Bike to the Top

– Mountain biking for the Whole Family

The return of the Martinborough Skyline Challenge on 15^th April, 2018 will give the whole family a chance to experience mountain bike riding around the Martinborough hills on private local farmland.

Set on the historic Huangarua, Puruatanga and Oystershell farms, the 4 courses are at varying levels of difficulty, a range of distances and across all types of terrain:  There is a 32 km grade 3 ride for those looking for a mountain bike challenge, a demanding and quite hilly 16 km ride for the slightly less capable rider,  an 8 km course for those looking for a family fun walk, run or ride to get you and the kids into the countryside.   Finally, there’s a flat 3km course for children under the age of 8 years. 

32km – Grade 3

The 32 km ride really does take you to the “skyline” to the north of Martinborough affording magnificent panoramic views of the South Wairarapa, from Ocean Beach to Rangitumau, from Featherston to the Hinakura hills.  The undulating sheep and beef farm terrain is steep in places, rough and rugged in others and delivers both uphill and downhill experiences.  There will be extra challenges for anyone who wants to really push it – tracks aren’t always necessary, are they?  From the top you will traverse the ridges for a while before plunging down into Oystershell Valley, eventually (after a few more “undulations”!) tracking back to the start/finish.

16km – Intermediate

The 16 km ride doesn’t quite get to the top of the skyline, but you will go a long way up.  The turn-around point is a plateau from where you can see the Autumn vines of the Martinborough vineyards, Te Muna valley, Lake Wairarapa, the Mountains to the West and right around towards the Longbush valley.  The ride itself takes you through a range of terrain, and you will need to be reasonably fit to handle the hills.  Previous rides have shown that parts of the track are too steep for intermediate riders to ride up – but you get to fly down on the way home!

8km Novice

The 8 km ride will be a loop around the lower reaches of the hills, providing challenge-enough for novice and younger riders – we really do intend to make this suitable to all the family. Even from here you can get unprecedented views of Martinborough – usually only seen by sheep and cattle and some lucky farm workers.

8km – Run or Walk

And if riding a mountain bike isn’t your thing, we are offering a chance to walk the 8km course.  The track undulates, the terrain offers plenty of variety and, as we said above, the views are unprecedented.

3km – Ride

A flat beginners course to introduce children 8 years of age and under to the world of mountain biking. Flat enough to walk with the kids.

We are planning a family fun day – after the ride there will be a free barbeque, tea, coffee, water and juice.   There will also be a chance to win with spot prizes galore.  Sit and relax under the oak trees, relax and wait for the rest of the family to return from their challenge.

Check out all the information on our new website: www.skylinechallenge.co.nz.  Not only will be you able to register and enter online, but you will be able to see profiles of the rides and photos of from previous events.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Wairarapa Whānau Trust – a charity that provides local youth with opportunities that encourage and inspire.