ride at the <i>Shoreline Cafe & Restaurant</i> on the beachfront and ask for the <b>Mountain Biker Special</b> of a $5 coffee'n'cake - to be enjoyed while you gaze out over the Autumn-calm bay and reflect on how good life is :-)</div>
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Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-39083081330096027022013-03-11T16:30:00.000-07:002013-03-11T16:30:30.277-07:00Easy Rider gets easier<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuart Hughes, GTT Project Manager trials the new bridge.</td></tr>
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As the Tasman Great Taste Trail winds it's way closer and closer to Kaiteriteri, locals are beginning to notice a few changes in the area.<br />
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First to appear was the new bridge over the Riwaka River. This now enables cyclists coming from Motueka or Riwaka to turn right onto Goodall Rd before crossing the bridge and popping out onto Pah Rd, opposite Pah Point.<br />
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The proposed route for the cycleway from there is to follow the coastline of Tapu Bay.<br />
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Once current roadworks around Turners Bluff are complete, it will cross the Riwaka-Kaiteriteri Rd near the entrance to the Mountain Bike Park.<br />
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This is going to be a stunning section of the Trail and hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.<br />
The history of Maori occupation and early European settlement in Tapu Bay will be brought to life - and all thanks to the bicycle!<br />
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The challenge for those of us engaged with the Park is now to extend the Grade 2 cycleway standards onto <i>Easy Rider</i>.<br />
<i>ER</i> was designed as a Grade 3 mountain bike track. It's purpose is to provide an earlier entry point into the Park's trail network for those that cycle out, bypassing much of the steep and winding road that carries on to Kaiteriteri.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carl Walls of Motueka Excavations makes a start...</td></tr>
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But getting Grade 3 down to Grade 2 is no easy matter!<br />
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We revamped the entry switchbacks behind the pump track before xmas (see Dec 19 post) before knocking off for the Summer.<br />
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Last month we swung into action again, this time at the other end of <i>ER</i>.<br />
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Our original entry/exit point here was always meant as a temporary fix, pending proposed road-widening plans.<br />
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As these works have stalled, we got the go-ahead to make our new entrance. Numerous truck-loads of excavated soil (and countless wasp nests) later, we had something resembling a track.<br />
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In fact, at present, it more resembles a road - but, once trackside vegetation springs back, it will quickly become a green corridor that provides an inviting entry to the MTB Park.<br />
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The outlook over Tapu Bay will remain the same, though.<br />
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And, as with most of our best viewpoints, you can expect to see a seat to appear at some stage to encourage you to stop and soak it all up.<br />
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We're expecting that those Great Taste Trail riders who venture onto <i>Easy Rider</i> for their first real 'mtb' experience will like what they find :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grade 2 comes to Kaiteriteri</td></tr>
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The excavated soil was just what we needed back at the main Park entrance...<br />
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Filling in a deep gully, we were able to ease the gradient of the track that enters from Martin Farm Rd and climbs up to our entrance hub.<br />
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This had a steep final pitch that often saw beginners & little 'uns pushing their bikes - not a good start for their mountain biking experience!<br />
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The big, wide, swooping corners we've just created now ensure you arrive at the mapboard with smiles instead of sweat.<br />
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Meanwhile, we've moved back onto the track proper - with Mighty Mouse, our hard-working little digger.<br />
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Much of <i>Easy Rider</i> will be closed while we carry out the upgrade work so some patience will be required. Wherever you see tape closing an entrance, it indicates either that Mouse is at work somewhere along that section or that grooming is in progress. As soon as we feel the track can accommodate bike traffic without causing tyre ruts, we'll remove the tape. A little rain will help :P<br />
