Manawatū Mountain Bike Club Scores Big with $100,000 NZCT Grant!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded $100,000 to the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club (MMBC) to further develop the Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, particularly for the benefit of those new to mountain biking and to help novices progress to intermediate level.

Russell Brebner, MMBC’s Trail Building and Fundraising Manager says “One of the key outcomes of the NZCT grant is the completion of our downhill trail that a dedicated group of young enthusiasts have been building by hand for the past two years. This trail serves as the venue for the Lower North Island school competition held annually in September”.

Alister Williamson, “The boys have found this incredibly rewarding and we’re all delighted NZCT’s support will mean the project can be completed more quickly.”

Jonty Williamson, a 15-year-old national-level downhill racer emphasises "developing trails to cater for downhillers means from our ‘backyard’ we can practice racing techniques on features similar to what we’d find at racing venues around the country."

Esther Hutchinson, parent of a local family of five shares "The whole family loves mountain biking at Arapuke. There aren't many sports or facilities where we can all participate at our own level, with our friends, at the same time. The region is so lucky to have Arapuke”

NZCT’s GM Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds “Arapuke is a wonderful asset for riders young and old. We’re delighted the responsible gaming fundraising partnerships NZCT enjoys with hospitality venues in the region is making such a positive contribution to the region’s recreation scene."