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2024-2025 Club Captain's Yearly Roundup.

Good evening and welcome to:

The 2025 HVMBC Annual General Meeting

The HVMBC offers regular rides every week for all that enjoy the same cross-country riding as we do. We interpret the term “cross-country” fairly loosely as that seems to occasionally involve pushing or carrying your bike up steep hills or through dense bush. Our membership has really morphed into a collection of mountain bikers that enjoy a good ride on some great trails around the region with good company; and the ‘after match function’ often for a curry has become an integral part of the social aspect of the Wednesday evening rides.

Financially the club is in good shape; we have very low overheads with minimal outgoings, the club funds generally remain on an even par year on year, Andrew will expand on our financial status during the meeting.

The HVMBC offers regular organised rides; Sunday rides every second weekend and weekly evening rides every Wednesday of the year, we ride tracks in the sunshine, wind and rain, plus ride them all in the dark and have a great time doing it!

This past year’s highlights include:

June 2024. Ohakune away trip.

A cold and wet away trip staying in some very suspect accommodation according to the reports... I remember there being comments along the lines of “sliding contest on the kitchen floor grease” “dis-functioning heaters” “accommodation was more like living in a second-hand shop” but riding was maintained regardless, even though that was in temperatures in the low single digits! John Western has added a write up on page 3.

August 2024. Hillary Outdoors: Get2Go ...

GET2GO secondary school’s challenge. For the 19th year HVMBC have organised and run the MTB component of this challenge where the schools also take on rock climbing, orienteering and kayaking. In 2024 the event was held in Wellington, a dry but cool day this time and the forecast rain stayed away.

2025 marks the 20th running of this event and HVMBC has been involved since the very first!

December 2024. HVMBC Xmas BBQ:

The annual Xmas BBQ wasn’t cancelled because of bad weather for a change this year! A good ride around the hills was had before returning to Paekakariki holiday park for a feast and an overnight stay.

February 2025. Many Hills of Wellington.

A few hardy souls took on the challenge of riding every major hill (peak) around Wellington and depending on what you count as a ‘peak’ that number is increasing each year,) currently we have squeezed that number up to 20). A good turnout on a rain threatened day with a prompt start shortly after 8:00am with the first hill being Tinakori and the last, Kelburn with another 14 hills in-between. A return to Dave’s place for the usual excellent after match feast.

The Stats: 11 starters, 16 ‘peaks’ conquered, 70km travelled, 9h 40m total time, 6h 30m ride time, 2225m climb.

Tinakori 303m, Totara Ridge 262m, Mt Kaukau 445m, Crow’s Nest 385m, Johnstons Hill 360m, Otari Peak 407m, Upper Makara 325m, Makara Peak 412m, Wright Hill 358m, Wind Turbine 345m, Polhill 299m, Tawatawa 174m, Mt Albert 178m, Mt Alfred 133m, Mt Victoria 196m, Kelburn 127m.

March 2025 Sounds to Sounds

Four of our intrepid club members took on this challenge and I caught up with the boys; Dave, Grant, Paul and Gene passing through Rangiora on the 1500km ride from the Marlborough Sounds to Milford Sound. They have many stories to tell... There is a writeup by Gene and his assistant on page 3!

April 2025 The Faultline

Gene has been busy this year he entered the 50km Faultline, Brett took on the 160km AGAIN! His thoughts on a gruelling day are attached on page 4.

And so finally, as always, a big thanks to the committee for all their efforts in keeping The Hutt Valley MTB Club ‘operational’ and still turning the wheels after 34 years even if progressively more and more of those wheels are now electrically assisted...

Steve Meeres

Club Captain

Planning a mountain bike trip for June in the Central Plateau - what could go wrong?

A few words by John Western on the Ohakune away trip.

In true HVMBC tradition, a brave band of 13 enthusiastic bikers set off on Friday for a three-day adventure full of banter, borderline nutrition, and the occasional pedal stroke. The plan for Friday was to ride the scenic Tongariro River Trail— a charming 15K loop. At least, that was the plan until the weather arrived, bringing rain, wind, and a collective decision to stay dry for Saturday’s big ride. So instead, we embraced the hot pools at Tokaanu, which were warm and relaxing and not even muddy!

Now, I proudly told Lynda that our accommodation was only $15 a night. Her concerned “really?” should have been a flashing red warning light. It turns out that when something sounds too good to be true, it probably comes with uncleaned surfaces, wiring that doesn't work, creaky floors, and a hoarder live-in landlord who may or may not have been in the Witness Protection Programme. This place was less “rustic charm” and more “post-apocalyptic Airbnb.” The website promised comfort; reality delivered cold, dirt, and an earthquake risk. Thankfully, Ohakune wasn’t far away, and we all mentally made a pact to never book accommodation with fewer stars than a primary school art project.