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Our monthly working bees are cranking back into life. Check out the calendar for details of the next one. Expect to see the short bypass at the top of <i>Big Airs</i> open, next time you're up there. The option of toughing out the granny-ring grind up to the <i>Skullduggery </i>hub is still open to you but we'll see how many take it now there's an easier alternative...<br />
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Haven't joined us on Facebook yet..? What's keepin' ya!Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-48689981842600984342013-02-06T20:23:00.000-08:002013-02-06T20:23:24.079-08:00Corkscrew Sunday!After a couple of trial runs, we're now ready to launch our series of monthly Sunday races up and down <i>Corkscrew</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyaoL9VHIsjfsGQMnji6Bb2E8AjEOxW9YcdbPFKtbpKfAUefzftmVX6lOPEdRVC5tGBgVXppSuj7JvmULU2tGyMkJeeaNJuNPHSxV09dzcUNjfIIeXDlNERKjbRwAJgq-BHYJGhXLUsGW/s1600/Corkscrew+Sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyaoL9VHIsjfsGQMnji6Bb2E8AjEOxW9YcdbPFKtbpKfAUefzftmVX6lOPEdRVC5tGBgVXppSuj7JvmULU2tGyMkJeeaNJuNPHSxV09dzcUNjfIIeXDlNERKjbRwAJgq-BHYJGhXLUsGW/s1600/Corkscrew+Sunday.jpg" /></a>The emphasis in these timed runs up to the skid, where we regroup before timed descents for a combined total, is on improving upon previous PBs.<br />
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There will be prizes up for grabs for the male & female who log the biggest improvements over the series.<br />
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We'll also have leaderboards for M&F fastest up, fastest down and fastest combined. We may even scratch something together for the end-of-series leaders but kudos will be your biggest reward!<br />
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In order to prevent the leaderboards being burgled by some passing pro, we're introducing entry criteria.<br />
The first is:<br />
<i>You have to attend the Sunday morning working bee, prior the midday event, for at least one hour to qualify for entry;</i><br />
And secondly:<br />
<i>You have to attend two Corkscrew Sundays to have your best time recorded. </i><br />
Those who attended the first two events are counted as having attended one w/bee (how generous is that!).<br />
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Those of you who suspect that this is just a cunning plan to encourage you to come to a working bee aren't wrong. Our agenda is two-fold...<br />
A. We want you to discover the sense of camaraderie and achievement that comes from track-building.<br />
B. We want to build more track and need help to do it!<br />
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As well as linking <i>Corkscrew Sunday</i> to a w/bee, we're also introducing a major change to our w/bee schedule. This year our working bees will be <b>monthly</b>. We want these to become events in themselves, complete with refreshments (donated by Motueka New World), and finished with a fun ride.<br />
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Not only will these free you up your intervening weekends, it means the enthusiasts among us will be freed up to occasionally help our track-building friends elsewhere in the region - after all, we like riding their tracks, as well!<br />
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Meanwhile, there will be nothing stopping our local volunteers from working away on our track project at other times, whether evenings or weekends, so there will be plenty of opportunity to get your fix ;-)<br />
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<b>Our first combined working bee and <i>Corkscrew Sunday</i> is</b> <b>on February 17</b>.<br />
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It will run 8.30am - 11.30am, leaving time for a quick bite or warm-up before the time trial at noon.<br />
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Emails, facebook and the website calendar will help make sure you don't miss it. Details of where to meet, what the project is and what to bring will be posted.<br />
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We have one small and one major project in store for this year, both guaranteed to be popular additions to the network. The surveying is underway so you'll hear more about them soon...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDLRyDoPblHb7s08tcOepz4tuh4JHrBDetrUeE0CvAp1asX_3GNjtSnm9SpHfmnHx7nmYHy-Wld4It4nFISB4o0sJVd-vaLGUj7rl_GGfAVEOl7teYi-uwy3ySCbEdKJWGNHPBu4jczO6/s1600/P1020568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDLRyDoPblHb7s08tcOepz4tuh4JHrBDetrUeE0CvAp1asX_3GNjtSnm9SpHfmnHx7nmYHy-Wld4It4nFISB4o0sJVd-vaLGUj7rl_GGfAVEOl7teYi-uwy3ySCbEdKJWGNHPBu4jczO6/s320/P1020568.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I recently trawled our archives for an early w/bee pic.<br />
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This one dates from 4 years ago and the encouraging thing about it is the number of faces present who are still logging Sunday morning appearances!<br />
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They shared the vision then - and are still helping make it happen now...<br />
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Of course, there are lots of other ways that people support the project. Another long-standing contributor is David Konecny.<br />
