Graeme Simpson: You can't do anything about the rain

Events like Crankworx are an important part of the local mountain biking scene. Photo/Fraser Britton/Crankworx

You can't dictate the weather.

I've learnt that over 35 years of film and TV shoots and events. If it's going to rain, you can't do anything but hope for the best or have a plan B.

Events in Rotorua have really copped it over the last few years and that's down to bad luck.

Once in a while a brave decision has been made to cancel, at other times courses have been modified.

Often there's a lot of money riding on these events - and no one ever, ever wants to cancel.

Rider safety would be the first priority with preservation of trails close behind.

With heavy weather and large numbers of bikes over race courses in a short period of time there's inevitably trail damage.

However, all event organisers in Rotorua pay forest fees for the use of the forest and most are active trail builders themselves. They get out before and after races and through the year to maintain trails.

Most of the major event organisers are financial partners of the Rotorua Trails Trust.
And the Whakarewarewa Forest is as much their playground as anyone. They don't like seeing trails banged around, either.

Yes, the trails were first. However, events on those trails drew riders which drew media attention and fame and that helped fuel support and funding for more trails.
Let's hope for a dry summer. The sooner we can start complaining about the dust, the better...

If you're reading this before 9am on Saturday there's still time to get along to the first Trails Trust working bee of November. Meet at the gate at the bottom of Nursery Hill at the end of Long Mile Rd.

There's transport in, tools provided or byo. Drinks and snacks thanks to the Holiday Inn. The team are working on Creek, one of the originals.

Volunteers have always been at the heart of our trail network. The Trails Trust is a terrific example of this. The trustees are all volunteers. It's simple to join for only $5 at rotoruatrailstrust.co.nz.
Make a donation while you are there.

There's another bee coming up on Tuesday on Billy T. This is a chance to have a dig if you can't make the weekend bees. Meet at 5:30pm at the Hill Rd gate.

A free Southstar shuttle will transport the team in. The aim is to fill the ruts and holes that have been created over the wet winter and are below surrounding ground level so can't be drained away.

The Southstar Trails digger will load wheelbarrows with rock from Rotorua Quarry at the skid site by the Billy T rollover to use as a base before being covered with golden dirt.

One event that took a hammering from the weather this year and then became a masterclass in coping was Crankworx.

The shuffling of the schedule seemed seamless and serene looking in from the outside. In the tent may have been a different story, but it never showed.

Which is a really good reason to share another sensational photo from the event. Richie Rude in action.

Back in March: www.crankworx.com.

Photo: Events like Crankworx are an important part of the local mountain biking scene.