Saturday dawned misty and cold but blessedly calm—ideal weather for the 42nd Traverse, which we tackled with determination, snacks, and only one mechanical mishap (shoutout to Mark, who broke his crank and heroically walked back to the beginning). The true highlight of the day? Hot chips, cold beer, and a roaring fire at the National Park Hotel.

Sunday? Wetter. Colder. Basically the weather equivalent of being ghosted by the sun. Some of us bailed early, others braved a short ride around National Park, and a few opted for the warm embrace of Ohakune cafés—and probably questioned all of life’s choices along the way.

Despite the soggy trails, frostbitten toes, and haunted-house accommodation, we had an awesome time. There was laughter, bonding, and very serious group consensus that next time, we’re upgrading to a location above freezing—and above $15 a night (Grant is now removed from the responsibility of booking accommodation )

2025 Sounds to Sounds Bike Ride

A few words by Gene Clendon (plus assistance from computer generated AI)

On March 5, 2025, four of us from the club set out on the incredible Sounds to Sounds Bike Ride—a self-supported cycling journey across the South Island. Starting at the serene Queen Charlotte Sound and finishing 15 and a half days later at the dramatic Milford Sound, we rode over 1,500 km through some of the most remote and spectacular terrain in the country.

The route tested our endurance and rewarded us with unforgettable scenery—alpine passes, high country stations, braided rivers, dense rainforest, and the rugged coastline of Fiordland. Every day brought a mix of challenge and beauty: grinding climbs, thrilling descents, peaceful valleys, and ever-changing weather.

Of course, no adventure comes without its lows: there was a busted derailleur on the first day, a nasty case of the flu was spread amongst all, and more than a few moments where we found ourselves cursing the Kennett Brothers’ sadistic route planning—usually somewhere in the middle of a soul-crushing climb or an unplanned swim. But those hardships only added to the sense of accomplishment.

What truly defined the ride was the experience we shared as a group. Riding together we supported each other through long days, rough patches, and moments of awe. From wild camping under the stars to enjoying hot meals in welcoming towns, the camaraderie carried us as much as our legs did.

Sounds to Sounds 2025 was more than just a bikepacking route—it was a shared adventure of grit, laughter, mechanical failures, and deep connection with the land and each other.

Gene.

Faultline Ultra MTB 100 Miler April 2025

Brett Turia on the ups and downs of a long day...

Well what's not to like about an all-day 100 mile 4,800m elevation mtb adventure that kicks off at the unseemly time of 3.30am from Whareroa Farm?? Apparently, not much seeing as this was my second consecutive bash at it. I had so many fond memories of it from last year that I thought I'd give it another go just for fun.

The start from the Rangers Hut was as fast and furious as ever, and the field spread out before we even reached Campbell Mills Road. Probably the best part of the ride in retrospect was seeing an absolutely clear sky of stars on a still morning before climbing Dopers - after that my head was down for the rest of that dreadful climb.

It was all going quite well until the last steep pinch at the top of the Boulder Hill climb, which I cleaned last year - it was then I realised my race plan would irretrievably now need to change. My leg power just seemed to drain away - and I then had to change my race plan from placing well - to surviving to the end, and I wasn't even halfway through at this stage. Upon reflection post-race I concluded it was the accumulation of deep fatigue at the end of a busy season of racing, so I made a mental note of not doing that for next time.

Once I took the race pressure off, I actually started to enjoy the day, and took time to stop at the hubs, take in food and chat to the wonderful volunteers. It was interesting riding over private land from the start of Game of Two Halves, through bush, over a grass airstrip and private farm land and onto the top part of Ohariu Valley Road near the Johnsonville end, instead of riding the road past the Ohariu Valley Golf Club (which we rode last year). On a pre-ride the week before I even saw two deer here - amazing especially as they were so close to town.

So, after an un-appealing amble through the back blocks of Aro Valley and Berhampore, and a rooty Mt Vic narrow single-track section just to really finish one off, it was a relief to finish finally some 16hrs 40min or so later. You know it's an all dayer when you start and finish in darkness. Overall, it is a great ride and I loved how they pieced together a 100-mile adventure ride to take in the wonders of the Welly region. Fully recommend!

The annual activities on the Waddington Winder track

Graeme Silcock, chief track person!

We have continued to maintain the Waddington Winder track, a lot of which involves removing 100's of punga fronds. We installed a seat inscribed with the track builder’s names in January. We have added 2 Flipping Timmy possum traps and 3 DOC150 rat/stoat traps to the existing 8 Victor rat traps. Over the last year we have caught 3 possums, 20 rats and 9 mice. We have also continued with planting native seedlings, 282 last year making a total of 1143.

News for May 2022

We are pleased to report that under the NZ Covid-19 Traffic light orange level we are able to run club rides!

2021-2022 Club Captain's Yearly Roundup.

