Graeme Simpson: Drawing pension, still hitting trails

What inspires us to ride? The answers are usually straightforward.

Fitness is a big part of it. Hanging out with mates is up there. I don't just mean on the trails but over a coffee, relating the latest adventure, challenge or close call. Or, worse case scenario, explaining an injury.

There is the sheer, adrenalin pumping and endorphin-producing joy of it all.

Being a kid again and riding through puddles.

I've just finished a feature for New Zealand Mountain Biker on a couple of local riders who get out in the Whakarewarewa Forest more than most. Talking to these guys is pretty standard: heaps of enthusiasm for the Whakarewarewa Forest, the trails, bikes and the MTB community.

There is nothing unusual in any of this.

It is a conversation I've had hundreds of times.

What is out of the ordinary, remarkable, even, is these two guys are old enough to collect the pension. Older, in fact.

Brian Stewart and Jack Shallard ride a lot. They also still ride trails that test some of the best.

Jack will be racing in the 24-hour Cateye at the Moonride on May 17 and 18 (www.eventpromotions.co.nz).

He has ridden all but three Moonrides in a family team.

That is now a team with three generations represented. His grand-daughter joined the crew last year.

Brian will be having a second go at one of New Zealand's toughest off-road races, the Magellan Whaka 100, later in the year.

Inspiring? You bet. If you're over 65, you don't have to go as hard as Jack and Brian to enjoy a ride in the forest.

Local rider and skills teacher Lisa Horlor has introduced Wise Riding just for you, every Tuesday at 10am from the Waipa carpark.

"It's a good chance to meet new people and ride new trails," says Lisa.

"No cost, of course, and no ride if it's raining, just a simple get together for motivation, support and friendship."

It doesn't matter what sort of bike you have. "The ride will start with a simple loop of the Dipper track," continues Lisa.

"All on smooth, easy trails, then back to the carpark, if that's all you want to do, and the more experienced, fitter riders can go on."

Lisa is one of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet and a very talented rider.

Give her a call on 027 710 5411 for more information.

"Under 65s, go tell your parents, aunties, uncle and neighbours," she adds, with her usual big smile.

The 2013 Pig & Whistle New Zealand Singlespeed Championships were last Saturday, in front of a big, noisy crowd at race HQ at Waipa and in the forest.

Events take a lot of hard effort. However, the committee of the Rotorua Singlespeed Society worked away over the past year, all in their own time, and got it done. We have run New Zealand Champs before, in 2008 and 2009, and the Singlespeed World Champs in 2010, and it's easy to get a bit jaded about these things.

However, last weekend's event reinforced a few things: how much fun singlespeed events are, how relaxed the atmosphere is, and how a group of experienced people can pull all the threads of a successful event together with almost no stress or raised voices.