Dirt School is back in Kāpiti

After a stunningly successful season last year the highly anticipated Dirt School kids mountain bike events are back.

This year the series has been expanded to include three fun races for all abilities and age groups up to 17 years.

Dirt School was the brain child of Waikanae mountain biker Peter Woodman-Aldridge, who created the family event so that any child with a bike could enjoy the thrill of mountain biking.

In its first series held in 2016, over 70 children from as far away as Wellington and Hawke's Bay raced laps of a short route through Waikanae Park.

Peter's goal was to provide an entry-level event focused on fun and achievement for all kids.

Dirt School came to a premature end after Peter unexpectedly died in December 2016.

As recognition of his dedication and passion, last year a group of his riding friends formed an organising committee to bring Dirt School back to Kāpiti.

After a highly successful season last year, with over 90 kids attending the final race, Dirt School is now up and running again.

The Dirt School committee is led by Peter's wife Angela Woodman-Aldridge, who has put hours of time into planning and organising the event.

"Pete would have been really proud of the way the event shaped up last year and I know he'd be really excited to see it grow again this year," Angela said.

"It's really to honour Pete's ideal that every kid can get out on a bike and have fun.

"All he wanted to see was kids' faces plastered with smiles as they crossed the finish line." she said.

"That's what drives the team of volunteers who make this event possible."

"Dirt School plans to become part of the event fabric of Kāpiti and has been generously supported by Grylls & Keleher Optometrists, Burgerfuel Kāpiti, Thrive Chiropractic, Graphic Garage, Adventure Kāpiti, Coastal Crew NZ and MyRide Kāpiti who have been generous in their support and sponsorship.

"Dirt School is a great opportunity to make friends, get active and have fun in a safe and adventurous environment."

There are three set courses, a mixture of fun off-road trails and short hills around Waikanae Park.

The races cater for all fitness and skill levels from two year olds on running bikes to teenagers needing to burn off some energy.

Dirt School will be held at Waikanae Park on February 17, March 17 and April 14.

Registrations are from 12pm, age group races start at 1pm with under-fives free and over fives $5.

Search Dirt School on Facebook for more details and updates.

For further information contact Iain Guest on 021 483 780 or iain@thrivechiropractic.co.nz