WHANGAREI will soon boast one of the best BMX tracks in New Zealand, and the Whangarei Rotary Club has added another dimension for kids wanting to test their biking skills.
As part of Whangarei's Endless Summer Festival the club has organised an event called Bike Mania next Sunday, catering for skilled
BMXers as well as kids wanting some fun and a bit of a challenge in a different environment.
Together with staff of the Matariki Forest, formerly the Glenbervie State Forest, the club has organised a series of cycling events using tracks designed for everyone from beginners to serious mountain bikers.
The event will be held on March 30, with registration starting at 9am and the first event kicking off at 10am.
The forest headquarters can be reached by taking the Ngunguru road and turning left at Huanui Orchards.
As well as providing a healthy day out, the Rotary Club hopes to introduce more people to the beauties of the forest and its potential for recreation for people of all abilities.
A heap of spot prizes, including accommodation packages in the Bay of Islands, will be drawn at the end of the event about 1pm.
Forest staff have made sure the tracks are safe and of a suitable standard for the various grades. Drinks, icecreams and a barbecue will available and the event will go ahead, wet or fine.
As one youngster was heard to remark, "It's more fun in the rain. You can get a lot more muddy, if it's raining."
Schools have been invited to enter teams and a prize will be awarded for the school with the highest number of entries relative to its roll.
Entry costs $5 for children 12 and under, and $10 for adults and older children. Registration forms are available from Hedgehog Bikes, participating schools, or on the day.
For more information email Peter Smith on peter@activerefrig.co.nz or contact Hedgehog Bikes on Vine St, Whangarei.