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David manages our website, giving it the occasional fresh-up and is always happy to tweak it to perform the way we want.<br />
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Like many dads, he also likes to take his son Vincent for a spin in the Park.<br />
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The pump track, <i>Easy Rider </i>and <i>Cruise Control</i> are always favourites with those just getting the hang of their first mountain bike. My experience is - they learn fast and the window for passing on skills is brief!Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-64502289758454652332013-01-16T13:51:00.000-08:002013-01-16T14:05:50.174-08:00The Corkscrew TreeAs expected, the Park's been pretty busy over the past month.<br />
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You don't often notice it on the tracks but stand in one place for any length of time and you'll be passed by a constant stream of riders.<br />
Sometimes this means that an otherwise quick bit of maintenance can take 2-3 times as long, as grateful bikers stop to express their appreciation and share news of developments in their own regions. Whether it's summer holiday returnees reveling in the new tracks or newcomers exploring the network for the first time, I always get a buzz out of seeing the smiles on their faces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQolRmMmFIlm4VnmtXNa_288Nn1Mr2usc_qnqe4ZJIOhTLGO2KtwdU3L8XYQMy7jZMGmA_Te9U_MmB0MDJyt4f-zDHOF3GHGfvweee-8qnWi-7l9kLIKXtWLE4Itz3H-g9cSPN0oT04wWN/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQolRmMmFIlm4VnmtXNa_288Nn1Mr2usc_qnqe4ZJIOhTLGO2KtwdU3L8XYQMy7jZMGmA_Te9U_MmB0MDJyt4f-zDHOF3GHGfvweee-8qnWi-7l9kLIKXtWLE4Itz3H-g9cSPN0oT04wWN/s400/IMG_2547.jpg" width="400" /></a>Jane Pikethley (pink) from Gisborne and Tracy Harwood (blue) from Wellington were certainly enjoying themselves!<br />
Staying at Tracy's family bach at Little Kaiteriteri meant they could be on the tracks within a couple of minutes of pedaling.<br />
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Tracy's husband, Phil Hartwick, also introduced his grown-up daughters to mountain biking during their visit, creating some more fans of the Park's 'family-friendly' tracks.<br />
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No doubt, they'll soon be joining the throngs of 'returnees'...<br />
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One of the tasks I've had on my To Do list for a while is to plant a 'Corkscrew Tree' on the <i>Corkscrew</i> skidsite.<br />
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Earlier attempts to get one going on a nearby post were frustrated by the corkscrews going missing within a matter of days. A strange choice for a souvenir, you'd think, especially in these days of screwtops, but there's no accounting for taste.<br />
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I decided I wouldn't be deterred... yet.<br />
While planting my post, a relieved Mal McGrath from Christchurch topped out at the skid.<br />
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He was happy to give me an idea of how its positioning would work while giving me an update on the riding in his home town.<br />
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No sooner had Mal left than James Smith, also of ChCh, arrived, grateful to have made his first ascent!<br />
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It was a fairly humid day, and that last pitch had been tough, but James recovered quickly enough to ceremonially insert the inaugural corkscrew into the Tree.<br />
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I managed to get another 3-4 in before my mobile went. A rider had broken her wrist on <i>Skullduggery</i> and an ambulance was required.<br />
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Fortunately, as well as having a phone (and paracetamol!), she had a map. She assured me she could walk okay so I was able to direct her to a track hub where I could meet her and take her to the ambulance rendezvous point.<br />
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She also had a spare inner tube and remembered an earlier Park blog where we showed how a tube could be fashioned into a makeshift sling. This proved an ideal way to support her arm on the long walk out. So, all in all, pretty well prepared for that moment when her bike turned into a bucking steed.<br />
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I was able to get back to the Tree a couple of days later and complete the job. The two on top were donated by Park regulars so I hope they, at least, last the distance.<br />
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Maybe they'll even inspire you to scour your cutlery drawers for that now-obsolete corkscrew. I've left a few holes empty just in case...<br />
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While on <i>Corkscrew...</i> last month we trialled our first<b> Corkscrew Sunday </b>event.<br />
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Ten riders turned up for the timed ascents and descents of the track for a combined total. The idea is to log times over the course of a monthly series and chart performance improvement (or not).<br />
