MTB

Martinborough Skyline Challenge: A personal challenge for mountainbikers

By Destination Wairarapa




Mountainbikers with a sense of fun, adventure and love of rural landscapes will be catered for this April when the Martinborough Lions host the annual Skyline Challenge.

The event, on Sunday 26th April, will be held on the historic Huangarua, Puruatanga and Oystershell Farms all of which are on the outskirts of the boutique wine village of Martinborough in the South Wairarapa. Mountainbikers will have the choice of completing three courses on private farmland, offering different types of terrain.

They include a 32km grade 3 ride for those looking for a serious mountainbike challenge ($50 entry fee); a demanding and quite hilly 16km ride for an intermediate level rider ($35 entry fee) and a fun 8km ride designed to get families out and about enjoying the ANZAC Day weekend. The 8km course ($20 entry fee) is also open to walkers.

Skyline Challenge event manager Graeme Thomson says the family friendly event is designed to give riders of all abilities and ages a personal challenge and the chance to mountainbike over the scenic hills of Martinborough. It also doubles as a fundraiser for the local community.

“This is a community event designed to provide people with their own personal riding challenge and give them an opportunity to ride over terrain not normally open to the public,” he says. “They will be rewarded with superb rural views, some challenging hill climbs and a Martinborough Lions barbeque at the end.”

“Any proceeds raised from this year’s Skyline Challenge will go to The Martinborough Youth Trust, a charity that provides our local youth with opportunities that encourage and inspire,” says Graeme..

Riders can now register online for the Skyline Challenge via www.skylinechallenge.co.nz or turn up on the day from 8am. The first race begins at 9am.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS

What: The Skyline Challenge
When:  Sunday, April 26th 2015
Where: Cresswell's Huangarua Station Farm.
2892 Ponatahi Road
Martinborough (About 3 km North East of Martinborough, turn left at the Catholic Church on the corner of Princess and Kitchener Streets, as you come in from Featherston).
Time: On the day registrations are from 8am
First race begins at 9am (32km)
All riders will be able to enjoy a free sausage in bread and drink at the finish, courtesy of the Martinborough Lions.

Course Options:
• 8km Mountainbike or walk ($20 entry fee). Note: Families save by entering the 8km walk or ride, with a concession of $75 for 2 adults and up to 3 children.
• 16km intermediate ride: demanding and quite hilly ($35 entry fee).
• 32km grade 3 ride suited for those looking for a mountainbike challenge ($50 entry fee).

For more information please visit www.skylinechallenge.co.nz or contact Graeme Thomson on 021 537 126 or 06 3068286 or at martinboroughskylinechallenge@gmail.com.
Online Registrations close at 5pm Saturday 25th April 2015.