A mountain biker on one of the 14 dedicated cycle trails at the Whataūpoko Reserve. Significant upgrade work has been going on at the reserve following damage from weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Strike Photography
A mountain biker on one of the 14 dedicated cycle trails at the Whataūpoko Reserve. Significant upgrade work has been going on at the reserve following damage from weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Strike Photography
Stage-one upgrades to weather-damaged trails at the Whataūpoko Reserve are nearly complete.
The mountain bike and walking network at the reserve was hit hard by such catastrophic events as Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.
The upgrades have significantly improved the mountain bike trail network, supporting safer, year-round access for the community,Trust Tairāwhiti, which contributed $50,000 towards the work, said.
“The Gisborne Mountain Bike Club (GMBC) manages the mountain bike trails at Whataūpoko Reserve, a popular community asset with 14 dedicated cycling trails that attract thousands of cyclists and walkers every year,” a Trust Tairāwhiti release said.
“A multi-stage project led by GMBC to upgrade the trails follows significant damage caused by cyclones and prolonged wet weather in recent years, leaving parts of the trail network beyond the scope of volunteer maintenance.”
Stage one focused on “sustainable upgrades” to the Tyburns and Central Skidz trails, which were the most impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The trails are [rated] Grade 2 and 3, meaning they are on the easier end of the mountain biking spectrum,” GMBC president Dan King said in the release.
Gisborne Mountain Biking Club president Dan King, set for a trail ride with son Bodhi King at the Whataūpoko Reserve.
“Upgrades in this stage include new drainage, reshaping berms and forming new jumps on these key trails, all built to [the] New Zealand Guide to Mountain Bike Trail Design and Construction Guide, 2022.