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It was a popular format, especially as it gave a rare opportunity to bomb down the track without fear of meeting someone coming up.<br />
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We'll be holding the January one soon so check in on our Facebook page for notification.<br />
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Before I packed up for the day - to take my wife back to the hospital for a CT scan on that wrist, Scott Cameron turned up.<br />
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Scott is a Kaiteriteri local who probably walks the tracks more than he bikes. He asked if I'd mind if he invested in a slasher to trim the trackside overgrowth of bracken and fern fronds during his walks.<br />
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Mind....?!!<br />
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We bikers love it when the Park's many walkers take it upon themselves to keep the tracks debris-free and those pesky fronds from face-slapping us as we whizz along.<br />
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It's a great way for them to show their thanks to the volunteers who have given so much of their time in creating the network.<br />
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It's a sort of "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" trade.<br />
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Just don't use one of those corkscrews to do it ;-)<br />
<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-39473837086679691882012-12-22T11:58:00.000-08:002012-12-22T14:55:17.376-08:002013 Park map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here it is, our latest trail map :-)<br />
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We had to delay getting it to the printer so we could include a couple of late additions but we ended up making the deadline by at least a couple of hours.<br />
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<i>Cruise Control</i> is already proving popular with beginners and experienced riders alike. Somehow it now takes an extra effort of will to take the S<i>idewinder/Swamp Monster</i> option but its calorific value probably equates to a slice of xmas cake.<br />
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<i>Corkscrew</i> takes the title of People's Favourite - mainly, I think, because you get two tracks for the price of one. I was told recently by a local we shouldn't bother with building our planned downhill line because he'll still choose to come down <i>Corkscrew. </i>We've included it in our 2013 build programme, anyway...<br />
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Our three ridgeline descents are still as challenging as ever but they each have their fans. Due to the stupidly steep gradients of the upper sections, these tracks are technically 'unsustainable' but, somehow, four years later, they're still there. Make a clean run of all three and you're eligible for one of our Special Edition '<b>Expert'</b> Park t-shirts.<br />
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On hot days, when you need to seek shelter from the beach, it's always a relief to enter the forest. The damp gullies of <i>Shady Lady, Glade Runner</i> and<i> Skullduggery</i> offer cool havens and, if you care to stop, you may find you have some of the native birdlife for company.<br />
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If it's views you're after, the one from <i>Corkscrew's</i> skidsite is probably the most photographed, but take a cruise along the ridge to <i>Flamin' Nora </i>if you want the full monty. A personal favourite lies on <i>Bay View</i> between the water tank and <i>Swish - </i>easily missed so you need to be looking if you want that bay view.<br />
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<i>Scoot</i> is ably fulfilling its role as a handy bypass so we've been able to extend the One-Way section of <i>Bay View</i> all of the way down to <i>Swish</i>. Now you can hit those swooping <i>BV</i> corners knowing you have the track to yourself ;-)<br />
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An extension of the hand-built <i>Skullduggery</i> into the southern perimeter of the Park will be the focus of 2013's working bees. "The volunteers want a project!", we've been told and we're delivering. It's a densely-vegetated part of the Park so if any of you vols want to help with surveying (read: bush-bashing), we'll be keen to hear from you...<br />
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This Summer, to help newcomers orientate themselves to the network, we've added a few arrows to our marker posts.<br />
The green will steer you along our recommended <i>Easy</i> route, the blue for a more challenging <i>Moderate</i> circuit.<br />
You'll even find a blue on green combo for a mix of both grades - how's that for ensuring you have a stress-free holiday!<br />
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Our tear-off padmaps are in the process of being distributed around the region. The Beach Camp Office is already well-stocked, as are several Motueka outlets. A gold coin donation is always appreciated but, if you think that's too much to ask, you can print one off from the <b>Map</b> link on the menu bar.<br />
