FROM 600 to 700 riders who mainly come from Taranaki and the Waikato are expected to take part in the trail ride. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
WITH a favourable weather forecast for the Mighty Mōkau Trailbike Ride on Sunday, organisers say they have no plans to cancel due to the recent storm.
The ride, to be held on Piripiri Station and adjoining properties, acts as a fundraiser for local charities, having attracted between 600 and 700 off-road enthusiasts annually for most of the last 20 years. Last year’s event was the only exception with the ride cancelled because of the severe drought.
Most of the ride is hosted by Piripiri Station, owned by Mark and Wendy Smyth, with the balance on land owned by Adrian and Alana Omelvena.
Wendy said the event depended on the willingness and expertise of volunteers, plus the generosity of local business sponsorship.
Their efforts have combined over the years to give the one-day-event its reputation for delivering a great day out.
Though billed as a trailbike ride, the event attracts motorcycle, quad bike and side-by-side riders from across the Waikato, Taranaki and even as far away as Auckland.
It is famous for a course of up to 80km, comprising beautiful scenery, tree sections and many river crossings.
Wendy said organisers tapped the expertise of experts in the likes of motocross events; men experienced in all aspects of laying out courses for motorcycle sports events.
The well designed, clearly marked-out and consistently maintained tracks the experienced helpers delivered each year were a key reason for the event’s excellent safety record, Wendy said.
A third of the proceeds are donated to Mōkau School, with the balance administered as a charitable fund by the Mōkau Community Trust.
This body receives funding applications from people who hail from the area.
“For example, it could be a $500 grant to a student who needs to purchase books for tertiary studies.”
Wendy acknowledged Angela Hammond, a neighbouring farmer who owned a large stand of trees, now being felled at the end of the Piripiri Station River Track.
“Angela has always been accommodating in allowing the hundreds of riders to ride up through her trees.
“There were many people who are key in organising this event and getting it to be successful year on year, not least our fellow Mōkau Community Trust members, Jeff Davis, Maree Jones, Maxine Lovell, Mary-Elizabeth Hagenson.
“I’d also like to mention our station staff who are vital in getting stock sorted for the day, a preparation which involves months of stock rotations. They are Stanley Robinson and partner Lily Hutchinson and (once again), Jeff Davis. Gordon Pennington has expertise in tidying tracks with a digger or bulldozer pre-ride and this year a bulldozer was kindly loaned by Alan Sole.”
