MTBTauranga Winter Series

Summerhill mtb park on Reid Road sets the tone: Monday night cross-country racing in a hilly technical park, run by MTB people rather than polished up for show. The MTBTauranga Winter Series uses a different set course each night on the East side, with start groups by age and racing that suits social riders as well as hard core racers. Expect a practical winter hit-out: lights must be used, batteries matter, and the surface will ask for proper mountain-bike handling rather than just fitness. “Lycra clad, baggies and batteries are all welcome” sums up the crowd nicely, and there is a social prize giving after racing. It is still mountain biking in a “hilly technical park which comes with risks,” with First Aiders on site each night.