Bike competition rolling out entertaining day

A new mountain biking event that takes a different approach is coming to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park on Saturday 11 March. The ‘Mahi Tahi’ biking relay is designed to suit all ages and fitness levels but is just one of the attractions on offer on the day. During the riding competition other entertainment available at the park’s central hub includes DJs, spot prizes, food, and refreshments. The event is the first of its kind for the park.

The competition itself, which starts at 8.30am, is named for the teamwork involved and is made up of teams of four. A rider from each team will take turns completing a 7.5km loop of the beginner graded tracks. Each lap takes about 25 minutes to ride before a ‘hand over’ to the next team member. In this relay-style, riders loop the track as many times as possible within eight hours to determine the winning team.

When riders aren’t ticking up another loop of the track for their team, they can enjoy the atmosphere at the event hub which includes a barbeque food truck alongside the park’s container café. Spectators are welcome to join the hub entertainment with music by DJ JXO from noon, massages and local brews available later in the day.

Waitangi Mahi Tahi Mountain Bike Team Event is calling for final team registrations from bikers of all grades – from serious, to social, and beginner riders. Team categories include – male, female, mixed, under 18 and e-bikes. Spot prizes will be handed out during the day with prize giving for the ‘Mahi Tahi’ loop ride starts at 5pm.

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is a community development located in the Waitangi Endowment Forest with over 40km of completed trails, many of which provide stunning views of the Bay of Islands.

This event received funding from the council’s Events Investment Fund. To register go to https://ridewaitangi.nz/mahi-tahi/.