Mountain biking in Hawke's Bay blows away the cobwebs

Hawke's Bay Today reporter Astrid Austin navigates Pan Pac Forest's Mill Block, Whirinaki, near Napier. Photo/Paul Taylor

The wind zipped through my hair as I raced down the mountainous terrain of the Pan Pac Eskdale Mountain Bike Park.

Rewind a few hours and this was not the case.

"It's as easy as riding a bike."

The saying played in my head as I headed out with Takaro Trails operations supervisor and guide Bruce Richardson along with Hawke's Bay Mountain Bike Club chairman Scott Richardson.

"How hard could it be?"

I considered myself relatively fit, going to the gym regularly and often riding my bike on the road, but that soon went out the window.

Just five minutes in, I had to rethink my evaluation after the first uphill climb.

However, once in and amongst the trees, with the cliff overlooking the Napier Port you wonder why everyone doesn't give this a go.

Just 15 minutes from the centre of Napier, the Pan Pac mountain bike trail was purpose-built by the Hawke's Bay Mountain Bike Club in the Tangoio Forest and is regarded as one of the finest mountain biking facilities in the country.

There is a whole host of tracks to suit anyone's abilities, from those starting out to the more advanced.

As I was a beginner, we tried out the easy trails first, learning how to navigate the bumps and dips.

"Look ahead", they kept telling me.

Mountain biking is not only a physical sport, it has a mental aspect to it as well - not letting the fear of falling off stop you from going full throttle.

It is no surprise that so many people flock to the region to ride the many trails on offer.

Takaro Trails offers two packages to suit your desired mountain biking experience; self-guided or guided for up to four people.

Riders can choose to hire one of Takaro Trails' Scott Aspect 27 speed, front suspension mountain bikes with helmet, water bottle and trail map for four hours, or a full day.

They will also arrange your permit to enter the park and if required provide transfers to and from your Hawke's Bay accommodation.

Transport is available from central Napier accommodation.

For more information and to book your mountain biking experience, visit: http://www.takarotrails.co.nz/mountain-biking/ and for more information about the park go to the H.B. Mountain Bike club site www.hawkesbaymtb.co.nz