Get set to mountain bike this summer

Always wanted to mountain bike but need to learn a few skills first? Why not come along to a mountain bike workshop this summer and make the most of Hutt City’s great bike tracks.

Two workshops, one for women and one for families, are being held on Saturday 20 February at Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone with instructions from Peter Reynolds from COG Cycling.

The workshops are part of the Hutt Valley Summer of Cycling and Hutt City Council’s recreation and events manager Duncan Chisholm says they’re ideal for people just starting out or those who want to brush up on their skills.

“You’ll learn how to set up a bike, maintenance, how to corner properly and overcome obstacles, as well as riding techniques like the correct use of brakes and gears.”

The women’s workshop is aimed at women who want the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment with specialised advice. It runs from 9am to 12noon. The family workshop will introduce the basic skills of mountain biking and is suitable for anyone 6 years or older. It runs from 1 to 4pm.

The workshops are free but booking is essential. Contact Zoe Firth on 04 560 0309 or email zoe.firth@huttcity.govt.nz. All participants must provide their own helmet and mountain bike, which must be in good working order.

For information about other cycling events happening in Hutt City this summer pick up a Hutt Valley Summer of Cycling booklet from your local bike shop or council facility, or visit www.summerscene.co.nz/cycling.

The Hutt Valley Summer of Cycling is organised by Hutt City Council with support from BikeNZ, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Upper Hutt City Council, New Zealand Community Trust, RaboPlus, Avanti Plus Lower Hutt and the Radio Network.