Āria Trail Ride a success

MOTORBIKE lovers converged on Āria’s St Helen’s Domain last weekend for their fix of two-wheeled fun.

At least – mostly two-wheeled fun for the 800 plus riders, over half of whom camped. While no one rode anything that neighed, the “motorbikes” included side by sides and a home-made two-cylinder device bought for a small boy for all of $200. And he rode it like a champion.  

Co-organiser Dani Darke said “It a great weekend for us as a community to come together and do something really special. People rave about our ride, reportedly, it’s one of the best in the country.”

Riders enjoyed 140 kilometres of tracks, made up of three aptly named loops: the Mokauiti Monster, Totoro Torture, and Pareheka Paradise. There was also a moto X track and a mini track for the younger riders.  

The community turned out to help, with teachers, parents and other whānau womaning the BBQ, buttering bread, managing the logistics, marshalling tracks, washing dishes, collecting and cleaning port-a-loos and rescuing riders in trouble.  

And there was some of that – trail riders know the adrenaline-fuelled sport can be dangerous.  

A serious accident occurred when a rider missed a bridge on the track and hit the far bank of the Mokauiti Stream. This led to an ambulance ride for that person, with another transported by helicopter after a second accident.

While Saturday’s warm weather led to smiles all round, rain overnight resulted in seriously slippery tracks early on Sunday. Riders were warned not to get ahead of their abilities – and to get themselves out if they got stuck.  

Among the riders, Jared Mackintosh and Ollie Thompson spent a happy weekend at the ride.

They’re locals – living 10n minutes from the Āria village down Ohura Rd. Jared works as a shearer for Mark Barrowcliffe.  

Ten-year-old Ollie did the Mōkauiti Monster and said he had planned to ride again before the family left.  

Dad Jared said he enjoyed the chance to get out there on a bike – it was as simple as that.  

“This is our second year this year. We haven’t been riding for that long, so we’re just getting into it. We did the one down at Awakino last weekend.”  

And would they be back again next year? “S*** yeah.’