Having made the effort to get to us, we want to make sure you get the most out of what's on offer.<br />
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And finally, with the increased numbers in the Park over the holidays, it's great to hear those bells jingling! Much as I look forward to meeting new people on the tracks, I'd rather it's not on a blind corner :P<br />
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Have a great holiday.<br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-77699651827775541822012-12-19T02:29:00.000-08:002012-12-19T02:29:11.073-08:00Easy Rider Upgrade - A Start...Those of you who have been following the progress of the Tasman Great Taste Trail (GTT), the region's family-friendly cycleway, will be aware that its heading for Kaiteriteri.<br />
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The Mountain Bike Park's contribution to this venture was to allow one of our most popular tracks, <i>Easy Rider, </i>to become part of the cycleway route. This meant that GTT cyclists will be able to avoid the steep, narrow, winding road between Tapu Bay and Kaiteriteri.<br />
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As gentle as <i>Easy Rider</i> is, however, it is still outside of the Grade 2 parameters that apply to the GTT.<br />
This means that we need to go over the entire length of the track widening, smoothing and, to some extent, leveling it to meet the requisite standard.<br />
And, as the 'new' <i>Easy Rider</i> will extend right through to the Park entrance off Martin Farm Rd, it means <i>Salivater</i> will be subsumed into the cycleway route.<br />
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Digger operator Karl Thompson and I recently made a start on the project,. We decided to tackle the biggest challenge first - upgrading <i>Salivater</i>.<br />
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There is a sense of irony about the complete remodeling <i>Salivater</i> has undergone. Jonathan Kennett surveyed this track, our first, back in September 2008, using a clinometer and piece of string to good effect. In September 2012, I walked the same track with Jonathan, taking mental notes as he pointed out where gradients were too steep and switchbacks too tight for Grade 2 trail. If only we'd known at the time :P<br />
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So we say goodbye to <i>Salivater </i>(left) and welcome the first stage in the upgrade project (right).<br />
And, yes, they are the same section of track...<br />
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But the above is minor compared to the eight(!) new switchbacks that have been sculptured by Karl and Mighty Mouse the digger (somehow its first name stuck).<br />
They finished their artistry on Monday and, in our haste to get the track (re)opened as soon as possible, Matt McCann and I set to with rake and compactor.<br />
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Here, Matt puts the finishing touches on the swooping new intersection that connects with the short section of original track remaining to link you to the rest of the Park's network.<br />
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In fact, Matt - who part-times at Stewarts Cycles in Nelson - pushed and pulled the compactor over the whole length of track in some of the hottest days we've had so far - so buy him an ice-cream if you see him on the beach this summer.<br />
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The berms are still a bit soft so go easy until they've had a chance to settle...<br />
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Then it was down to the bottom to take down the tape and open the track for business!<br />
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Arriving on the scene were Marushka and Pete Lucas, over from Golden Bay.<br />
They were the perfect couple to 'test ride' the entry switches and gracious enough to let me snap a pic in the process.<br />
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I've no idea whether or not they intend to ride the rest of the Great Taste Trail but they can certainly lay claim to be the first to ride part of it from Kaiteriteri :-)<br />
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We're taking a break over the busy Summer period but are looking forward to carrying on with the rest of <i>Easy Rider's </i>upgrade in the new year. It's scheduled for completion by July 2013 but don't be surprised if we beat that deadline - we've got too many other other projects in mind to let it take that long.<br />
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Coming up... our new Park map!<br />
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<br />Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648073088717928697.post-41002076265291213052012-12-04T20:53:00.000-08:002012-12-21T01:42:06.319-08:00Building a trackWe had the unique experience recently of completing a new track in just two Sunday morning working bees.<br />
