Kia ora sports community,
David, the organiser at Thames Mountain Bike Club, has put together a note for everyone passionate about mountain biking. David and the club are keen to welcome new members from the Thames Coromandel and beyond.
Thames Mountain Bike Club is a volunteer organisation dedicated to enhancing mountain biking in the Thames/Kauaeranga areas and across the Coromandel Peninsula. David and the team host a range of events and activities, including weekly rides, organised working bees, and adventure rides.
No matter your experience level, the club is always open to new members. By joining Thames Mountain Bike Club, you can connect with like-minded biking enthusiasts and enjoy a variety of opportunities.
The club proudly maintains several trails. One of them is the Moanataiari mountain bike trails behind Thames. Accessible via Moanataiari Creek Road, there's parking available. Here, you’ll find a picnic area, a pump track, a jump track, and a kids' loop, marking the starting point for an exciting set of trails.
Another popular spot is the Hotoritori mountain bike trails in the Kauaeranga Valley. Follow Kauaeranga Valley Road from Thames to the visitor centre, and head to the Hotoritori campground 3 km north for the trail entrance. Follow trail signs in an anti-clockwise direction for an exhilarating ride.
There's also the Karaka Track, a dual-use trail for both biking and hiking, accessible via Karaka Road behind Thames Hospital. Parking is available in the gravel carpark before the bridge. While improvements are ongoing, there’s already a 3 km section ready for biking. However, be prepared to navigate challenging sections from Red Bluff's to the Karaka and Waiotahi hiking track intersection.
Joining the club is more than just connecting with fellow bikers. Membership fees help maintain and grow our trails and support agreements with DOC, LINZ, and TCDC. Membership costs are $35 per year for adults, $20 for juniors (16 years or younger), and $70 for family memberships (two adults and up to 10 children).
David and the Thames Mountain Bike Club invite you all to join in the adventures, explore the local trails, and be part of a passionate community committed to improving mountain biking in the Thames area and beyond.
Ngā mihi,
Thames Mountain Bike Club