Mountain Bike Track Trust looking for answers

The Wairarapa Regional Mountain Bike Track Trust (WRMBTT) is seeking the views of the community, as it considers the feasibility of developing new mountain bike trails and experiences in the region.
 
A comprehensive survey has been developed as part of the feasibility work being carried out on three proposed new trails. Each completed survey will go unto the draw to win a bike from Avanti-Plus Masterton, thanks to the generosity of both South Wairarapa and Masterton South Rotary clubs.
 
The survey is aimed at everyone from long-term Wairarapa residents and riders from out of the region, and covers a wide range of questions about the riding opportunities available in Wairarapa as well as the proposed new trails. The results will help to inform WRMBTT, a charitable trust recently formed to develop and manage mountain bike trails in Wairarapa, as they look at the feasibility of new trails to gain further funding for their development.
 
The three proposed new trails are the Remutaka Descent, a 15km trail suitable for intermediate riders (Grade 3 and above), Tararua Forest Park Mt Holdsworth Mountain Bike Park, a series of easy trails (Grades 1-3) set in native bush behind the Holdsworth campsite, and the Kiriwhakapapa Trail, an existing 9km walking trail 20 mins minutes’ drive north of Masterton, which will be upgraded to a Grade 3-4 track.
 
The project was initiated by the Department of Conservation (DOC) who are seeking further opportunities for people to use the Tararua Forest Park.  The majority  of the proposed tracks are within the forest park and the government agency see bikes as a good way of getting more people to experience the area.
 
The WRMBTT is a group of keen local riders looking to create more places to ride around the Wairarapa. WRMBTT Deputy Chair Stephen Brown says the survey is a vital part of the process. “Our proposals are very much in consultation with DOC and local Iwi, and once we have undertaken the study we will be able to take the project to the next stage,” explained Stephen. “We are aiming to cater for all ages and skill levels, giving people the opportunity to learn to ride in a safe environment as well as creating some great places to ride too.”
 
“We need a broad view of the current provision and what people are looking for in the future. Our aim is to coordinate with other groups involved in developing cycling infrastructure for a connected cycle trail network that includes road, mountain bike and recreational trails in our region.”
 
WRMBTT hope to begin work on the first track within the next 12 to 18 months. To complete the survey and go into the draw to win a brand new bike, simply click: http://aprconsultants.co.nz/wairarapasurvey2018.