To be fair, all it involved was clearing regrowth from an old road that belonged to the time when the Reserve was a forestry block. We've come across a few of these on our track surveying missions - bush-bashing our way through thickets of broadleaf, tree ferns & kanuka to suddenly find ourselves on a wide bench - but never have they suited our purposes as well as our latest discovery.<br />
In fact, it was along the exact route where we had discussed the need for a track!<br />
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We wanted an easier option to link <i>Tank</i> with <i>Swish, </i>bypassing the steep, rutted climb to the water tank that gives <i>Tank</i> its name.<br />
We also wanted to provide a safe way for people to get from <i>Swish</i> to <i>Tank, </i>rather than climbing the steep, blind corner with the ever-present risk of meeting someone bombing down from the water tank at 30-40 kph.<br />
And here it was, just waiting to be rediscovered...<br />
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During these working bees, I reflected on the different roles that individuals adopt in building a track.<br />
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Out front, you've got the pioneers.<br />
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They're keen to see what's coming up, what challenges or surprises they may find, what the lie of the land is.<br />
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They don't mind getting scratched or pricked - even the possibility of wasp nests doesn't hold them back.<br />
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Michael Moss, Steve Fry & Mike Nelson led the charge on this w/bee, hacking and sawing their way through undergrowth and fallen kanuka so that a route emerged for others to follow...<br />
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In their wake came 'the grubbers' - guys like Bill Hollick (and many others out of shot) who hack out the bench with mattocks/grubbers and give the track its riding line.<br />
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Sometimes you can get whole lines of these tireless workers, swinging their grubbers in a kind of graceful harmony.<br />
You might expect that to be accompanied by some mournful, chain-gang, chant but they're too busy chatting and catching-up with each other's news for that.<br />
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Few things make a more satisfying sight for a track-builder than seeing rideable trail emerge before your eyes.<br />
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And no more satisfying feeling than counting off the completed metres at the end of the morning. At least, until you get to ride it..<br />
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Bringing up the rear are 'the finishers' - those happiest with a spade or rake.<br />
We dub them our Ministry of Fun. Their task is to identify potential features in advance and make sure that they are left for them to craft into rollers, steps, jumps or tabletops.<br />
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We generally leave a few tools by the track for the first week or two because these are the ones most likely to return after a few test rides to make sure it's jumping, pumping and flowing as it should.<br />
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Here Jay Nelson, Tom Filmer and Thomas Williams finish some final grooming on a tabletop, watched on by Bill and Quinne Weber.<br />
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So, all integral elements of a good track-building crew, complementing and complimenting each other's efforts in bringing a new track to life :-)<br />
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And, as is so often the case at Kaiteriteri, no sooner have we put the finishing touches on a track than the first rider comes exploring...<br />
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Jill Clendon had read about the w/bee on our facebook page and thought she'd check out our progress.<br />
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Her timing couldn't have been more perfect!<br />
We were all standing round admiring our handiwork when Jill came swooping round the corner, grinning from ear to ear.<br />
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There's nothing volunteers love more than hearing appreciation for our efforts and Jill was generous with hers. Being a good sport, she even agreed to 'test-ride' the tabletop for us.<br />
I'm sure next time you're back, Jill, you'll be getting air off it !<br />
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And what are we calling this short and sweet addition to the Park network..? <br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"SCOOT"</span></i></b><br />
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In other news...<br />
Some of you may have noticed that we've begun the upgrade to <i>Salivater</i> to bring it within grade for the cycleway to Kaiteriteri. This involves a complete remodelling of this track so it will be closed for the duration of the work. Please refrain from riding it while the tape is up.<br />
In the meantime, use <i>Half-Pipe</i> to connect with the main network and be aware of those coming up if you're going down.Kaiteriteri MTB Parkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228352757559154355noreply@blogger.com0