This is from the "Daily News" -
Taranaki's local paper.
By ROB MAETZIG - 24 April 2001
A network of tracks is being created in the Lake Mangamahoe Forest specifically for mountain bikers.
Three tracks covering downhill and cross-country areas have been created in the last six weeks, and another six tracks are due to be cleared during the next couple of months.
The development is the result of a special partnership between the New Plymouth District Council and the New Plymouth Mountain Bike Club.
Council leisure services co-ordinator Lisa Taylor said yesterday the partnership was the result of the council's Forest Leisure Plan which was finalised late last year.
"The plan identified that one of the shortfalls in the district's commercial forests was a designated area for mountain bikers, one where their activity wouldn't conflict with the activity of other groups, such as walkers," she said.
Club members marked out the new tracks, and the council then arranges for them to be cleared.
Club members then construct any additions, such as jumps. In the future, a parking area near SH3 will also be created, including a hose area for washing down muddy bikes.
Club committee member Clive Telford said the tracks were designed for beginner and intermediate riders of all abilities, and any members of the public were welcome to take their mountain bikes out for a ride on the forest tracks.
He sees the facility as having the potential to be a great asset for the region, as mountain bikers regularly travel to other regions to try out new facilities.
He points to Rotorua and Taupo, which have well-established facilities for mountain bikers which can attract hundreds of people a day.
"Hopefully, that's the sort of patronage we'll build up for the Lake Mangamahoe facility," he said.
By ROB MAETZIG - 24 April 2001