Good evening and welcome to:

The 2022 HVMBC Annual General Meeting

The HVMBC offers regular rides every week for any that enjoy the same cross-country riding as we do, membership has really morphed into a collection of mountain bikers that enjoy a good ride on some great trails around the region with good company; and the ‘after match function’ mainly in curry houses has become an integral part of the social aspect of these rides.

This past year’s highlights include:

August: 2021. Hillary Outdoors: Get2Go …

GET2GO secondary school’s challenge. For the 14th year HVMBC have organised and run the MTB component of this challenge where the schools also take on rock climbing, orienteering and kayaking. This year the event was held in Petone under Covid19 ‘bubble’ guidelines again! We could have done with a warm ‘bubble’ as it was a very cold, wet and windy day…

October: 2021. CLUB 30 YEAR CELEBRATIONS

2021 was the year HVMBC turned 30 years old and we celebrated by having a get together MTB ride, banquette and sleepover at Battle Hill, the weather turned pretty damp in the evening but the party continued into the night with the aid of lubrication and a good fire

November: 2021. Taupo.

Club away trip to Taupo; continuing a theme of damp riding we managed to miss the worst of the forecasted rain and have a good ride around the Lake Taupo trails and out to Waihaha Hut.

December 23rd 2021 Longest Day Ride: Many Hills of Wellington.

A few hardy souls took on the challenge of riding every big hill (peak) around Wellington and depending on what you count that number is increasing each year. (Talk of 18 in 2022!) The usual excellent after match feast at Dave’s after a 9-hour ride.

December HVMBC Xmas BBQ:

We had our Xmas ride and feast in the woolshed in Belmont for a change this year with a side of ham instead of the traditional barbeque.

February 2022: Away Trip to Castle Hill and Hanmer Springs.

We had an extended 6 day away trip down south with some great riding around Craigieburn (with only the one trip to the medical centre) Cool mornings were followed by bright sunny days. After 3 days in Castle Hill we moved on to Hanmer Springs for a big ride through the St James Station, over Fowler Pass and down the Stanley River, great high country riding.

So finally, as always, a big thanks to the committee for all their efforts in keeping The Hutt Valley MTB Club ‘operational’ and still turning those wheels even if some of them are now electrically assisted…

Steve Meeres

Club Captain

HVMBC

2019-2020 Club Captain's Yearly Roundup.

Good evening and welcome to:

The 2020 HVMBC Annual General Meeting

The HVMBC membership has really morphed into a collection of mountain bikers that enjoy a good ride on some great trails around the region with good company; and the ‘after match functions’ has become an integral part of the social aspect of these rides.

The club offers regular rides every week for any that enjoy the same cross-country riding as we do; discussions around the table at our monthly committee meeting suggest that the committee is generally happy with the status quo.

Financially the club is fine; we have very low overheads with minimal outgoings, the club funds generally remain on an even par, Andrew will expand on our financial status during the meeting.

The HVMBC is all about cross country mountain bike riding and that is what we do; Sunday rides every 2nd weekend and evening rides every Wednesday of the year, we ride tracks in the sunshine,

wind, rain plus ride them all in the dark and have a great time doing it! We have away trips from time to time and help organise events like the Get2Go challenge for younger folk coming up again in August this year in Wellington.

This past year’s highlights include:

May: 2019

The club had an away trip to Golden Bay and enjoyed some great weather and great riding. A highlight would have been the trip on the Kill Devil Track which has a killer climb but is then followed by some great wild riding across the tops.

There was also some great riding from Flora Saddle to one of the lesser visited parts of that area,

beautiful beech trail riding, ask Graeme he got a much closer look at the trail before a trip to A&E!

August: Hillary Outdoors: Get2Go …

GET2GO secondary schools challenge. For the 12th year HVMBC have organised and run the MTB component of this challenge where the schools also take on rock climbing, orienteering and kayaking. This year the event was held on in the Hutt Valley.

November: Club away trip to Taupo.

Picked good weather for this trip as well and ventured out to Te Iringa to see if this ‘bike-n-hike’ had become more rideable, well yes but there were still plenty of options for off trail excursions.

December:

HVMBC Xmas BBQ:

We were back at the Paekakariki Holiday Park again this year for a ride around the local hills and the usual expansive barbeque (hurriedly prepared before THE STORM), beers and a sleep-over; one hell of an electrical storm made it more a ‘stay-over’ than a sleep-over!

So finally, a big thanks to the committee for all their efforts in keeping The Hutt Valley MTB Club ‘operational’ now in its 29th year and making preparations for a 30th celebration…

Steve Meeres

Club Captain

Nelson Trip

A report on the recent Nelson club away trip (courtesy of Ellen) is now up at:

https://sites.google.com/view/hvmbc/awaytripreports

Membership fees...

Please pay up on your membership fees! There are a number of people that have still not paid... If you haven't received a request for membership payment, then it is likely we do not have a working email address for you! Please send our treasurer or membership officer your updated email address and please forward on your payment. Thanks!

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