Levin Mountain Bike Club members about to hit the trails last Sunday, to clean up rather than ride,
Levin Mountain Bike Club members about to hit the trails last Sunday, to clean up rather than ride,
Volunteers from the Levin Mountain Bike Club swapped their bikes for shovels and pickaxes in a major pre-winter track clean-up in the Kohitere Forest on Sunday, May 23.
Newly-elected club president Rob Farmer said members of the public were extremely lucky to have access to this privately owned forest. "It's a magic area for our members and hikers alike, and so close to town. We are very fortunate."
Some of the trails were now a bit overgrown and others had suffered from overuse, hence the need for the working bee.
Levin MTB Club members shifted two truck loads of gravel in Kohitere Forest last Sunday.
Farmer said bikers and hikers who used this area for recreational purposes had the support of local landowners and forest management. "To retain this support we need to take care how we access the forest, develop trails and maintain them."
There are some very good trails on the western flank of the forest park, many of which were developed years ago by the current elders of the club. Now the younger guns were coming through and taking on leadership roles.
As well as Farmer replacing long-time stalwart Allan Pope as president, there is also a new secretary, Lisa Horn (co-director of local bike shop My Ride Levin), and a new treasurer, Rowan Duff.
"The Levin area has always been home to a large number of cyclists, but interest in mountain biking has gone ballistic. We are keen to capture this enthusiasm, especially the young ones coming through," said Farmer.
The club has members whose ages range from early teens through to early '70s, with some of the club elders still riding the black runs - the steepest and toughest, mostly single track trails, sections of which tend to be extremely challenging.
Farmer was one of the original "babies" of the club, joining up over two decades ago, and put his name forward for president this year as he felt the need to give back to the group that has been like a second family.
Post working bee clean-up it's time for the Levin MTB club members to hit the trails.
Farmer also has extensive knowledge of the trails in the Kohitere Forest, as he helped to establish a number of them over the years he's been a mountain biker.
Bikers keen on learning more about the trails, improving their biking skills and taking part in outings should contact the club on levin.mtb@gmail.com or contact member Roger Foley direct on 027 555 5578.
