Countdown on for the Skyline MTB Challenge

With just days to go until the Skyline Challenge near Martinborough, the local community is coming together to put on a memorable event.

The Martinborough Lions organised mountainbike and walking challenge is on this Sunday, 26th April on the historic Huangarua, Puruatanga and Oystershell Farms on the outskirts of the boutique wine village in South Wairarapa. It also doubles as a fundraiser for The Martinborough Youth Trust, a charity that provides local youth with opportunities that encourage and inspire and will see over 30 volunteers lining the course for walkers and riders.

Skyline Challenge event manager Graeme Thomson says the family friendly event is designed to give riders and walkers of all abilities and ages the chance to pedal or stride over the scenic hills of Martinborough. In addition it’s a great chance for the community to come together.

“To give families more options, we are offering the choice of two tracks for the 8km biking course. One course gives some great down and uphill challenges, whilst the other is a simpler course for entry level and younger riders. Parents can walk alongside their children as they bike on the simpler course. In addition we have set up Camp David approximately 4km into the course. This is a great spot where people can stop, catch their breathe and take in the amazing views as well as be given free water, juice and jelly beans by none other than David Kershaw, from Pain & Kershaw,” says Graeme.

“Then at the end of the race all participants will be rewarded with a free Martinborough Lions barbeque, a cold drink or a soothing cuppa tea.”

Any monies raised from the event will also be channeled back into Martinborough’s next generation – thanks to the Martinborough Youth Trust who each year select a number of local youngsters to participate in a Discovery For Teens course. The course aims to teach teens from all around New Zealand, irrespective of background or ethnicity, life skills including self awareness, improved communications skills, self-management, self motivation, healthy options and academic techniques.

This Sunday’s Skyline Challenge offers riders the choice of three courses including 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 providing a great alternative to mountainbike within stunning private farmland.

Riders can register online for the Skyline Challenge via www.skylinechallenge.co.nz. Alternatively they can turn up on the day and register from 8am (cash only, no Eftpos available). The first race begins at 9am. For those who don’t have a bike Green Jersey Cycles is offering a 10 percent discount on their hire bikes.

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. Event briefing will take place 5 minutes before start time.
First event 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). 9.20am start for bike, 9.30am start for walkers. 2 courses available for 8km ride, depending on biking ability. Simpler course provides option for parents to walk and their children to bike, 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). 9.10am start
32km grade 3 ride suited for those looking for a mountainbike challenge ($50 entry fee). 9am start.

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.