May 6 is International Women’s Mountain Biking Day.
Riders and teams will complete as many laps of the 10 to 20-minute non-technical loop as they can in three hours. Participants are asked to dress up in an 80s themed-costume and bring something baked to share.
Lunch is included in the $15 entry fee as are vouchers to local businesses and the chance to win spot prizes. Prize giving will be at 4pm at Libre on George St where participants over the age of 18 will be invited to try Brew Union’s new Kissing Rock beer (named for one of the downhill trails at Arapuke).
Participants can register solo, as a pair, or as a team of three or four. There is a special category for mother-daughter teams.
“So far we have more mother-daughter teams registered than any other option,” Beausoleil says. “We have mothers who are in their 30s racing with their 10-year-old daughters and daughters who are 45 racing with their more senior mothers. It’s a fantastic way to do something together regardless of your age or technical skill level.”
The relay event isn’t the only thing planned to celebrate International Women’s Mountain Biking Day. The Dirt Divas invite riders to come back to Arapuke on Sunday, May 7 to enjoy grade 3, 4 and 5 trails. There will be ride guides available for new riders to the park and for those from out of town.
The $15 entry fee includes both the Saturday event and two shuttle rides on Sunday. On Sunday, riders are asked to meet at the carpark at the end of Kahuterawa Rd at 10am.
This year Frocks on Shocks is supported by Central Economic Development Agency through the Regional Events Fund.
“We are anticipating a number of riders from around the lower North Island, especially from the areas where mountain bike tracks were damaged by the cyclones,” Beausoleil says.
Registration closes at midday on May 5. More information – including a video of Saturday’s course – and how to register can be found at mmbc.co.nz/dd.
The Details
What: Frocks on Shocks
When: Saturday, May 6, midday
Where: Arapuke Mountain Bike Park
Registration: $15.