Memorial ride for mountain biker

JUMP: Cole Walker died after a mountain biking accident at the weekend.

A memorial ride has been planned for Te Puke mountain biker Cole Walker, who lost his life after crashing in the Whakarewarewa Forest.

One man planning on taking part is Sandy McNeil, from Tauranga, who sat with the 20-year-old for 90 minutes after his crash last Saturday. Mr Walker died on Tuesday at Waikato Hospital.

Mr McNeil was riding in the forest with his son and his son's friend.

"We were about to go into another track when the guy who saw him [Mr Walker] doing the jump ran up and grabbed me," Mr McNeil said.

"He asked if I had a phone to call 111. He went back to the carpark to show them the way and I stayed with him while on the phone to emergency services."

He said the two boys, both 11, stayed on the road while he sat and talked to Mr Walker. He did not know who the other rider was, other than that he was also from Tauranga. It is understood that the man's girlfriend has been in touch with Mountain Bike Rotorua, who were trying to track the pair down on behalf of family.

"The guy who saw it happen said he came off and landed on his head. It was a seriously big jump.

"I went over. There wasn't a lot I could do for him; the main thing was to follow instructions. It's just a real shame. I sat there talking to him, trying to calm him down.

"It happened at 2.30pm and we were there until around 4pm. After they left, I said to the boys that we'd have one last ride. We'll be coming back for the memorial."

Information about next Saturday's memorial ride has been posted on the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club's Facebook page. Riders are to meet at the main Waipa carpark at 11am and are encouraged to dress in Mr Walker's favourite colours of orange and blue and "to get crazy with their outfits - we want a fun day. There will be a ride and a tribute on the day, but all will be explained," the post states.

Memorial rides have previously been held for James Dodds and Patrick Avery, both of whom died in 2012.