Newcomers experience bike buzz

Brothers Jake Teara-Jones (centre), 6, and Tahma Teara-Jones (left), 8, friend Colin Elstob, foster parents Martin and Natasha Ruttley, Tre Teara-Jones, 11, and Marama Teara-Jones, 14, get set for the beginners' mountain biking. Photo / Ben Fraser

The MTB Beginners Open Day mountain biking event took place yesterday in Whakarewarewa Forrest with around 40 contestants braving the rain.

Two sessions were held on the grade-one beginners track with each session having around 20 participants of varying ages and skills.

Event organisers James and Paula Alexander moved to Rotorua a year ago and being keen mountain bikers they noticed a big gap in mountain biking for beginners

"We wanted to organise this event primarily for grassroots riding and for first timers because mountain biking seems to be all about who has the best bike and who's going down the gnarliest trails. We wanted it to be more about the mental aspect of mountain biking. We want to attract first timers into the forest so they can reap all of the health benefits," Mrs Alexander said.

"And personally I would like to see more Maori out here riding in the forest as well."

It was the first time the event had been held in Rotorua in conjunction with the Rotorua Bike Festival but Mrs Alexander said she hoped the event would continue next year.

"We have managed to get sponsorship through Ray White, and we got a really cheap deal through the hire place that Ray White sponsored so we managed to get 10 free bikes for people to use during the sessions. Next year we are hoping to get more sponsorship and hopefully book out the whole fleet so more people can come along and participate. We find a lot of people don't go riding because they can't afford a bike so that will break that barrier."

Martin and Natasha Ruttley moved from Sydney to Rotorua just before Christmas bringing their four Aboriginal foster kids here for a fresh start. Mrs Ruttley said the kids had never had an opportunity to try mountain biking and were very excited.

"I'm originally from Rotorua but it's the kids' first time in New Zealand. They have never been mountain biking and we've kept it a surprise. They're really excited. We can't wait to see the look on their faces."