Hylton Park is located off Brunswick Road in Aramoho opposite the fertiliser works. This used to be an old quarry for dirt and does get very muddy in winter or after heavy rain, but when dry rides very well. Hylton Park has something to offer all riders of intermediate ability.
It is one of three facilities used by the Wanganui Mountain Bike Club. Lismore forest is mainly used by downhillers and Harakeke MTB Park caters for all skill levels. Cross country riders can get a good workout on its collection of excellent single track.
It is the venue for the New Zealand Master's Games cross country and downhill races and has hosted a round of the New Zealand cross country race series. The park is made up of a series of benched single track sections winding through pine and gum trees and linked by 4WD vehicle roads. The tracks form a continuous loop of just over 6km containing a number of short climbs and descents designed to give a good workout. The Masters Games use a shorter and easier track that is still over 5km long, but takes out some of the harder climbs and descents. One can easily make loops of different lengths and difficulty to suit as the tracks run close together. Most tracks can be ridden both ways. There is also an area of jumps for those who like to feel the air below their tyres.
More tracks are being built, with the assistance of Community Probation services, to make it more family/beginner friendly.
The club has also started building a "Pump Track" which is a very small loop that you ride using body movement only aimed at developing bike handling skills. Wanganui Mountain Bike club (www.wanganuimountainbikeclub.co.nz) pays an annual fee to Wanganui District Council for the right to occupy the park and is responsible for maintaining the tracks. This area is also used by those exercising their dogs. Park your car by the gate and go ride.
