New Zealand Mountain Biking - Adventure Par Excellence
A New Zealand mountain biking adventure is akin to an unparalleled offer of adrenaline pumping action on a platter. Mere realisation of such a spine tingling experience is equivalent to achieving salvation in extreme adventure sport.
Mountain biking is the sport of riding mountain bikes which are bicycles with special design modifications. It is an individualistic rugged sport that makes the rider self-reliant, increases his/her endurance and bike handling skills.
It came into existence in the 1970s in America and has since become a raving success all over the world. Mountain bikes differ from traditional bicycles with respect to their design features. They have stronger and smaller frame, wider and higher tyres mounted on a solid rim much stronger than a bicycle's standard rim.
Mountain bikes come with a wide range of gears to climb over steep slopes and jump over obstacles. They are also equipped with a wider flat handle bar for erect riding posture. They have disc brakes usually found in automobiles as opposed to standard rim brakes and a suspension system for both tyres.
It is these distinguishing features that makes mountain bikes the most popular choice for their sheer durability, flexibility and comfort.
The major types of mountain biking are cross country (most standard form and involves ascent and descent on different terrains), downhill (riding down slopes), freeride (involves everything from downhill rides to high risk stunts involving high skill set) and trials (hopping and jumping over obstacles).
New Zealand offers wide variety of mountainous terrain that extends through pristine bushland and breathtaking scenery. Tracks are mostly single and 4 Wheel drive tracks. Mountain biking is a fantastic way to explore the sights and sounds of Aotearoa.
Top quality mountain bikes can be hired from adventure sports centres in Rotorua, Picton, Taupo, Nelson and Queenstown. Repair and service shops can be found at all major towns.
The 2006 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships were held at the Whakarewarewa forests south of Rotorua, located in the North Island of New Zealand. This bears ample testimony to New Zealand's fabulous mountain biking terrains.
The Kaimanawa Mountains in Central North Island overlooking the mind blowing scenery of the Tongariro National Park is home to some fantastic trails that will leave you savouring for more by the time you finish it.
Makara Peak in Wellington is one of the most popular mountain biking tracks built by volunteers. It covers an area of 200 hectartes.
There are a multitide of biking adventure tour operators who can ferry you to mountain tops and you can have exhilirating downhill rides, hurtling down these slopes without raising a sweat in the first place. Mt Ruapehu, the Port Hills in Christchurch, the Remarkables and Cardrona are all popular spots for this adventure activity.
Heli-biking is extremely popular in Mt Benmore which possessses a fantastic vertical sprint of roughly 4000 feet.
Other famous mountain biking spots include the Redwood Grove in Rotorua,the 42nd Traverse near National Park, Alexandra in Central Otago and Twizel near Mt Cook.
Tramping tracks are also available for mountain biking. The Department of COnservation (DOC) has restricted access in majority of the cases as biking causes environmental damage to tramping tracks and endangering trampers in the event of a crash. It is advisable to check with the DOC if you are not sure if a tramping track is open to mountain biking.
Mountain Bike New Zealand (www.mountainbike.co.nz) is the governing body for mountain biking in New Zealand. It is responsible for organising the major mountain biking races all over the country.
Points to note:
- Always wear a helmet and appropriate safet
