Jump removed after man killed

The operators of a popular mountain biking park have defended their safety record after the death of an experienced rider.

Ronald Michael Obery died after breaking his neck while cycling alone at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, northwest of Auckland, last weekend.

The 63-year-old was found near a jump by another group of riders an estimated five minutes after coming off his bike.

It is not known whether he fell as he attempted the jump or while he was avoiding it.

Ron, as he was known, died before St John ambulance staff arrived. The Department of Labour was informed and inspected the park this week.

The park is on land owned by Carter Holt Harvey and operated by a company called Bike Parks.

Manager Haydn Shaw said between 5000-6000 riders visited each week and Ron had successfully made the jump where he was found "hundreds" of times.

Apart from a similar fatal accident in 2002, Shaw said there were few accidents at the site.

"We have an accident register but it's pretty empty. It's mostly minor injuries - a few bruises and scratches," he said.

Shaw said the jump and the area around it had been permanently removed from the trail as a mark of respect.

The move was supported by Ron's family, who are also regulars at the park.

At his funeral on Thursday, his children Kathryn, Jo and David delivered a joint eulogy.

"My dad was my hero and also my best friend," said David.

"It was a freak fall off a small jump no higher than your knee. He must have done it 100 times before.

"Some may ask why a 63-year-old jumps in the forest - but for our old man it was a normal weekend activity. It was his stress relief ... a way to take his mind off things."

David said his father, who was married to Judith for 41 years, "never slacked".

"He was full-on, 100 per cent, at work or play. Even his housework was extreme."

Ron's children said their father got up early on Saturday mornings to watch his seven grandchildren - Matthew, Victoria, Jonathan, Thomas, Samantha, Portia and Olive - play sport and always attended their school shows and recitals.

Long-time friend Neil said Ron started cycling at an early age and also loved rugby league.

"I have shared many things with Ron. I have wonderful memories of families cycling around the waterfront, cricket on the beach and swimming," he said.

"He was a good man, a wonderful friend."

After leaving school, Ron started a building apprenticeship that saw him working on state houses.

He went on to a job shifting houses and eventually built them. He built his own home in Browns Bay and the one next door.

The avid traveller met Judith at a church function and joined the choir with her. They married in 1968.

Pastor Rodney Duncan of the Long Bay Baptist Church told the funeral Ron worked hard and played hard.

"He always treated people with fairness and consideration. He was a family man who loved his wife and children ... and proudly loved his grandchildren."