NEW KIDS COURSE TO FEATURE AT SKYLINE CHALLENGE

The introduction of a new 3km kids flat course will add to the appeal for participants in this years Skyline Challenge near Martinborough.
The Martinborough Lions organised mountainbike and walking challenge is on Sunday 24th 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 Course Director John Taylor 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.

“We’ve got plenty of ride options this year including a 32km grade 3 ride for those looking for a serious mountainbike challenge; a demanding and quite hilly 16km ride for an intermediate level rider; a fun 8km ride designed to get families out and about enjoying the ANZAC Day weekend, and the 3km flat course for kids aged 8 years and under. The 8km course is also open to walkers providing a great alternative to mountainbike within stunning private farmland.

There will be 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 younger riders. Parents can walk alongside their children as they bike on the simpler course. In addition, we’re introducing a new 3km flat bike track for kids aged 8 years and under. With the event taking place during the school holidays, it’s a great chance for families to get outdoors and have some fun,” says John.
“We’ll also have Camp David set up approximately 4km into the course. This is a great spot where people can stop, catch their breathe and take in the amazing autumnal views over Martinborough, as well as be given free water, juice and jelly beans by none other than David Kershaw, from Pain & Kershaw.”

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.
Details

  Sunday, April 24th 2016 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 in Martinborough, as you come in from Featherston. Farm is on your right, approx. 3km from the turnoff).
First ride begins at 9am (32km)
All riders will be able to enjoy a sausage in bread and drink at the finish, in return for a gold coin donation.