DECEMBER 2011 Newsletter 66
Mountain Bike Trails
The heavy rain in the Coromandel region did not do too much damage to the trails. What it did do was stop workers filling in some of the water grooves in the trails. Despite this the trails are in good shape for the holiday season. If when riding you find a problem either tell the Bike Man in Coghill St or send us a message so we know about it. We do not ride the trails every day!
BMX Track
Again there was some water damage but this has been repaired and more matting added to stop erosion and wear and tear. The drains in the middle of the tracks are now working well so mud is reduced. A good thing for parents but perhaps a negative for the riders. Grass is flourishing and requires constant cutting to keep it short for easy riding for the learners who often leave the track.
Pump Track
Very popular and now that the drains are working is great fun. We hope in late January to add some more hills and also increase some of the berms by reshaping. Keeping the grass short between the hills is a challenge since we must keep it grassed to keep the water off. The basic tracks are grass free.
Subscriptions and Donations
As we have said before, our park is free to use whether it be MTB, BMX, Pump or skill. Also walkers use it a lot and so do runners. We do have costs though, rent, insurance, toilet cleaning, bridge and trail repairs, tool purchases, fuel and so it goes on. We have few members as the young tend to leave the town once schooling is finished so our income is mainly from donations and local sponsorship together with a grant from the TCDC Community Board. With out this help we would not be still going. We have proved our success with the development we now have, a development that has taken 8 years. Without the considerable support of labour from the Corrections Department we would not be where we are. You can also support us if you wish by posting a donation/subscription to our address or banking direct to our account at:-
Whitianga Bike Club at Kiwi Bank, Wellington 389 002 0611973 00 Enter your name so we know who helped us.
Committee
At the Annual General Meeting a few weeks ago, Tina Clark stepped down as Secretary, due to pressure of work. We thank her for her support and are glad she is still on the committee. Noel Hewlett has accepted the role of Secretary. Matt Highway is Chairman and a keen rider. We will update the web page soon.
New Mower
We need a bigger mower to control the grass. The mower purchased earlier this year using a grant from the Ground Effect Slush Fund is getting overworked as we have the surrounds to the plantings in the arboretum to keep tidy. We plan to purchase a second hand reconditioned large 70 cm cut Masport at a cost of $700. If you can help pay for it that would be great.
Arboretum
A month ago we had a lot of dry weather but with regular watering, most of the plantings seen to be growing. The deluge this week is welcomed by the plants. Wander around them when next on site.
Bike Carriers
Many bikes are carried on racks mounted on tow bars. The problem is that the bike and rack block to registration plate from view. The police have notified bike clubs that they plan to enforce the existing law and take action against vehicles with hidden plates. You can solve the problem with what they call a “temporary plate.” Full details are at:
www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/number-plates/supplementary.html
The cost is $17.08 and a envelope to put on the bike is $11
Local Trials
There are lots of trails to ride. These are in a booklet available at Mercury Bay I-Site, The Bike Man in Coghill St, Tairua I-Site and some tourist counters. They cost $4. Day after day of riding fun. As we are on holiday best to get locally.
Have a great holiday in Mercury Bay.
Whitianga Bike Park Trail Director
Bruce Chambers
Phone: 09 5245086
Fax: 09 5245076
Mobile: 027 4944529
Email: brucechambers@clear.net.nz
Mountain Bike Trails
The heavy rain in the Coromandel region did not do too much damage to the trails. What it did do was stop workers filling in some of the water grooves in the trails. Despite this the trails are in good shape for the holiday season. If when riding you find a problem either tell the Bike Man in Coghill St or send us a message so we know about it. We do not ride the trails every day!
BMX Track
Again there was some water damage but this has been repaired and more matting added to stop erosion and wear and tear. The drains in the middle of the tracks are now working well so mud is reduced. A good thing for parents but perhaps a negative for the riders. Grass is flourishing and requires constant cutting to keep it short for easy riding for the learners who often leave the track.
Pump Track
Very popular and now that the drains are working is great fun. We hope in late January to add some more hills and also increase some of the berms by reshaping. Keeping the grass short between the hills is a challenge since we must keep it grassed to keep the water off. The basic tracks are grass free.
Subscriptions and Donations
As we have said before, our park is free to use whether it be MTB, BMX, Pump or skill. Also walkers use it a lot and so do runners. We do have costs though, rent, insurance, toilet cleaning, bridge and trail repairs, tool purchases, fuel and so it goes on. We have few members as the young tend to leave the town once schooling is finished so our income is mainly from donations and local sponsorship together with a grant from the TCDC Community Board. With out this help we would not be still going. We have proved our success with the development we now have, a development that has taken 8 years. Without the considerable support of labour from the Corrections Department we would not be where we are. You can also support us if you wish by posting a donation/subscription to our address or banking direct to our account at:-
Whitianga Bike Club at Kiwi Bank, Wellington 389 002 0611973 00 Enter your name so we know who helped us.
Committee
At the Annual General Meeting a few weeks ago, Tina Clark stepped down as Secretary, due to pressure of work. We thank her for her support and are glad she is still on the committee. Noel Hewlett has accepted the role of Secretary. Matt Highway is Chairman and a keen rider. We will update the web page soon.
New Mower
We need a bigger mower to control the grass. The mower purchased earlier this year using a grant from the Ground Effect Slush Fund is getting overworked as we have the surrounds to the plantings in the arboretum to keep tidy. We plan to purchase a second hand reconditioned large 70 cm cut Masport at a cost of $700. If you can help pay for it that would be great.
Arboretum
A month ago we had a lot of dry weather but with regular watering, most of the plantings seen to be growing. The deluge this week is welcomed by the plants. Wander around them when next on site.
Bike Carriers
Many bikes are carried on racks mounted on tow bars. The problem is that the bike and rack block to registration plate from view. The police have notified bike clubs that they plan to enforce the existing law and take action against vehicles with hidden plates. You can solve the problem with what they call a “temporary plate.” Full details are at:
www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/number-plates/supplementary.html
The cost is $17.08 and a envelope to put on the bike is $11
Local Trials
There are lots of trails to ride. These are in a booklet available at Mercury Bay I-Site, The Bike Man in Coghill St, Tairua I-Site and some tourist counters. They cost $4. Day after day of riding fun. As we are on holiday best to get locally.
Have a great holiday in Mercury Bay.
Whitianga Bike Park Trail Director
Bruce Chambers
Phone: 09 5245086
Fax: 09 5245076
Mobile: 027 4944529
Email: brucechambers@clear.net.nz
