HARAKEKE Mountain Bike Park is situated on Pauri Rd 10km south of Wanganui city centre. It is contained within the commercial forest owned by Ernslaw One Ltd on Ngati Apa land.
It is now possible to cycle more than 30km of single track, not counting the forestry roads. The forestcreates its own microclimate protecting one from wind and rain, making it an ideal venue for all seasons and weather conditions. The park consists of two distinct areas.
The newly planted forest (2006/7) has a 20km network of single track graded from easy to advanced. Tracks are well marked and colour-coded according to level of difficulty. Tracks closest to the carpark are the easiest. All tracks link back to a network of forestry roads enabling cyclists to extend or cut short their ride. Loop tracks are used from the perimeter tracks to access the branch road ends. Tracks within the new forest predominantly follow an east-west course with branch roads following a north-south course. Large maps are situated at the entrance and at the far end of the central road.
The mature forest has a 12km loop of well-established track accessed via three gates with Rozy's Folly leading to the first gate. The track is well sign-posted with eight areas identified and marked where it is possible to follow the complete (long) loop or take a short cut. The track is fast and rolling in nature.
The Wanganui Mountain Bike Club has an access agreement with Ernslaw One Ltd which requires riders to be members of the club in order to protect Ernslaw One Ltd through insurance held by the bike club.
Club membership costs $20 for individuals, $35 for families and $15 for youth. Members receive a washable microfibre ``Manky'' _ a map on a hanky _ which contains maps of Harakeke and Hylton MTB parks.
The mountain bike club hosts guided rides for all-comers on the last Sunday of the month at 10am. It will also host a winter series of races in conjunction with Manawatu Mountain Bike Club.
More information: www.wanganuimountainbike club.co.nz
