440 Mountain Bike Park is named for its elevation and is the only gravity park north of Rotorua.
440 Mountain Bike Park is named for its elevation and is the only gravity park north of Rotorua.
Elisabeth Easther straps on her helmet, hops on a mountain bike and lets gravity take its course.
Just an hour's drive from Auckland's CBD, on the Clevedon coast, 440 Mountain Bike Park is going to become my premium destination for downhill thrills.
Named for the vertical highpoint it sits on, 440 is the only gravity park of its kind north of Rotorua, and has been a labourof love for creator Byron Scott.
After eight years as an elite racer, and quite a few international wins under his belt, Byron is now a full-time track builder and park manager. Despite the blood, sweat and tears involved with setting up the park, it is evident he loves what he does.
On an overcast Saturday mid-last month, we found the Waytemore Forest carpark crowded with the sorts of robust vehicles serious MTB enthusiasts favour, eager beavers keen for the first day of the season. Queuing for the shuttle buses (it's all about shuttle runs at 440) the sizeable crowd sizzled with anticipation.
As we waited, heavily protected riders would surge out of the woods at various high speeds, many pulling off a jump or a trick as they returned to earth, skidding to a halt in front of us. When I saw how much armour some people were wearing (several cyclists sported full-face helmets), I could see these riders meant business. Be warned, 440 is not for beginners or the faint-hearted, and the trails here cater for intermediate to expert riders.
As Elvis the shuttle bus pulled into view — with his foxy face, brows and moustache — the riders flowed towards him, slotting their cycles into the custom-built trailer before settling into the dusty brown, 1970s interior.
440 Mountain Bike Park, Clevedon. Photo / Elisabeth Easther
Ten minutes later and we're on the top of the world. Waiting until all the other riders had taken off, I took Byron's advice and started with the easiest trail. On my first few descents, I had the luxury of Byron as my guide, calling out what to watch out for in the curves, rocks and cambers. I could see he's been a coach in his time, as he had fabulous advice: "Commit to the berms", "follow the ride line", and, my favourite "ride like you're on a seesaw".
The trail known as Subdub was right up my alley. I loved the rental bike I was riding — it was so brilliantly bouncy. Blazing a trail down the pine needle path, we clattered up a wooden ramp and into the woods. There are moderately steep sections at the outset and several corners that, as I grew to know them, I came to relish. On the grade two trail, there were no drops-offs or jumps, certainly nothing a rider has to truly commit to. Although, on one table jump, I unexpectedly got air a few times and I have to say it gave me the giggles — relief perhaps at coming down in one piece.
440 Mountain Bike Park, Clevedon. Photo / Elisabeth Easther
Giggles aside, one of the great things about mountain biking is that it's a really conscious form of exercise — brain and body working as hard as each other — which means it's not a sport for dreaming, you have to stay focused.
Queuing for my third shuttle, I overheard a group of young teens talking animatedly about what they'd do next, when one of them started telling a riding war-story: "I went straight into it at full speed, and then I crashed into a tree and it was so funny." Which epitomises the attitude you need for this pursuit.
The tracks go from Grade 2 to Double Black Diamond, so you need to sign a waiver before you take part, it's the nature of this sport.
Facilities at the base include a bike shop, rental bikes, basic food and coffee, there's even a little swimming hole across the road from the park which, in summer is the perfect place to cool down. Byron's plans for the future include more trails, a cafe and possibly even a zip line. Bring it on.
NEED TO KNOW
440 Mountain Bike Park is open weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Six-trip, 10-trip or season passes available.
In the vicinity: Visit on a Sunday via the Clevedon Farmers' Market, perfect for stocking up on provisions. The Clevedon Hotel makes a pleasant stop when the day is done. Take your mud-splattered self to the garden bar and enjoy a pizza while regaling your mates with daring tales of your downhill endeavours.
