Those interested in having a go at adaptive mountain biking will hit the Rotorua trails on Saturday 29 May supported by a group of organisations providing a range of bikes to support a ‘Give it a Go’ day.
AdaptMTB with Mountain Bike Rotorua, and supported by Parafed Bay of Plenty and Parafed Auckland, is hosting the ‘Give it a Go’ day at 33 Waipa State Mill Rd, Rotorua so that those with disabilities can learn how to mountain bike in a supportive and helpful environment.
From 9:30am – 3:30pm, Saturday 29th May those with physical disabilities will be out on Rotorua’s trails to test out a range of adaptive mountain bikes with the support and help of other adaptive riders and volunteers.
This event is free for its participants who can book a 1 hour session via the website www.adaptmtb.nz. Based on uptake at previous events, the organisers expect it to be fully booked.
In recent years the advancement of electric-mountain bikes and trikes has made it possible for those with a physical disability to return to mountain biking or to try it for the first time, a recreational activity they can enjoy with friends and family.
James Littlejohn of AdaptMTB, rides an e-mountain bike, which gives him the ability to ride any of the trails his non-disabled friends ride.
James says “Mountain biking has many benefits for a disabled person like myself, exercise of course, but mainly it’s given me the chance to get outdoors with family and friends just like before my accident.”
Rotorua local and AdaptMTB board member Andrew Burt says “The sports and care organisations, equipment suppliers and Rotorua community have all jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this event since we first started to plan it a little over a month ago.”
“Mountain Bike Rotorua is providing e-mountain bikes, Parafed Bay of Plenty and Parafed Auckland along with Melrose chairs and Trikes NZ are all bringing a huge range of exciting adaptive bikes and trikes for people to try. We’ve also had experienced adaptive riders offer to bring their own gear along so that others can give it a try. You definitely get the feel-good factor when you have such an outpouring of support.”
