Central HB: Murphy helps mountain bike park project

Successful V8 supercar driver and now television host Greg Murphy will be returning to his home region next month to support Waipukurau Rotary efforts to develop a new mountain bike park in Central Hawke's Bay.

Next month Waipukurau Rotary is bringing V8 supercar driver Greg Murphy to town to help raise funds to develop a mountain bike park at Mangatarata Rd, Waipukurau.

The trust has already constructed the limestone trails and single mountain bike track on the river berms between Waipukurau and Waipawa, and the new Gum Tree Park is being designed to complement these existing facilities.

Trust chairman Roy Fraser says the aim is to raise money to start construction of at least two professionally designed and built tracks within the park.

"A layout track plan has been commissioned using Southstar Trails, which is a company specialising in the design and construction of mountain bike trails, including top trails in the Rotorua Redwood Mountain Bike Park," he said.

The Waipukurau block of land, which was allocated by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, is a perfect location, he said.

"It is an ideal block with its variable contour and free draining soil type that allows a variety of trails to be constructed and used all year round without being damaged in the wet.

"The plan is to start with two trails - a Grade 2 and Grade 3 - which can be ridden by anyone," Mr Fraser said.

The latest fundraiser follows on from continuing efforts to raise money towards building a swingbridge, and now partially completed work to provide access to Lindsay Bush.

Hawke's Bay local Greg Murphy, a four-time winner of Bathurst, is now a commentator on V8 supercar racing.

The fundraiser has been organised by the Waipukurau Rotary Club with the support of major sponsor Crowe Horwath.

A keen mountain biker, one of the highlights of the evening would see Greg talking his way around a video of a lap of Bathurst at speed.

As part of the programme both silent and open auctions will be held for a wide range of items generously donated to the cause by local businesses.

To top it off, there will be a chance to win hot laps with the Kiwi racer around Manfeild.

At a glance:

* What: Need for Speed with Greg Murphy.

* When: Wednesday, July 13, 6.30pm.

* Where: Civic Theatre, Waipukurau.

* Tickets: $45pp available from Property Brokers Waipukurau. Complimentary drink on arrival, finger food and cash bar available.